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Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

A quick and easy recipe that combines shrimp and white rice with garlic butter for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 375
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp and Rice
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati works best)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 whole lemon, juiced and zested
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. If using uncooked rice, prepare it first and set aside.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Return shrimp and cooked rice to the pan, tossing until coated in the garlic butter. Add lemon juice, half the zest, and parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste, then serve topped with remaining zest and parsley.

Notes

For restaurant-quality texture, avoid overcooking your shrimp. They should form a 'C' shape when done, not an 'O' shape, which indicates they’re overcooked.