Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Easy One-Pan Meal

If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice recipe is your answer. In just one pan, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s loaded with taste. With juicy shrimp, creamy butter, and fluffy rice, it’s a dish everyone will love. Whether you’re busy after work or planning a cozy family dinner, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into how to make your new favorite meal!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup long-grain white rice

– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

The main ingredients in this dish are simple yet flavorful. Large shrimp make a great base. They cook quickly and absorb the garlic butter flavor well. Unsalted butter adds richness without being too salty. Fresh garlic gives the dish a strong, aromatic kick. Long-grain white rice serves as a perfect side, soaking up all the tasty juices. Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water adds depth to the rice.

Seasonings

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

Seasonings elevate this dish from basic to bold. Dried oregano brings a hint of earthiness. Paprika adds a mild warmth and vibrant color. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making each bite pop. Feel free to adjust these to suit your taste.

Garnishes

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

– Lemon wedges

Garnishes are the finishing touch. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note and color contrast. Lemon wedges provide a zesty squeeze that brightens the dish. When you serve your garlic butter shrimp and rice, the garnishes make it look and taste even better.

For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe].

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Rice

– In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of long-grain white rice and 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.

– Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

– Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes.

– When the rice is tender, fluff it with a fork.

– Mix in half of the chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and lemon zest.

– Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste and keep warm.

Preparing the Shrimp

– While the rice cooks, pat 1 pound of large shrimp dry with paper towels.

– Lightly season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

– Make sure they are evenly coated for great flavor.

– In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Cooking Process

– Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add 4 cloves of minced garlic.

– Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

– Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be fragrant and light golden.

– Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet.

– Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink.

– Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

– Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, stirring gently for flavor.

– Let the shrimp cook for another minute to soak up the juice.

Now, you have a warm, delicious dish ready to serve! If you want to see the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Shrimp

To make the best garlic butter shrimp, focus on two key points. First, avoid overcooking the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and chewy. Aim for a cooking time of just 2-3 minutes per side. You want them to turn a lovely pink and be tender. Second, use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp and garlic make a big difference in flavor. If you can, buy shrimp that is still on ice. Freshness adds a sweet taste that frozen shrimp can lack.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This small touch can give the dish a nice kick without overwhelming it. You can also experiment with fresh herbs. Basil, cilantro, or dill can add new layers of flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them in at the end. This way, you keep the fresh taste and bright colors.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, pair your garlic butter shrimp with steamed vegetables. Broccoli or green beans go well and add nutrition. A side of crusty bread is also a great choice. It can soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to clean your plate! For the full recipe, check here: [Full Recipe].

Variations

Different Rice Options

You can change the rice for this dish. Use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. These rice types add a nice flavor and aroma. If you want a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. It cooks fast and absorbs the garlic butter sauce well.

Add-ins for Extra Nutrition

Feel free to add more veggies for nutrition. Spinach or bell peppers work great. They add color and flavor. If you want more taste, throw in some cooked bacon or sausage. These meats give a nice smoky touch to the dish.

Dietary Adjustments

If you need a gluten-free meal, swap the broth. Use a gluten-free broth to keep it safe. For a dairy-free option, choose dairy-free butter. This keeps the dish creamy without the dairy. These changes make the meal fit many diets. Check out the Full Recipe for more details.

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic butter shrimp and rice in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. It’s best to eat the leftovers within 2-3 days. This way, you can enjoy the flavors at their peak.

Reheating Instructions

You can reheat garlic butter shrimp and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, place your portion in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of broth to a pan. This helps keep the dish moist. Stir and heat until warm.

Freezing Options

You can freeze garlic butter shrimp and rice for later. If you want the best quality, freeze the shrimp separately or combined with the rice. Use the dish within 2-3 months for the best taste. Remember to label your containers with the date to keep track.

FAQs

How can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice spicier?

To make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice spicier, add red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon. You can add more based on your taste. You can also mix in chopped fresh chili peppers. Another option is to use spicy paprika instead of regular paprika.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Run them under cold water for a few minutes. This helps to thaw them quickly. Pat them dry well before seasoning. This step helps the shrimp cook evenly.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice?

You can serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice with many sides. Steamed broccoli or green beans are great choices. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You could also serve some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

Look for shrimp that turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a C shape. If they remain gray or translucent, they need more time. Cooked shrimp are firm to the touch, not soft.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the shrimp and rice in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat them quickly in the microwave. Adding a splash of broth keeps the rice moist. Check the full recipe for more prep tips.

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is a tasty dish anyone can make. You learned about the main ingredients and seasonings that give it flavor. We shared step-by-step cooking tips to help you succeed. You can use different rice or add veggies for extra nutrition. Remember to store leftovers right and reheat them well. Whether for dinner or meal prep, this dish fits any occasion. Enjoy making this simple and delicious meal!

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Looking for a quick dinner that's bursting with flavor? This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice recipe is perfect for you! In just one pan, you can create a delicious meal featuring juicy shrimp and creamy rice, all enhanced by aromatic garlic and rich butter. Ideal for busy evenings or family gatherings, it’s as easy as 1-2-3! Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!

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Ingredients

  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

1 lemon, zested and juiced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

 

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the long-grain white rice and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in half of the chopped parsley, dried oregano, and lemon zest. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Set the rice aside, keeping it warm.

Prepare the Shrimp: While the rice is cooking, take the shrimp and pat them dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Lightly season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color. Be cautious to avoid burning the garlic.

Cook the Shrimp: Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for approximately 2-3 minutes on one side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side until they are cooked through.

Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, stirring gently to ensure they are well-coated in the garlic butter sauce. Allow the shrimp to cook for an extra minute to soak up the lemony flavor.

Serve: On each plate, spoon a generous serving of the herb-infused rice. Top the rice with the garlic butter shrimp, ensuring to drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the shrimp for extra flavor.

Garnish: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of the remaining fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added zest.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4