Oh my goodness, garlic butter shrimp and rice is one of those dishes that just makes my heart sing! It’s so simple yet bursting with flavor, and it’s one of my go-to meals when I want something quick and satisfying. The combination of succulent shrimp sautéed in rich butter and fragrant garlic, all served atop fluffy rice is pure comfort food. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Whether I’m whipping it up for a cozy dinner at home or impressing friends, this recipe never fails to deliver. Trust me, you’re going to want to dive right into this deliciousness!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
- 1 lb shrimp – Make sure it’s peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor.
- 4 tablespoons butter – I love using unsalted butter, but feel free to use what you have on hand!
- 4 cloves garlic – Minced, of course! Fresh garlic gives this dish that amazing aroma and taste.
- 1 cup rice – I usually go for long-grain white rice, but you can use whichever variety you prefer.
- 2 cups water – This will cook the rice perfectly fluffy, just like we want it!
- Salt – To taste, but don’t overdo it; the butter and shrimp will also add flavor.
- Pepper – Freshly cracked pepper is my go-to for that extra kick.
- Parsley – Chopped, for garnish! It adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
This part is where the magic happens! Let me walk you through the steps to create this scrumptious garlic butter shrimp and rice dish. It’s super straightforward, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Cooking the Rice
First things first, let’s get that rice cooking! I usually follow the package instructions for my rice, but here’s a little tip: use a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, then add your rice and a pinch of salt. Give it a little stir, cover the pot with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Just remember to avoid lifting the lid too often—let it do its thing and steam beautifully!
Preparing the Garlic Butter Shrimp
Now onto the star of the show: the shrimp! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. Oh wow, that smell is going to be heavenly! Next, add in the shrimp, spreading them out in a single layer if possible. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt and pepper over them while they cook to bring out all that flavor! Once they’re done, you can either serve them right away on top of the fluffy rice or let them hang out in the skillet for a moment while you finish up. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, buttery flavor that elevates simple shrimp to something extraordinary.
- Fresh garlic brings an amazing aroma and taste that fills your kitchen.
- Comforting and satisfying, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile—you can easily add veggies or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- All made in one skillet for easy cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- Perfectly balanced meal with protein, carbs, and a touch of freshness from parsley.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your garlic butter shrimp and rice turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use fresh shrimp: Whenever possible, opt for fresh shrimp rather than frozen. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture!
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they cook. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done! Overcooking can make them rubbery, and nobody wants that.
- Adjust garlic to taste: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two! Just remember, fresh garlic can be potent, so start with what I suggest and adjust as you go.
- Experiment with seasonings: While salt and pepper are classic, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness at the end.
- Prep your ingredients: Having everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking makes the process so much smoother. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Pair it with veggies: This dish is fantastic with a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables. Broccoli, asparagus, or even a simple salad can elevate your meal!
- Let the rice rest: After cooking, let your rice sit covered for about 5 minutes before fluffing. This helps it become even more tender and fluffy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a serving of this delightful garlic butter shrimp and rice. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 20g
This dish is a wonderful source of protein thanks to the shrimp, and it’s also gluten-free! Perfect for a balanced meal that satisfies. Enjoy without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! You can use frozen shrimp if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. I usually let them sit in the fridge overnight, or if you’re short on time, place them in a colander under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This way, they’ll sear beautifully in the skillet without steaming!
What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp and rice?
This dish is super versatile, and there are plenty of delicious sides to pair with it! I love serving it with sautéed veggies like broccoli or asparagus for some color and crunch. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the shrimp. If you want to go a bit heartier, garlic bread or a simple coleslaw can balance the meal perfectly. The options are endless!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), just let the garlic butter shrimp and rice cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or a little more butter if needed to keep everything nice and moist!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving garlic butter shrimp and rice, I love to make it a complete meal with some delicious sides that complement all those rich flavors. Here are a few of my favorite ideas!
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a nice crunch and freshness to balance the meal.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, parmesan, and a tangy dressing pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a delightful texture and a bit of tanginess that complements the richness of the shrimp.
- Grilled Corn: Sweet, grilled corn on the cob is a great side that’s both colorful and delicious!
- Sauteed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach with a hint of garlic is a simple yet nutritious addition that works wonders.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits brings a refreshing sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory shrimp.
Feel free to mix and match these sides based on what you have on hand or what sounds good to you that day! Each of these options will elevate your garlic butter shrimp and rice into a delightful feast. Enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out Garlic Butter Steak Bites or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup for a comforting meal!
Imprimer
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice: 7 Comforting Flavors to Savor
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Garlic butter shrimp served with rice.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve shrimp over rice and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust garlic amount to your preference.
- This dish pairs well with vegetables.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 150mg
Mots-clés: garlic butter shrimp and rice
