Shrimp and Rice Recipes

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is a quick and easy dinner you can make any night of the week. It’s full of flavor, uses simple ingredients, and comes together in less than 30 minutes. This is one of those recipes that feels special but takes almost no effort.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect when you need dinner fast but still want something homemade and satisfying. Shrimp cooks in minutes, the garlic butter sauce is rich and flavorful, and the rice makes it a complete meal that everyone loves.

How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juice + zest)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same pan. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Combine and serve: Return shrimp and cooked rice to the pan. Toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Add lemon juice, half the zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with remaining zest on top.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook, making a total of 18 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 375 calories.

How To Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Serve this dish hot with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. It also pairs well with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

How To Store Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Tips To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

• Do not overcook the shrimp — they only need a few minutes.
• Use room-temperature rice so it mixes easily.
• Add garlic after the shrimp cooks so it doesn’t burn.
• Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference in flavor.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, making this meal both filling and light. Olive oil and garlic add healthy fats and antioxidants, while rice provides energy to keep you full.

Variation

• Use brown rice for extra fiber
• Add spinach or peas for more vegetables
• Swap butter for olive oil for a lighter version
• Add chili oil for extra heat

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
2. Can I use brown rice? Absolutely, just cook it separately first.
3. Is this recipe spicy? Only if you add red pepper flakes — otherwise it’s mild.
4. Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use all olive oil instead of butter.
5. How do I know shrimp is cooked? It turns pink and opaque and forms a “C” shape.
6. Can I add vegetables? Yes, broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers work well.
7. Can I meal prep this? It’s best fresh, but you can prep rice and shrimp ahead separately.

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

A quick and easy dinner full of flavor, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice comes together in less than 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 375

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati)

For the garlic butter sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon juice + zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

 

Cooking the Shrimp

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Making the Garlic Butter

1. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same pan. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combining and Serving

1. Return shrimp and cooked rice to the pan. Toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
2. Add lemon juice, half the zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with remaining zest on top.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp — they only need a few minutes. Use room-temperature rice so it mixes easily. Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference in flavor.