Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The moment you pop that garlic in the pan, the rich aroma envelops you like a warm hug, inviting you to indulge in a bowl of sunshine and flavor. Each shrimp, glistening with butter, practically dances on your taste buds while the lemony rice brings everything together like a family reunion that doesn’t involve awkward small talk.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- Cook the Rice
- Sauté Garlic in Butter
- Add Shrimp
- Mix Everything Together
- Serve It Up
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- What kind of rice pairs best with garlic butter shrimp?
- How can I make this dish spicy?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Speaking of family reunions, I remember the first time I whipped up this dish for my friends after a long week of adulting. The shrimp and rice bowl made them forget all their worries and simply enjoy life. They were raving about it, asking if I had secretly changed careers to become a gourmet chef. Spoiler alert: I totally didn’t.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl is ready in just 30 minutes, making dinner prep a breeze.
- The combination of savory garlic butter and zesty lemon creates an explosion of flavor.
- Its vibrant colors make it not just delicious but also stunning on your dinner table.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next gathering!
I still chuckle at their amazed faces as they devoured each bite, and trust me, you’ll experience the same joy when you serve this dish.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Opt for large, fresh shrimp; they soak up the flavors beautifully and are perfect for quick cooking.
Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for that authentic flavor punch; avoid pre-minced options if possible.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best here; it allows you to control the seasoning perfectly.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal; bottled juice just doesn’t have that bright zing we’re after.
Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine adds a lovely fragrance to complement the shrimp.
Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish visually and add a refreshing taste at every bite.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before starting; it really makes things smoother! Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Chop your garlic finely to release its magic fragrance while cooking.
Cook the Rice
In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of rice along with a pinch of salt. Lower the heat to simmer for about 18-20 minutes until all water is absorbed and rice becomes fluffy. Keep an eye on it!
Sauté Garlic in Butter
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, toss in your minced garlic until fragrant — around 1-2 minutes should do! Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic isn’t part of our flavor party.
Add Shrimp
Carefully place your shrimp into the skillet with sizzling garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque; it’s like watching them transform into little flavor bombs.
Mix Everything Together
Once shrimp are cooked through, squeeze half of a lemon over them while stirring everything together gently. This step enhances flavor while keeping everything juicy!
Serve It Up
Fluff your rice with a fork and spoon onto plates or bowls. Top generously with your buttery shrimp mix and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for visual flair. Voila! Dinner is served.
You now have an amazing Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl that will have everyone begging for seconds (or thirds). Enjoy every bite!
Content
The secret to perfect garlic butter shrimp is using fresh shrimp. Frozen shrimp may lack flavor and texture, so opt for fresh whenever possible. I learned this the hard way after serving rubbery shrimp at a dinner party!
Always sauté garlic on low heat. High heat can burn the garlic and create bitterness instead of that lovely aroma. Trust me, burnt garlic is not the vibe we’re going for!
Resting the rice after cooking enhances its texture. Letting it sit covered for about 10 minutes results in fluffy grains that soak up all that delicious lemon flavor. It’s like giving your rice a spa day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the rice first, allowing it to rest while you prepare the shrimp. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready to serve together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon with lime or add your favorite herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra flavor boost. Personalize it with your unique twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid rubbery shrimp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use medium-sized shrimp for even cooking; larger ones may take longer and overcook easily.
- Fresh lemon zest adds brightness and depth; don’t skip it!
- Always taste before serving; a pinch of salt can elevate flavors dramatically.
Sharing this dish at my last family gathering brought everyone together around the table, laughter filling the air as we savored each bite of buttery goodness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
While fresh is best, thawed frozen shrimp works if necessary, but flavor may vary.
What kind of rice pairs best with garlic butter shrimp?
Long-grain white rice or basmati complements the dish nicely with its light texture.
How can I make this dish spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the garlic for a kick!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter with fluffy lemon-infused rice. This quick 30-minute recipe is bursting with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. The vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma will make this bowl a standout at your dinner table, ensuring every bite is filled with sunshine and satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Set aside.
- In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp, mixing gently.
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve topped with the shrimp mixture and garnished with parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
