Ingredients
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create this delectable Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice dish. Don’t worry, it’s all readily available and the magic is in the simple combination of fresh, quality ingredients.
- Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Using peeled and deveined shrimp saves you time and effort. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp, any size will work, but larger shrimp look more impressive and are easier to cook without overcooking.
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), unsalted. Butter is the foundation of our rich sauce, providing flavor and lusciousness. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level perfectly.
- Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, aromatic flavor that defines this dish. Mincing it finely ensures it infuses the butter evenly.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, fresh. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish with acidity and cuts through the richness of the butter, enhancing the flavors of the shrimp and garlic.
- White Wine (Optional): ¼ cup, dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio). White wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you prefer to skip it, you can substitute with chicken broth or just a bit more lemon juice.
- Chicken Broth or Water: ¼ cup. A little liquid helps create a more generous sauce and keeps the shrimp moist. Chicken broth adds more flavor, but water works perfectly fine too.
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness to finish the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ¼ teaspoon or to taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth and a little kick, balancing the richness. Adjust to your spice preference or omit if you prefer no heat.
- Cooked Rice: 3-4 cups, cooked white rice, brown rice, or your favorite rice. Rice is the perfect bed for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. White rice is classic, but brown rice adds nuttiness and fiber.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice dish right in your own kitchen. It’s easier than you think!
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Peel and devein your shrimp if needed, mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and measure out your lemon juice, wine (if using), broth, and spices. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and quick. Cook your rice according to package directions and keep it warm.
- Sauté the Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil: In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat along with the olive oil. Once the butter is melted and shimmering (but not browning), add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. The aroma should be enticing and fill your kitchen.
- Add Shrimp and Cook: Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. If you overcrowd the pan, the shrimp will steam instead of sautéing and won’t get that nice golden sear. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. They should be cooked through but still tender, not rubbery. Don’t overcook them!
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet after the shrimp are cooked. Let it simmer for about a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This process, called deglazing, adds extra flavor to the sauce and helps to incorporate all those delicious garlic and shrimp flavors. Allow the wine to reduce slightly.
- Add Lemon Juice, Broth, and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chicken broth (or water), and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The sauce should slightly thicken as it simmers.
- Season and Finish: Season the garlic butter sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and then adjust according to your preference. Remember that shrimp and butter can both be salty, so taste as you go. Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley, reserving a little for garnish.
- Serve Immediately: Place a generous portion of cooked rice in bowls or plates. Spoon the garlic butter shrimp and sauce over the rice, ensuring each serving gets plenty of that flavorful sauce. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and a squeeze of extra lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g