Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice: The Quick One-Pan Dinner Everyone Loves

Name: Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 onion, finely chopped; 8 garlic cloves, crushed (4 for rice, 4 for sauce); 2 1/2 cups white rice; 400g/14 oz crushed tomatoes; 4 cups chicken/fish stock; 2 cups frozen peas; 1 tsp salt; pepper to taste; 500g/1lb shrimp/prawns, shelled and deveined; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; chopped parsley; lemon slices

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Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Karen Colman, and after years of developing quick meals, I can confidently tell you this Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice recipe is the fastest, most flavor-packed, 30-minute weeknight winner you’ll ever make, using my simple two-pan method to guarantee perfectly juicy shrimp and creamy, flavorful rice every single time.

You know those evenings when you get home and the thought of dirtying a million dishes just feels exhausting? That’s where this recipe steps in to save the day! We’re talking plump shrimp, simmered in the most divine, rich garlic butter sauce, all mingling with tender, savory rice and bright tomatoes. It’s got major restaurant vibes, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this method, this Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice will be on your weekly rotation. Now let’s get cooking!

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Key Takeaways

Speedy Weeknight Win: This meal is legitimately ready in half an hour. It’s faster than ordering takeout, and a whole lot tastier.
The Sauce is the Star: We’re making a rich, tangy garlic butter sauce that you pour right over the finished dish, ensuring every grain of rice and every shrimp is coated in pure flavor.
Juicy Shrimp Guaranteed: My two-pan technique (really, it’s a two-step technique that uses one pot for the rice and another for the shrimp/sauce) prevents that rubbery, overcooked texture.
Easy Cleanup: Even though we’re doing a quick sear and a simmer, we keep the dish simple. In fact, if you love fast meals, you might also want to check out my incredible recipe for Quick Chicken Stir-Fry before you go!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

A Hug in a Bowl: The savory rice, sweet peas, and rich butter sauce just feel like the most satisfying comfort food, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
That Bright Pop of Flavor: The addition of fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter, which keeps the dish tasting light and fresh—you won’t feel weighed down.
It’s a Meal Prep MVP: While the shrimp is best fresh, the flavored rice base is wonderful for lunches the next day.
You’re Eating Wholesome Food: Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean, high-quality protein to keep you full and energized, and the crushed tomatoes and peas add a nice boost of color and vitamins.
Impressive, But Secretly Simple: Your family will think you spent ages cooking, but it’s truly one of the simplest seafood dishes out there. If you enjoy this, you should definitely try my amazing Creamy Shrimp Pasta next!
Clean-Out-the-Pantry Friendly: It uses staples you likely already have on hand—rice, garlic, stock—which is a great feeling!

Food or Cultural Background

I still remember the first time I tasted something like this. It was years ago at a simple seaside cafe on a family trip. The owner told me it was influenced by a few different Mediterranean traditions—a little bit of the saffron-colored richness of Spanish paella, but stripped down to be incredibly fast and easy. I was hooked.

That deep, savory flavor you get from cooking the rice right in the stock with the tomatoes? That’s the key. Most people boil the rice separately, but that misses out on all the gorgeous flavor absorption. By toasting the rice first—just like you do when starting a risotto—and then simmering it in the stock, you create a base that’s packed with depth.

My version honors that inspiration but focuses totally on speed. We skip the lengthy stock-ladling and use a clever trick to steam the shrimp right at the end. That means you get all the comfort and complexity of an Old World dish, but in a totally modern, weeknight-friendly format. Speaking of incredible weeknight seafood, don’t miss my recipe for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce—it uses a similar flavor profile!

Ingredients for Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice ingredients

Ingredient	Notes/Substitutes
1 Onion, 8 Garlic Cloves	Always use fresh garlic! For a milder flavor, use just 6 cloves.
2½ cups White Rice	Long-grain white, Basmati, or Jasmine work best here. Don’t use sticky rice.
400g/14 oz Crushed Tomatoes	Canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce work too, but crushed gives a great texture.
4 cups Chicken/Fish Stock	Stock is crucial! Chicken stock is fine, fish stock, or low-sodium vegetable broth are all great.
2 cups Frozen Peas	No need to thaw! You can substitute with corn, chopped bell peppers, or spinach.
2 tbsp Butter (for Sauce)	Unsalted is best for controlling the flavor. For dairy-free, use a high-quality vegan butter stick.
1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice	Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must. Don’t use bottled!
500g/1lb Shrimp/Prawns	Medium to large size. Frozen is fine, but remember to thaw them properly—I have great tips for my Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi!

