Quick Summary
This blog post provides an easy and delicious recipe for garlic butter shrimp and rice. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. The recipe includes tips for cooking shrimp, customization options, and serving suggestions, making it a versatile and flavorful option for any seafood lover.
Introduction
Garlic butter shrimp and rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, rich butter, and fluffy rice to create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family or guests.
The combination of flavors in this dish is simply irresistible. The garlicky aroma fills the kitchen as you cook the onions and garlic in olive oil until they become soft and translucent. Then comes the addition of tender shrimp which are seared to perfection until golden brown.
But it doesn’t stop there – we take things up a notch by serving this delectable creation with a luscious garlic butter sauce drizzled over each bite. The tanginess from fresh lemon slices adds brightness while parsley brings freshness to every forkful.
Not only does this recipe deliver on taste, but it also offers convenience for those busy weeknight dinners when time is limited. With just one pan needed for cooking both the rice mixture and searing the shrimp separately, cleanup becomes an absolute breeze!
Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner option or simply craving some seafood goodness paired with aromatic rice, our easy-to-follow recipe has got you covered! So let’s dive into making this delightful Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice together – get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Recipe Overview
This garlic butter shrimp and rice recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. It combines succulent shrimp with fragrant garlic, creamy butter, and fluffy rice to create a mouthwatering meal.
The main ingredients you will need for this recipe are fresh or frozen shrimp/prawns, long-grain white rice, minced garlic cloves, unsalted butter, chicken stock (or vegetable stock), diced tomatoes (canned or fresh), peas (fresh or frozen), lemon slices for garnish (optional), and chopped parsley for added freshness.
To make this flavorful dish:
1. Cooking the Onion and Garlic
Start by cooking the onion and minced garlic in olive oil until they become translucent.
2. Adding Rice and Stock
Add the uncooked rice to the pan along with your choice of broth/stock – either chicken or vegetable works well here.
3. Stirring in Tomatoes and Peas
Stir in diced tomatoes which add tanginess to balance out flavors while adding vibrant color as well. Add some green peas into it. They not only provide texture but also bring sweetness & vibrancy on the plate.
4. Cooking the Rice Mixture
Cover the pan tightly with a lid allowing everything to cook together over medium heat until all liquid has been absorbed by the rice grains.
5. Searing the Shrimp
While waiting for the rice mixture to cook perfectly, move onto preparing the shrimp separately. Season them lightly before searing them off quickly till golden brown from both sides using another skillet/pot.
6. Adding Garlic Butter Sauce
Once done, remove the shrimp aside. Now melt butter then sauté garlic briefly just enough so its rawness goes away without burning it. Then toss back those beautifully caramelized shrimps into the pot, coating each one evenly within the garlicky goodness. Finish up seasoning if needed at the last moment itself since salted butter was used already during the searing process too!
7. Serving
Serve hot! You may choose to serve alongside lemon wedges, sprinkle parsley leaves atop, etc.
With these simple steps, you can easily recreate this delectable garlic butter shrimp and rice dish in your own kitchen. The combination of flavors from the succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, creamy butter, and fluffy rice will surely impress your family or guests.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you want something flavorful yet easy to prepare. It’s also versatile as it can be customized by adding other ingredients like chicken, sausage, or additional seafood if desired.
So why not give this delicious garlic butter shrimp and rice recipe a try? You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
To make this delicious garlic butter shrimp and rice dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes (optional)
- ½ cup frozen peas
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice from half a lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
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Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
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Add the Rice
Next, add in the rice to the pan with onions and garlic. Stir well so that each grain of rice is coated in oil.
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Add Stock and Tomatoes
Pour in chicken or vegetable stock into the same pan along with canned tomatoes (undrained) for added flavor. Give it a good stir before covering with a lid.
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Cook the Rice
Cook on low-medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until all liquid has been absorbed by the rice grains.
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Prepare the Shrimp
While your rice cooks, prepare your shrimp separately. In another skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add peeled deveined shrimps. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Sear both sides till golden brown. It should take around 2-3 minutes per side depending upon size. Remove from skillet once done.
