Imagine preparing a delightful meal that warms the heart and fills the kitchen with the inviting aromas of lemon, garlic, and buttery shrimp. This One Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is pure comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want a little taste of sunshine on your plate. As a food blogger, there’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a recipe that combines simplicity with rich flavors, and this dish does just that.
At its core, this recipe showcases 1 pound of shrimp that is peeled and deveined, combined with 1 cup of rice and soaked in the flavors of 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Picture the lusciousness of 4 tablespoons of butter, the aromatic punch from 4 cloves of minced garlic, the zesty freshness of 1 lemon both juiced and zested, and just the right touch of salt and pepper to balance it all. Topped off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is nothing short of spectacular, bringing together a medley of flavors that sing in harmony.
The method is refreshingly straightforward. First, you will melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat, then sauté the garlic until that heavenly aroma fills your kitchen. After that, you stir in the rice and let it cook for a couple of minutes before combining it with the broth, lemon juice, and zest. Once everything comes to a boil, you reduce the heat and cover the pan. The rice will perfectly absorb those delightful flavors in about 15 to 20 minutes. Next, add the shrimp on top, cover again, and let it cook until the shrimp is tender. Season with salt and pepper and finish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
This dish is ideal for many occasions—you can serve it on chilly nights when you crave warmth or take it to potlucks and family gatherings to impress your loved ones. The one-pan approach means less cleanup, allowing you to focus on enjoying the meal and the company around you.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
- Quick: This recipe comes together in just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: It uses common ingredients that are easy to find, so no hassle on your shopping trip.
- Comfort Food: The rich flavor of butter, the freshness of lemon, and the tender shrimp make this dish a comforting classic.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main course or as part of a larger spread, it suits various events.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since it’s all made in one pan, you’ll have less to wash up afterward.
Shrimp Tips
When selecting shrimp for this recipe, freshness is key. Look for shrimp that are firm to the touch and have a mild ocean smell. If buying frozen shrimp, ensure they are properly sealed and free from ice crystals. For this dish, I recommend using medium to large shrimp as they provide the best texture and flavor. If available, wild-caught shrimp often have the best taste, but farmed shrimp can also work just fine.
Options for Substitutions
You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Use brown rice instead of white for extra fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- Swap shrimp for chicken or veggies like zucchini and asparagus for a completely different dish.
- Substitute coconut oil or olive oil for butter if you want to cut down on dairy.
- Incorporate different broths like seafood or beef broth to change up the flavor profile.
- Add extra seasonings like paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Use dried herbs like thyme or rosemary if fresh parsley is not available.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be vigilant. Once they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Another pitfall is forgetting to let the rice absorb the liquids fully; a cover for at least 15 minutes ensures perfect texture. It’s also essential to season correctly; adding salt too late can result in uneven seasoning. Lastly, save the parsley for garnish only; adding it too early can result in a wilted, less vibrant appearance.
What to Serve With One Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice?
This dish pairs well with a light side salad, perhaps featuring romaine and cherry tomatoes lightly dressed with olive oil and vinegar. Another excellent side is roasted vegetables, which will complement the flavors beautifully. You could also prepare a simple steamed broccoli or a refreshing cucumber salad to add a bit of crunch and freshness to your meal.
Storage Instructions
Store: In the fridge, this dish will last for about 2-3 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freeze: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the prepared meal for up to 2 months. Just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Reheat: For reheating, the stovetop is best. Add a splash of broth to avoid drying out, and heat on medium until warm. You can also microwave portions in short intervals, stirring in between.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 4
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 660-740
- Protein: 36-42 grams
- Fat: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 grams
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. As it melts, let the comforting scent fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté it until fragrant, which should take about a minute.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Stir in the rice, letting it cook for about 1-2 minutes. You want the rice to soak up that buttery garlic flavor.
Step 4: Add the Liquid
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the lemon juice and zest. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Rice
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 6: Add the Shrimp
Place the shrimp on top of the rice, cover again, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
In conclusion, this One Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a heartfelt experience that brings family and friends together. With its delightful flavors and easy preparation, I invite you to try this recipe and share your feedback. Don’t forget to explore similar recipes on the blog for more culinary adventures in your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well, making it a great choice for meal prepping for the week.
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a flavorful kick.
Print
One Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring shrimp, rice, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce, all made in one pan for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the rice and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the lemon juice and zest. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add the shrimp on top, cover again, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For best results, do not overcook the shrimp. Serve with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 220mg