Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Skillet Quick and Tasty Dish

Looking to whip up a quick and tasty meal? This Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Skillet is your answer! In just one pan, enjoy the rich flavors of shrimp, garlic, and buttery rice. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend feast. Follow my simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that impresses family and friends alike. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

– Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined)

– Jasmine rice (1 cup, rinsed)

– Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, divided)

– Minced garlic (4 cloves)

– Finely chopped onion (1 small)

– Diced bell pepper (1 red or yellow)

– Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups)

– Frozen peas (1 cup)

– Paprika (1 teaspoon)

– Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley (for garnish)

– Lemon wedges (for serving)

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Large shrimp are the star here. They bring a sweet, briny flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic and butter. I like to use jasmine rice for its fluffy texture and subtle aroma. The butter adds richness.

Minced garlic is essential. It gives that bold, savory taste. Finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper add sweetness and color. Low-sodium chicken broth helps the rice cook well while keeping it light. Frozen peas add a pop of green and sweetness.

Spices matter too. Paprika brings warmth, while dried thyme adds an earthy note. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, don’t forget fresh parsley for garnish. It brightens the dish and looks great on the plate. Lemon wedges are a must for serving, giving a zesty finish that lifts the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Rinse jasmine rice under cold running water.

– Melt butter in skillet and sauté onion and bell pepper.

Cooking Steps

– Incorporate minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

– Add rice, spices, and pour in chicken broth.

– Simmer the rice until liquid is absorbed.

Finalizing the Dish

– Season shrimp and cook until pink.

– Fold shrimp and peas into cooked rice mixture.

– Fluff the rice before serving.

To start, rinse your jasmine rice well. This improves the texture. You want to wash it until the water runs clear. This step helps the rice stay fluffy.

Next, melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté these for three to four minutes. You want the onions to turn soft and clear.

After that, add the minced garlic. Cook this for about one minute. Stir it often to avoid burning. The smell of garlic will fill your kitchen!

Now, it’s time to add the rinsed rice. Sprinkle in the paprika and dried thyme. Mix everything well to coat the rice with flavor.

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring this to a boil over high heat.

Once boiling, lower the heat to simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes. It’s done when the rice absorbs all the liquid.

While the rice cooks, season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat the leftover butter in a separate pan. Cook the shrimp for about two to three minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque.

When the rice is ready, fold in the cooked shrimp and frozen peas. Cover the skillet for five more minutes. This allows the peas to warm up.

Lastly, fluff the rice with a fork. Taste it to adjust the seasoning if needed. Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Skillet is now ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

How to achieve fluffy rice

To get fluffy rice, rinse jasmine rice well. Use cold water and a fine mesh strainer. Rinse until the water runs clear. This helps remove extra starch. After rinsing, cook the rice in low-sodium chicken broth for added flavor. Keep the lid on while it cooks to trap steam. Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking. This makes the rice tender and fluffy.

Best practices for seasoning shrimp

When seasoning shrimp, keep it simple. Use salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor. You can add paprika and thyme for extra taste. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Avoid overcooking; it can make shrimp tough.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding lemon juice for extra brightness

Lemon juice brightens the dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and rice before serving. This adds a zesty flavor that pairs great with garlic and butter.

Suggested herbs and spices for variation

Feel free to experiment with herbs. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can also try dill or basil for a different taste. For a kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These small changes can make your dish unique and exciting.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can easily swap ingredients in this dish. Try using brown rice instead of jasmine rice. Brown rice adds a hearty texture and more fiber. Quinoa is another great choice. It cooks quickly and offers a nutty flavor.

Feel free to change the veggies too. You might add zucchini, carrots, or even spinach. These will give your dish more color and nutrients. You can also switch up the protein. Chicken or scallops work well. They both cook fast and taste great with garlic butter.

Spicy Version

If you love heat, make it spicy! Add red pepper flakes for a nice kick. Just a teaspoon can change the flavor. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the dish. It adds heat and extra flavor. Adjust the amount based on your taste. This spicy twist makes the dish exciting and bold!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature.

Place the shrimp rice skillet in an airtight container.

Make sure to keep it in the fridge.

It will stay fresh for up to three days.

Glass or plastic containers work well for storage.

Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the food.

Freezing Instructions

For freezing, let the dish cool completely first.

Scoop servings into freezer-safe bags or containers.

Remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Label the bags with the date for easy tracking.

You can freeze it for up to three months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge.

Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.

Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.

Stir until warmed through, and enjoy!

FAQs

Common Questions

How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Skillet?

It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. You can prep in 10 minutes and cook in 20 minutes. This is a quick and easy meal for busy days.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. This saves time and makes it easy to prepare.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is gluten-free. The ingredients do not contain gluten. Always check your chicken broth to be sure.

Nutritional Information

How many calories are in Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Skillet?

This dish has about 400 calories per serving. It is a filling meal with a good balance of flavors.

What is the balance of protein and carbs in this dish?

You get around 25 grams of protein and 45 grams of carbs per serving. It provides energy and helps keep you full.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make it in an Instant Pot. Sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic, then add rice and broth. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

Suggestions for a stovetop vs. oven preparation

For stovetop, follow the recipe as written. For oven, use a Dutch oven. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Just ensure the shrimp cook through.

This blog post shared simple steps to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Skillet. We covered the key ingredients, easy preparation and cooking steps, and techniques for great taste. I added tips for storage and variations to suit your preferences.

Try this dish for a fast, tasty meal. It’s versatile, making it fun to customize. Your friends and family will love it, and you’ll feel proud serving it. Enjoy your cooking adventur