Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter and creamy lemon sauce, served over perfectly simmered rice. This easy recipe combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
Shrimp and 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
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot, add the rinsed rice and salt to taste. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 18 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure even steaming.
- Sauté Garlic: While the rice cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once for even cooking.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Allow the mixture to combine and heat through for about 2 minutes, ensuring it does not boil to maintain a smooth sauce.
- Combine Rice and Shrimp: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains. Add the rice to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce, and mix gently for about 2 minutes until the rice is fully coated with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use medium or long-grain rice for fluffier texture.
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use fresh lemon juice to enhance the brightness of the dish.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a lovely herbal note and color contrast.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, although the sauce will be less rich.
