Garlic Butter Shrimp With Rice

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp With Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 cups cooked rice; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Balanced Wellness Meals

I absolutely love whipping up Garlic Butter Shrimp With Rice for a quick dinner that never fails to impress. The combination of succulent shrimp and a rich, buttery sauce creates an irresistible dish bursting with flavor. I often find myself craving this satisfying meal, especially on busy weeknights when I need something delicious yet easy to prepare. With a few simple ingredients, I can transform an ordinary night into a delightful dining experience that my family and friends always rave about.

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:57:35.913Z

When I first made Garlic Butter Shrimp With Rice, I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how much flavor was packed into each bite. I decided to use fresh shrimp and added a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, which elevated the dish to a whole new level. I also learned that letting the shrimp marinate briefly in garlic and butter makes them even more tender and flavorful, resulting in a restaurant-quality meal at home.

As I perfected the recipe, I experimented with a touch of red pepper flakes to give the dish a subtle kick. This little addition has made such a difference, providing a wonderful contrast to the rich butter taste. I serve this dish with fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce, making it a true favorite around our dinner table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy shrimp coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce
A hint of spice that balances the richness perfectly
Quick preparation, ideal for weeknight dinners

Perfecting the Garlic Butter Sauce

The garlic butter sauce is the star of this dish, and its flavor can be tailored to your liking. To achieve a rich, creamy consistency, make sure to melt the butter over low heat after sautéing the garlic. This prevents the garlic from burning, which can create an unpleasant bitter taste. Stir until the butter is fully melted and has a glossy appearance, and then quickly toss your cooked shrimp back in to coat them evenly.

If you want to ramp up the flavor even more, consider adding a splash of white wine after the garlic has sautéed, letting it reduce slightly before adding the butter and shrimp. This addition creates a depth of flavor that complements the buttery richness beautifully. For a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves instead of mincing them, adjusting the cooking time accordingly to achieve perfect caramelization.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

For this recipe, fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but the quality of shrimp significantly affects the dish. Opt for large shrimp, such as 21/25 count per pound, which provide a satisfying bite and retain moisture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for quick defrosting, as this helps maintain their texture. Avoid cooking shrimp that is mushy or has an off odor, as these are signs of aging.

When sautéing the shrimp, cook just until they turn pink and opaque, usually around 3–4 minutes. Overcooking shrimp can lead to a rubbery texture, which is disappointing in a dish focused on the perfect bite. Keep an eye on them as they will continue cooking slightly even after being removed from the heat, so it’s better to take them off a bit early than too late.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve your garlic butter shrimp over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which complements the dish beautifully. For an elegant touch, try serving it alongside roasted or steamed asparagus, which adds a pop of color and a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender shrimp and rice. Additionally, these vegetables can also soak up the leftover sauce, enhancing flavor in every bite.

For those looking for a low-carb option, swapping out rice for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice provides a similar experience without the extra carbohydrates. Just ensure to sauté the noodles separately to avoid sogginess, and mix them lightly with the shrimp and sauce before serving. If spice isn’t your thing, skip the red pepper flakes or use milder paprika instead; it still offers a hint of warmth without overwhelming the dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Garlic Butter Shrimp With Rice:

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cups cooked rice
Chopped parsley for garnish

Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp With Rice:

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant for about 1 minute. Toss in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes.

Add Butter and Lemon

Reduce the heat to low, add the remaining butter and the lemon juice, stirring until the butter is melted and the shrimp are coated in the sauce.

Serve with Rice

Serve the garlic butter shrimp over a bed of warm cooked rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!

For an extra touch, consider adding steamed vegetables on the side.

Pro Tips

For optimal flavor, let your shrimp marinate in the garlic butter mixture for 15–30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste significantly!

Make-Ahead Tips

This garlic butter shrimp dish can be partially made ahead of time, which is useful for busy weeknights. You can prepare the garlic butter sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing the flavors to meld. Just reheat it gently on the stove before adding the shrimp. It’s crucial not to bring it to a boil to prevent the butter from separating.

If you want perfectly cooked rice every time, consider making it in a rice cooker ahead of time. Cooked rice can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for longer storage. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers from this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend doing so on a skillet over medium heat to keep the shrimp tender. Add a little butter if needed to rehydrate the dish and bring back the sauce’s richness. Reheating in the microwave is possible, but it can lead to overcooked shrimp if not monitored carefully.

For longer storage, consider freezing the shrimp and garlic butter sauce separately. When freezing, make sure the shrimp are fresh and not previously frozen, as this will help maintain their quality. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep them juicy and delicious.

Flavor Variations

There are endless possibilities to adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or dill after cooking can brighten up the dish with vibrant flavors. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can add an umami punch, perfect for those wanting a richer profile. Moreover, tossing in some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach makes this meal more colorful and nutritious.

For those who enjoy different flavor profiles, consider experimenting with citrus. Along with lemon, lime juice can also add an exciting tanginess, while zest from the fruit can enhance the aroma. If you have a spicy palate, incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce right before serving can elevate the heat and make your meal more dynamic.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp before cooking; it will work perfectly!

→ What type of rice is best for serving?

I recommend jasmine or basmati rice for their aromatic qualities and fluffy texture.

→ Can I substitute butter with another fat?

You can use olive oil or coconut oil, though they will give a different flavor.

→ How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to the rice for added nutrients and color!