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Combine and Serve
Once everything is cooked through, simply combine together. Gently fold seared shrimp into prepared garlicky tomatoey peas infused fluffy white basmati. Serve hot!
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Enhance the Dish
For an extra burst of flavors, top off this dish with freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and drizzle melted garlic butter sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for Cooking Shrimp
Thawing and cooking frozen shrimp can be a breeze if you follow these helpful tips. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen shrimp, it’s important to handle them properly to ensure the best flavor and texture in your dish.
1. Thawing Frozen Shrimp:
- The safest way to thaw frozen shrimp is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight.
- If time is limited, you can also use the defrost setting on your microwave or place the sealed bag of shrimp under cold running water until they are fully thawed.
- Avoid leaving raw seafood at room temperature for an extended period as this increases the risk of bacterial growth.
2. Choosing Good Quality Frozen Shrimp/Prawns:
- Look for high-quality brands that source their seafood responsibly and have good reviews from customers.
- Opt for wild-caught rather than farm-raised varieties whenever possible since they tend to have better flavor profiles.
3. Cooking Techniques:
There are various ways to cook delicious garlic butter shrimp:
a) Searing/Shallow Frying Method
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat with some oil/butter until hot but not smoking.
- Add seasoned (salt & pepper) shrimps into one layer without overcrowding; otherwise, they will steam instead of sear nicely due to excess moisture released during cooking process).
- Cook each side about 2 minutes per side till golden brown color appears while flipping once halfway through.
b) Grilling/Broiling Method
- Preheat grill/broiler on medium-high heat/setting before adding marinated/shell-on prawns onto skewers/grill rack coated lightly with non-stick spray/oil so that food doesn’t stick when turning sides frequently throughout grilling session lasting around 4–6 mins total depending upon size/thickness desired doneness level achieved).
c) Boiling Method
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil and add the shrimp.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them as this can result in rubbery texture.
4. Other Recipes with Shrimp/Prawns:
Shrimp/prawns are incredibly versatile seafood that can be used in various dishes apart from garlic butter shrimp and rice recipe:
a) Shrimp Scampi:
A classic Italian dish where shrimps are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, lemon juice, white wine, and parsley served over pasta or crusty bread.
b) Coconut Curry Shrimp:
This vibrant curry combines succulent shrimp with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander cooked in creamy coconut milk-based gravy perfect when paired with steamed jasmine rice or naan bread.
c) Cajun Jambalaya:
A hearty one-pot meal featuring sautéed shrimps along with sausage (and sometimes chicken), vegetables simmering together flavored by bold Creole seasonings mixed into long-grain rice creating an explosion of flavors on your taste buds!
By following these tips for thawing frozen shrimp properly and using good quality ingredients while exploring other recipes such as scampi or jambalaya alongside our delicious garlic butter shrimp and rice recipe will surely elevate your culinary experience!
Customization Options
Garlic butter shrimp and rice is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for variations or additions you can try:
1. Chicken Addition:
- If you’re craving an extra protein boost, consider adding chicken to the recipe. Simply dice boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and cook them along with the onion and garlic at the beginning of the recipe.
- Sauté until cooked through before proceeding with adding rice, stock, tomatoes, peas, and seasoning as per the original instructions.
2. Sausage Twist:
- For those who enjoy a smoky flavor in their dishes, incorporating sausage is a fantastic option.
- Choose your favorite type of smoked sausage such as chorizo or Andouille sausage.
- Slice it into rounds or half-moons before cooking it alongside onions and garlic at the start of preparing this delightful meal.
3. Seafood Medley:
- To elevate this dish further by introducing more seafood flavors, consider combining different types of seafood like mussels, clams, and calamari rings along with shrimps to create an exquisite medley bursting with oceanic goodness!
4. Vegetable Variations:
- While peas add color contrast to our Garlic Butter Shrimp & Rice Recipe, feel free to experiment using other vegetables too! You could include bell peppers, corn kernels, zucchini slices, etc.
- Just ensure they complement well both visually and flavor-wise.
Remember that these customization options allow you to get creative in making this already delicious dish even more exciting according to your personal tastes!
