This Easy Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice recipe is a quick, flavorful weeknight dish featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic-butter sauce and served over fluffy rice. Made with jumbo shrimp, fresh garlic, butter, lemon, smoked paprika, and a touch of parsley, it delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
The process is simple: season the shrimp, sear them in butter until pink and tender, then build a savory garlic butter sauce in the same pan. The shrimp are tossed back into the pan to soak up all that buttery, garlicky goodness before being spooned generously over warm rice. Perfect for busy nights, seafood lovers, and anyone craving a comforting yet light meal.
Captivating Garlic Butter Shrimp
The vibrant plate of garlic butter shrimp is a feast for the senses. The shrimp, glistening in a rich garlic butter sauce, are perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. This dish embodies the essence of easy cooking with its straightforward preparation, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
With the addition of fresh parsley and a slice of lemon, the presentation is as inviting as the taste. This dish is not just about the shrimp; it’s about creating a memorable seafood dinner that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you are a seafood lover or simply looking for a quick meal, this garlic butter shrimp recipe fits the bill.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Preparing this easy classic garlic butter shrimp & rice takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish. The process is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it one of the best shrimp recipes for dinner. Start by seasoning the shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance their natural flavor.
Next, sauté the shrimp in a skillet until they turn pink and opaque. This step is crucial for achieving that tender texture that everyone loves. Once cooked, the shrimp are set aside while the garlic butter sauce is created, infusing the dish with a rich aroma that fills the kitchen.
Building the Flavor
The garlic butter sauce is where the magic happens. By melting butter and sautéing minced garlic, you create a fragrant base that elevates the dish. Adding lemon juice brings a bright acidity that balances the richness of the butter, making every bite a delightful experience.
Once the sauce is ready, the shrimp are tossed back in, allowing them to soak up all the garlicky goodness. This step ensures that the shrimp are not only flavorful but also coated in a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, spoon the garlic butter shrimp generously over a bed of warm, fluffy rice. The rice acts as a canvas, soaking up the delicious sauce and complementing the succulent shrimp. Garnishing with chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, making the dish visually appealing.
For an extra touch, a slice of lemon on the side allows diners to add a squeeze of citrus, enhancing the flavors even further. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
Nutritional Highlights
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is not only quick to prepare but also offers a satisfying meal. Each serving provides a balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a wholesome choice for dinner. With approximately 350 calories per serving, it’s a light yet fulfilling option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
With 25 grams of protein, this dish is ideal for those looking to enjoy a nutritious seafood meal. The combination of shrimp and rice provides a delightful texture and taste, making it a favorite among shrimp recipes for dinner.
Why Choose Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Garlic butter shrimp is a versatile dish that fits various occasions. Whether you are looking for easy garlic butter shrimp for a weeknight meal or a more elaborate seafood dinner, this recipe delivers. Its simplicity and bold flavors make it a standout among sautéed shrimp recipes.
Moreover, the ease of preparation means you can whip it up in no time, making it a reliable choice for busy evenings. With its delightful taste and quick cooking time, garlic butter shrimp is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Quick and Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice
This dish features succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. The recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Combine: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Spoon the garlic butter shrimp over cooked rice and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g