Garlic Butter Shrimp With Rice

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt, to taste

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Food Collection

I can hardly contain my excitement for this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice recipe! The combination of succulent shrimp bathed in rich, buttery garlic sauce over a bed of fluffy rice creates a flavor explosion that’s perfect for any occasion. I’m always searching for quick meals that don’t sacrifice taste, and this one delivers on all fronts. It takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or an impressive weekend feast. Trust me, this dish will make your taste buds dance!

Created by

Natalie Evans

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:45:35.830Z

When I first tried making Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice, I knew I had stumbled upon a keeper. The key here is to properly sear the shrimp; this locks in moisture and flavor. I usually sauté the garlic until it’s just fragrant before adding the shrimp. This ensures that every bite is infused with that delicious garlic essence.

This dish quickly became a staple in my kitchen, especially when I have guests over. They always rave about the rich butter sauce that clings to the shrimp and rice, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Pro tip: don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Irresistible garlic butter sauce that enhances the dish's flavor
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any weeknight dinner
A delightful blend of textures from tender shrimp and fluffy rice

Perfecting Your Garlic Butter Sauce

The star of this dish is undeniably the garlic butter sauce. To achieve the perfect balance, start with unsalted butter to control the saltiness. When melting the butter over medium heat, watch for it to foam slightly before adding the garlic. This signals the butter is hot enough to release the garlic’s aromatic oils without burning them. Sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter, affecting the dish's overall flavor.

Adding red pepper flakes will give your sauce a nice kick. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance. If you want more flavor complexity, consider introducing a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. Allow it to reduce slightly before adding the shrimp; this adds depth to the garlic butter and lends a slight acidity that brightens the dish.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

For the best results, opt for the freshest shrimp you can find. Large shrimp, roughly 16/20 count, are perfect as they cook quickly and remain tender. If you must use frozen shrimp, ensure they're fully thawed and pat them dry; excess moisture can lead to steaming rather than sautéing, resulting in rubbery textures. Look for shrimp that is firm and has a slight sheen to ensure quality.

If you’re looking to mix things up, don’t hesitate to add in other ingredients such as snap peas or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of shrimp cooking. These add vibrant color and additional textures while also increasing the nutritional value of your meal.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To elevate your Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice, try pairing it with a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the buttery shrimp. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce, enhancing the dining experience.

For a fun twist, consider substituting jasmine rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Both alternatives maintain the dish’s overall appeal while catering to dietary preferences, such as gluten-free or low-carb diets. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure your chosen grain or veggie is cooked perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Rice

1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste

Make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of jasmine rice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt to taste. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.

Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and stir to combine.

Combine and Serve

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and spoon it onto plates. Top with the garlic butter shrimp and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

For optimal flavor, serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the garlic before adding the shrimp.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're short on time, the shrimp can be marinated in the garlic butter sauce for up to 30 minutes before cooking. This not only intensifies the flavors but also makes gathering the final dish quick and effortless. Just remember to keep the shrimp refrigerated during the marinating process.

The rice can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, add a splash of water and cover it to prevent it from drying out. Microwave it on low power or steam it gently on the stovetop to keep it fluffy.

Storage and Freezing

Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a little more butter or lemon juice to maintain the sauce's creamy texture. Avoid microwaving it too long to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

If you want to freeze it, I recommend doing this without the rice. Store the shrimp in the sauce in freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm gently in a skillet on the stove.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your shrimp turn out tough, it might be due to cooking them too long or at too high of a heat. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes. If you're unsure, it's best to err on the side of undercooking, as they will continue to cook off the heat.

Another common issue is if the garlic burns while cooking. If this happens, immediately remove the pan from the heat and transfer the contents to a new skillet to salvage the rest of the dish. Starting over with fresh garlic is the best way to achieve that desirable flavor without bitterness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them first before cooking.

→ What type of rice works best?

Jasmine rice adds a lovely aroma, but you can use basmati or white rice as well.

→ Can I add more spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite spices to the garlic butter for an extra kick.

→ Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, you can store the shrimp and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.