Juicy shrimp coated in warm garlic butter with fluffy herb rice is one of those simple seafood dinners that delivers plenty of flavor without making dinner complicated. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight meal that still feels satisfying and complete.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients, big flavor. Butter, garlic, lemon, and herbs are all it takes to make this dish shine.
- Ready in 25 minutes. A fast, satisfying dinner for busy nights.
- Fresh herb rice. Parsley and green onion turn plain rice into something special.
- A little heat if you want it. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that balances the buttery richness.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp green onion, chopped
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp & Herb Rice
1. Season the shrimp. Season the shrimp evenly with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt.
2. Sear the shrimp. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Add the broth and lemon. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir well and let the garlic butter sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Finish the garlic butter shrimp. Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are coated and heated through.
6. Prepare the herb rice. Stir the fresh parsley and chopped green onion into the warm cooked rice until evenly distributed.
7. Assemble and serve. Place the herb rice in the center of a serving plate and arrange the garlic butter shrimp around it. Spoon the remaining garlic butter sauce generously over the shrimp and rice. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp & Herb Rice
- Don’t overcook the shrimp in the first sear. They’ll go back into the sauce briefly, so 2 to 3 minutes per side is enough.
- Watch the garlic closely. It can burn quickly in hot butter, so keep an eye on it during that step.
- Have the rice warm and ready. This dish comes together quickly, so having the rice prepared in advance keeps everything on schedule.
- Spoon extra sauce over the plate. This ensures both the shrimp and rice get plenty of that buttery garlic flavor.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp & Herb Rice
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad or steamed vegetable rounds things out nicely if you want something fresh alongside it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking so they sear properly instead of releasing excess water.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, just keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook, so plan ahead if starting from scratch.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed spinach, peas, or bell peppers would all work well stirred into the rice or served alongside the shrimp.
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Herb Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the shrimp evenly with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir well and let the garlic butter sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are coated and heated through.
- Stir the fresh parsley and chopped green onion into the warm cooked rice until evenly distributed.
- Place the herb rice in the center of a serving plate and arrange the garlic butter shrimp around it. Spoon the remaining garlic butter sauce generously over the shrimp and rice. Serve hot.