Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice is the kind of comfort plate that works any day of the week. It is quick enough for busy evenings yet satisfying enough to feel like a proper home-cooked meal. What makes this dish special is the balance between the rich garlic butter sauce and the neutral, fluffy rice that absorbs every drop of flavor.
I enjoy this recipe because it relies on pantry staples and fresh shrimp, coming together in under 30 minutes. I tested it with both long-grain white rice and jasmine rice, and each delivered a slightly different but equally comforting result. The shrimp cook quickly, staying tender and juicy, while the garlic butter sauce adds depth without feeling heavy. This is a dependable recipe when you want something warm, filling, and familiar without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice Comfort Plate – Simple, Cozy, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice Comfort Plate is a cozy, flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter and served over fluffy seasoned rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Sprinkle in chili flakes if using and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp to avoid toughness.
- You may use brown rice or jasmine rice.
- Add steamed vegetables on the side for a complete plate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shrimp are the main protein in this dish. Medium to large shrimp work best, as they remain juicy and cook evenly in a short time.
Rice provides the comforting base. Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice both absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Butter creates the rich foundation of the dish. It carries the garlic flavor and coats the shrimp and rice evenly.
Garlic delivers the signature aroma and taste. Finely minced garlic ensures even distribution without burning.
Olive oil helps prevent the butter from browning too quickly while adding subtle depth.
Chicken or vegetable stock adds flavor to the rice, making it more savory than plain water.
Lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing the richness of the butter.
Salt enhances all the flavors and should be adjusted to taste.
Black pepper adds gentle warmth without overpowering the shrimp.
Fresh parsley provides a clean, fresh finish and a touch of color.
Directions
Begin by cooking the rice according to package instructions, using stock instead of water for added flavor. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and keep warm.
While the rice cooks, heat olive oil and butter together in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Squeeze in the lemon juice and gently toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve the shrimp immediately over warm rice, spooning extra garlic butter sauce on top.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 3 to 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of about 20 minutes, making the total time around 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out.
Variations and Customizations
This comfort plate adapts easily to personal taste. For extra richness, you can add a small splash of cream to the garlic butter sauce, creating a silky finish that coats the shrimp beautifully.
Vegetables can be added for balance and color. I have tested this recipe with sautéed spinach and steamed broccoli, both of which paired well with the buttery shrimp. Bell peppers or peas also work nicely.
If you enjoy spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil adds gentle heat. For a Mediterranean twist, finish the dish with a small amount of grated Parmesan and extra lemon zest.
You can also substitute the shrimp with chicken pieces or scallops, adjusting cooking time as needed. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used for a more wholesome or low-carb version without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides lean protein from shrimp and energy from rice, making it a balanced and satisfying meal. Shrimp are naturally low in fat, while butter contributes richness. Portion control helps keep the dish well-balanced, and lighter adaptations are easy to achieve.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overcook shrimp
Shrimp become rubbery if left on heat too long.
Use stock for rice
This adds depth and prevents blandness.
Control garlic heat
Low to medium heat keeps garlic aromatic, not bitter.
Finish with acid
Lemon juice lifts the entire dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white or jasmine rice are ideal.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is mild unless spice is added.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but rice can be cooked ahead.
What vegetables pair well?
Spinach, broccoli, and green beans work well.
Can I add cheese?
A small amount of Parmesan can be added if desired.
How do I keep shrimp tender?
Cook just until opaque and remove from heat promptly.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice Comfort Plate is a reliable, satisfying meal that delivers warmth and flavor with minimal effort. With tender shrimp, fragrant garlic butter, and fluffy rice, it is a recipe that fits seamlessly into everyday cooking while still feeling special enough to enjoy again and again.
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