Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice is a rich and flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and served over warm rice. With a hint of lemon and a touch of seasoning, this quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights! 🍤🍚✨
Ingredients
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1 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)
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2 cups cooked rice (leftover works great!)
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3 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley (optional)
Execution
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Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
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Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
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Mix in fresh lemon juice and spoon over hot rice. Garnish with parsley.
Additional Tips
✔ Keep frozen shrimp on hand for quick meals. Thaw in minutes under cold running water!
Q&A About Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw them under cold running water for a few minutes and pat dry before cooking.
Q: What kind of rice works best?
A: Any rice works—white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice. Leftover rice is perfect for saving time.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Q: What’s the easiest way to check if shrimp is done cooking?
A: Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque and curls into a C-shape—usually in 2–3 minutes per side.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Definitely! Try adding spinach, peas, asparagus, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: Not by default. To add heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Yes! Store chilled in an airtight container – optimal freshness lasts 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Why You Should Make Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice
✅ 1. Super Quick (15 Minutes!)
Dinner is on the table in no time — perfect for busy nights when you need something fast but satisfying.
✅ 2. Bursting with Flavor
Garlic butter adds rich, savory depth, while lemon juice brightens up the dish — simple ingredients, big taste.
✅ 3. High in Protein
Shrimp is a lean, protein-rich seafood that keeps you full without weighing you down.
✅ 4. Minimal Ingredients
You likely have everything in your kitchen already — no fancy shopping required.
✅ 5. Customizable
Serve it over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Add veggies, herbs, or spice it up with chili flakes.
✅ 6. Elegant but Easy
It looks and tastes impressive, but takes almost no effort — great for casual dinners or last-minute guests.
If you’re after a quick, flavorful, and feel-good meal, Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice is the go-to dish! 🧄🧈🍋
🍴 Per Serving (approximate):
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Calories: 350–400 kcal
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Protein: 25–30 g
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Carbohydrates: 30–35 g (from rice)
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Fat: 15–18 g
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Saturated Fat: 7–9 g (from butter)
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Fiber: 1–2 g
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Sugar: <1 g
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Sodium: 500–700 mg (varies with seasoning and butter)
📌 Notes:
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Using brown rice increases fiber and slightly boosts calories.
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To reduce saturated fat, use half butter and half olive oil.
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Shrimp packs lean protein and vitamin B12 while being naturally low in calories.
Happy Cooking
Diana
