Savory garlic butter shrimp and rice comes together in under 30 minutes with tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and a buttery garlic aroma that fills your kitchen with comfort and warmth.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
This easy garlic butter shrimp and rice skillet is a flavor-packed weeknight lifesaver—fast, satisfying, and beautifully balanced with buttery garlic, lemon brightness, and tender shrimp.
- Ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Made with pantry staples and fresh shrimp.
- Perfect balance of buttery garlic and lemon brightness.
- Minimal cleanup with one pan.
If you love cozy, skillet-style meals, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make garlic butter shrimp and rice that taste like your favorite restaurant version..- Unsalted butter — 4 tablespoons
- Olive oil — 1 tablespoon
- Garlic cloves, minced — 4
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined — 1 pound
- Salt — ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper — ¼ teaspoon
- Paprika — ½ teaspoon
- Uncooked long-grain rice — 1 cup
- Chicken broth — 2 cups
- Lemon juice — 2 tablespoons
- Chopped parsley — 2 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these quick steps to make buttery garlic butter shrimp and rice — fluffy rice, juicy shrimp, and silky garlic butter in perfect harmony.
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Oil
Start by melting butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter begins to foam slightly, you’ll know it’s ready for garlic. The scent should be warm and nutty — that’s your base of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown — light golden edges mean it’s perfect. This step infuses your oil with deep garlic flavor.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Shrimp
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear them in the garlic butter for 2 minutes per side. They’ll turn pink and slightly curled when done. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Toast the Rice in Garlic Butter
With the same pan, stir in the uncooked rice so every grain gets coated in buttery flavor. This step adds texture and prevents mushiness later. Toast for about 1 minute.
Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir, scraping up the golden bits from the pan bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Rice
When the rice is fluffy and cooked through, return the shrimp to the skillet. Drizzle lemon juice over everything and gently toss to coat. You’ll see the butter turn glossy again as it clings to each grain.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Turn off the heat and sprinkle parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes before serving — this helps the flavors marry beautifully.
Pro Tips for Success
Your garlic butter shrimp and rice will always turn out amazing if you follow these tried-and-true tips for juicy shrimp and perfectly cooked rice.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need 4 minutes total.
- Use long-grain rice for the best texture.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- Always let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing.
Serving Ideas
This dish pairs beautifully with light sides or fresh vegetables.
- Serve with roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans.
- Add a crisp green salad for contrast.
- Pair with a slice of warm garlic bread for soaking up buttery sauce.
If you like balanced seafood meals, check out our Honey Garlic Salmon Bites Recipe.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
Avoid freezing, as shrimp can become rubbery once thawed.
Variations You Can Try
Switch things up with these tasty twists:
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp and Rice: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before serving.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap lemon juice for soy sauce and drizzle sesame oil on top.
Or for a bolder spin, try this Firecracker Shrimp Rice Skillet next!
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink; remove from skillet.
- Stir in uncooked rice, coating in garlic butter.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15–18 minutes.
- Return shrimp, add lemon juice, and toss together.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us — Follow us at @chopped-beef_official for more
Share a photo and tag us — Follow us at @chopped-beef_official for moreFrequently Asked Questions
What are some common shrimp rice mistakes?
The most frequent mistake is overcooking the shrimp. They cook fast—just 2 minutes per side. Another is not rinsing the rice; rinsing removes starch for fluffier results.
How many minutes to cook buttered garlic shrimp?
Shrimp cook in about 4 minutes total—2 minutes per side in hot butter until pink and opaque.
What kind of rice goes with garlic butter shrimp?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works beautifully, as both stay fluffy and absorb flavor well.
How long do garlic shrimp last?
Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is your weeknight secret—simple, buttery, and bursting with garlic goodness. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or cozying up solo, this one-pan wonder brings comfort to your table every time.
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