Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

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Want a quick and tasty dinner? Try garlic butter shrimp and rice. This yummy meal takes less than 30 minutes to make. You can cook juicy shrimp in a flavorful garlic butter sauce and serve it over fluffy rice for a complete meal.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. You only need a few simple items like frozen shrimp, rice, garlic, butter, and lemon. It’s easy to make and tastes great. You can even add some veggies like peas for extra color and nutrients.

Exact Ingredients ( + Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make garlic butter shrimp and rice:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Can’t find some ingredients? Try these swaps:

  • Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option
  • Swap garlic powder for fresh garlic in a pinch
  • Replace red pepper flakes with a dash of cayenne pepper
  • Substitute cilantro for parsley if you prefer

For the rice, you can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice. Pick your favorite!

Don’t have fresh lemon? A splash of bottled lemon juice works too.

Remember, you can adjust the garlic amount to your taste. More garlic means more flavor!

Instructions

Grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp to the pan with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring now and then, until the shrimp turn pink. Set them aside.

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Toss minced garlic into the pan and cook for about a minute until it smells amazing. Pour in some chicken stock and lemon juice, giving it all a good stir.

While that’s simmering, cook your rice according to the package directions. Once it’s done, mix it into the pan with your garlicky sauce.

Add the shrimp back in and stir everything together. Let it warm up for a minute or two.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you like. Your garlic butter shrimp and rice is ready to enjoy!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best garlic butter shrimp and rice, use fresh shrimp if possible. Frozen works too, but thaw it completely before cooking.

Don’t overcook the shrimp! They only need 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery.

Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to help them get a nice sear.

For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

Use real butter for the richest taste. Salted or unsalted both work well.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Warm gently in the microwave or on the stove.

For a quick meal prep, cook the rice ahead of time. Then just quickly sauté the shrimp and garlic when you’re ready to eat.

Try switching up the herbs and spices for variety. Paprika, cajun seasoning, or Italian herbs all taste great with this dish.