Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, combined with creamy lemon-infused rice. It’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, delivering a perfect harmony of garlic, butter, and fresh lemon in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
Shrimp & Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
- Cook Rice: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot, add the rinsed rice and salt to taste. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook undisturbed for 18 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure perfectly steamed rice.
- Cook Garlic Butter Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning as desired. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, flipping once midway through cooking, about 3-4 minutes per side for even doneness.
- Finish Sauce: Lower the heat to low, then pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine and allow the sauce to warm for about 2 minutes without boiling to maintain its creamy texture.
- Combine Rice and Sauce: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains. Add the rice to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, gently mixing for 2 minutes until the rice is fully coated with the garlic butter cream sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture; they cook quickly once pink and opaque.
- Keeping the garlic from browning ensures the sauce remains smooth and flavorful without bitterness.
- Fluffing rice before mixing prevents it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
- You may substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option, but the sauce consistency will vary.
- For additional zing, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