Equipment Needed

Large, deep sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid (this is your rice pan)
Separate frying pan or skillet (for cooking the shrimp and making the sauce)
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Step-by-Step

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice preparation

Heat the olive oil in your large, deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and four crushed garlic cloves, frying until the onion is soft and translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. You should be able to smell the delicious, fragrant aroma!
Add the rice to the pan, stirring it constantly for about a minute. This lightly toasts the rice, which is a little trick that adds a deep, nutty flavor.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, the stock, and the frozen peas. Season everything with your salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all those amazing ingredients.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly with the lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Don’t peek! You want all that steam trapped inside to cook the rice evenly until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is just tender.
Meanwhile, sear the shrimp. Heat the separate frying pan until it’s screaming hot. Toss the seasoned shrimp in and fry them quickly—about 1 minute per side—until they are golden-brown and mostly pink. Don’t worry about cooking them through! Remove them and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce in that same hot pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining 4 crushed garlic cloves. Let it cook for only 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the stock. Allow the stock and lemon juice to bubble and reduce slightly for 5 minutes. This creates a deeply flavorful sauce.
Combine and Steam. When the rice is done and the liquid is absorbed (at the 15-minute mark), remove the pan from the heat. Gently place the seared shrimp on top of the rice, cover the pan again, and let it steam for 5 minutes. This finishes cooking the shrimp perfectly without making them rubbery.
Serve the Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice immediately! Fluff the rice gently with a fork, ladle it onto plates, and drizzle generously with the amazing garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. It’s a game-changer! Don’t forget, if you have any leftover garlic butter sauce, it’s also amazing poured over these Easy Garlic Butter Meatballs!

Expert Tips for the Best Results

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the #1 mistake people make! Shrimp cooks in literal minutes. By searing it halfway and finishing it with a steam (Step 7), you get juicy, perfectly tender shrimp every time. When it curls into a “C” shape, it’s done.
The Rice Toasting Trick: Don’t skip stirring the rice in the oil for that minute (Step 1). It seals the starch and prevents the rice from getting mushy, leading to wonderfully fluffy grains.
Use Fresh Garlic: I know pre-minced jarred garlic is tempting, but for a dish where garlic butter is the main event, the flavor difference of using freshly crushed garlic is huge. Trust me on this one!
Pat the Shrimp Dry: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure you thaw and then pat it completely dry with a paper towel. This allows the shrimp to sear and turn golden-brown instead of just steaming in its own moisture.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: The acidity is essential for balancing the richness of the butter. A squeeze of fresh juice at the end brightens up the entire dish, every time!

What to Serve With Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

This dish is really a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, here are a few simple ideas:

A Simple Side Salad: A bed of crisp arugula or butter lettuce with a light vinaigrette.
Grilled or Steamed Asparagus: A quick green vegetable that pairs well with the lemon notes.
Crusty Bread: Essential for dipping in that incredible garlic butter sauce!
A Simple Soup: If you want a heartier meal, serve a cup of Cozy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup alongside it.

Storing and Reheating Tips

The Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is definitely best enjoyed right off the stove, but leftovers are great for lunch the next day! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, the stove is best: add a small splash of stock or water to a skillet over medium-low heat, add the rice mixture, and gently warm it until heated through. The microwave works too, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts (Estimated)	Amount Per Serving
Calories	553 kcal
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	220mg
Sodium	1131mg
Total Carbohydrates	74g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Protein	29g

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods. (Source: USDA FoodData Central estimate, based on similar recipe profiles)

FAQs About Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

What is the best way to cook shrimp and rice so the shrimp isn’t rubbery?

The secret to the perfect texture is a two-step method! Cook the rice fully first, and then only add the shrimp for a final 3–5 minutes of steaming on top. This ensures your Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice has plump, juicy shrimp every time.

Can I make this Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice recipe in one pot?

Technically, yes, you can. You can add the shrimp on top of the rice during the last few minutes of simmering, but you won’t get that wonderful golden-brown sear. My method keeps the sauce rich and the shrimp perfectly cooked!

What kind of rice is best for garlic butter shrimp?

Long-grain white rice, like Basmati or Jasmine, is ideal here because it yields fluffy grains that soak up all the delicious stock and garlic butter without getting mushy. For speed, instant rice works, but the flavor won’t be as deep.

How do you keep the garlic from burning in the butter sauce?

The key is heat control. Use medium-low heat when adding the butter and garlic, and only let the crushed garlic cook for about 30–60 seconds, or until it’s fragrant but not yet brown. Then, immediately deglaze the pan with the stock.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice becomes one of your family’s favorite go-to weeknight dinners, just like it is in my home. It’s comforting, vibrant, and proof that the best meals don’t have to take hours! Don’t forget to print this recipe, and please, leave a review below and tell me how it went. You can also tag me in your photos—I can’t wait to see your gorgeous plates! And if you love this one-pan concept, you absolutely have to try my Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice next! Happy cooking, friends! 🍤🍚

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