Feel free to explore various combinations based on what ingredients are readily available in your pantry. The possibilities are endless when customizing garlic butter shrimp and rice – so don’t hesitate; let yourself indulge in culinary experimentation today!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving garlic butter shrimp and rice, there are plenty of delicious options that can complement this flavorful dish. Here are some ideas for side dishes or accompaniments that pair well with the flavors of the shrimp and rice:
1. Steamed Vegetables:
- Serve a medley of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas alongside your garlic butter shrimp and rice.
- The vibrant colors and fresh taste will provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.
2. Crusty Bread:
- A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your garlic butter shrimp.
- It adds an extra element to each bite while providing a satisfying texture.
3. Green Salad:
- Pairing your meal with a refreshing green salad can help balance out its richness.
- Opt for crisp lettuce leaves topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, avocado chunks, and drizzle them lightly with lemon vinaigrette dressing.
4. Grilled Asparagus Spears:
- For an elegant touch on your plate, grill some asparagus spears until tender-crisp and serve them alongside the garlicky goodness in every forkful you take!
5. Citrus Fruit Salsa:
- Prepare citrus fruit salsa by combining diced oranges, grapefruit segments, chopped cilantro, finely minced red onion along with lime juice.
- This tangy-sweet salsa pairs beautifully against succulent shrimps.
Remember that these suggestions are just starting points; feel free to get creative based on personal preferences! Whether you choose one or multiple sides from this list—or even come up with something entirely unique—your guests (or yourself) will surely appreciate having additional elements on their plates when enjoying this delightful combination.
Nutrition Information
Garlic butter shrimp and rice is not only a delicious dish but also offers some nutritional benefits. Here’s the nutrition information for this recipe:
Calories
The exact calorie count may vary depending on portion size, ingredients used, and cooking methods. However, garlic butter shrimp and rice generally falls within a moderate range of calories.
Protein
Shrimp is an excellent source of protein. It provides all essential amino acids required by our bodies to build muscle tissue and support various bodily functions.
Healthy Fats
While the name suggests “butter,” it doesn’t mean that this dish is loaded with unhealthy fats. By using moderation in adding butter or opting for healthier alternatives like olive oil or avocado oil-based spreads, you can still enjoy its rich flavor without compromising your health goals.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids which are known to have numerous health benefits including reducing inflammation in the body, supporting heart health, improving brain function, and promoting healthy skin.
It’s important to note that while garlic butter shrimp itself has several nutritional advantages due to being low in saturated fat compared to other meats such as beef or pork; however, the overall nutrient profile will depend on how much additional seasoning (such as salt) is added during preparation.
Remember that individual dietary needs may differ based on factors such as age, gender, lifestyle choices, and any underlying medical conditions. It’s always recommended consulting with a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns about incorporating certain foods into your diet.
Enjoying garlic butter shrimp alongside nutritious sides like steamed vegetables, salad greens, fresh herbs, rice pilaf made from whole grains, couscous/quinoa, makes it an even more balanced meal option packed full of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. So go ahead and savor every bite knowing you’re nourishing yourself!
Conclusion
In conclusion, garlic butter shrimp and rice is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. This recipe combines the flavors of succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, creamy butter, and fluffy rice to create a mouthwatering meal.
By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this blog post, you’ll be able to whip up this flavorful dish with ease. The process involves cooking onions and garlic until fragrant before adding rice, stock, tomatoes, and peas. Allow it all to simmer until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed all the liquid while searing golden brown shrimp separately.
To elevate your dining experience even further, serving suggestions include drizzling over some homemade garlic butter sauce along with lemon slices for added freshness. Finish off by garnishing with parsley for an extra pop of color.
We highly recommend giving this recipe a try as it offers both convenience and incredible taste. The combination of tender shrimp coated in rich garlicky goodness paired with perfectly cooked grains of savory rice will surely leave your taste buds satisfied!
Thank you so much for visiting our website! We hope you enjoy making this delightful garlic butter shrimp and rice recipe as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you. Remember, to explore other recipes on our site for more culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!