Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is just what you need! This simple meal combines juicy shrimp, fluffy rice, and rich garlic butter, making it both delicious and satisfying. You can prepare it with easy steps and common ingredients. Let’s dive into this recipe and enjoy a dinner that brings flavor to your table without the fuss!
Ingredients
Here is what you need to make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice:
– 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The large shrimp provide a juicy, sweet flavor. Jasmine rice adds a soft, fragrant base. Chicken broth gives the rice a rich taste. Butter makes everything creamy and smooth. Garlic brings a robust aroma. Lemon juice adds brightness, while smoked paprika gives a nice warmth. Finally, parsley and green onions offer freshness.
For the full recipe, you can refer to the details provided earlier. Enjoy crafting this tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Rice
– Rinse jasmine rice.
– Boil chicken broth.
– Cook rice until tender.
Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water. This helps remove excess starch. Once the water runs clear, drain the rice. Next, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Adding broth gives the rice more flavor. After boiling, add the rinsed rice to the broth. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. The rice should absorb all the liquid and become tender. Fluff it with a fork when done. Set the rice aside.
Cooking the Shrimp
– Sauté garlic in butter.
– Add shrimp and seasonings.
– Stir in remaining butter and lemon juice.
While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet. Use medium heat to melt the butter. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. It should become fragrant, but not brown. Next, raise the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of large shrimp. Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the remaining butter and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice until combined.
Serving Suggestions
– Plating shrimp over rice.
– Garnishing with green onions.
– Adding lemon wedges for extra flavor.
To serve, place a bed of jasmine rice on each plate. Spoon the garlic butter shrimp over the rice. For a pop of color and flavor, garnish with sliced green onions. Adding lemon wedges on the side gives a zesty kick. Enjoy this tasty meal! For the full recipe, check out Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice Delight.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Shrimp
To tell if shrimp is cooked, look for a pink color. The shrimp should also curl slightly. If it turns white and forms a C shape, it’s done. Avoiding rubbery shrimp is simple. Cook it for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking makes shrimp tough.
Enhancing Flavors
You can substitute herbs and spices easily. Try using fresh basil or cilantro instead of parsley. Each herb brings a new taste to your dish. If you want to add a spicy kick, mix in red pepper flakes. A little goes a long way in adding heat.
Cooking Rice Successfully
You can use different types of rice for this recipe. Brown rice or basmati rice works well, too. Just remember to adjust your cooking time. More liquid makes rice tastier. Use chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. This small change makes a big difference in taste.
Variations
One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
You can cook shrimp and rice together in one pan. This method saves time and dishes. Start by adding the rinsed rice and broth to your skillet. Bring it to a boil and reduce the heat. Once the broth simmers, add the shrimp on top. Cover the pan and let it cook. Adjust the liquid measurements to ensure the rice cooks well. You may need a bit more broth if the rice seems dry.
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Quinoa
If you want a twist, swap rice for quinoa. Quinoa packs more protein and has a nutty taste. Rinse the quinoa well to remove any bitterness. Use the same amount of broth as the rice. Bring it to a boil, then add the quinoa. Cover and simmer until the quinoa is fluffy. This change makes the meal healthy and filling.
Adding Vegetables
You can add veggies like bell peppers or peas for color and nutrition. Slice bell peppers into thin strips. If using peas, you can use fresh or frozen. Add them to the skillet when you cook the shrimp. This way, they cook just right. Bell peppers need around 3-4 minutes, while peas take only about 2 minutes. This will give your dish more flavor and texture.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your garlic butter shrimp and rice fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. It’s best to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent foodborne illness. You can keep the leftovers for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. If you prefer the skillet, warm it over low heat. This method helps keep the shrimp juicy. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough.
Freezing Options
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the shrimp and rice. Freeze them separately to maintain their best texture. Place them in freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. For thawing, put them in the fridge overnight. You can then reheat them using the microwave or skillet methods mentioned earlier. Enjoy your meal at any time!
FAQs
How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to make. You can prep and cook it quickly. You need 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. This makes it a great choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in cold water for a few minutes. This will save you time and still give you tasty shrimp.
What can I substitute for jasmine rice?
If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can use basmati rice or long-grain rice. Both will work well and taste great with the garlic butter shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time based on the rice type.
How do I make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice spicy?
To add heat, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can mix these spices with the shrimp as they cook. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This will give your dish a nice kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can cook the shrimp and rice ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. Just reheat before serving. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above.
Full Recipe
Complete Recipe Overview
– Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Delight 🧄
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is a quick and tasty meal. This dish combines juicy shrimp with rich garlic butter. The jasmine rice adds a soft base for the shrimp. You will love how easy it is to make this meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
Let’s break it down. First, you’ll rinse the jasmine rice. This removes any excess starch. It helps the rice stay fluffy. Next, boil the chicken broth to get it ready for the rice. Adding the broth gives rice a rich flavor.
While the rice cooks, you can start on the shrimp. Sauté minced garlic in butter. This step fills your kitchen with a great aroma. Then, add the shrimp and season it. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink; this shows they’re ready.
Finally, stir in more butter and lemon juice. The lemon adds a nice brightness to the dish. Serve the shrimp over rice, and top it with green onions. Don’t forget the lemon wedges! They bring extra flavor and zest.
This meal takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It serves four, making it perfect for family dinners. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy your cooking!
This blog post covered a simple and tasty recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Cooking shrimp perfectly and enhancing flavors can really elevate this dish. With options to switch grains or add veggies, this meal remains versatile. Finally, proper storage ensures leftovers stay fresh. Enjoy this dish as a quick dinner or meal prep idea. It’s full of flavor and easy to make anytime. Happy cooking!
