If you can cook rice, then you can make this stunning Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice. It’s seriously easy, and impressive enough for serving to company (or date night!). As I eat this recipe, I can’t help but wonder, “How do so few ingredients make such a difference in taste?” :).
Shrimp and rice is a classic combination that just works. The sweet brininess of shrimp pairs so well with fluffy, tender rice. Plus, it comes together easily in just one skillet. If you’re wondering how to make shrimp and rice that’s full of flavor, you’ve come to the right place!
In this guide I’ll share my tips and tricks for making the best shrimp rice recipe as well as plenty of recipe ideas to satisfy any craving.
Start with Aromatic Basics
The foundation of any excellent shrimp and rice dish relies on building big flavor.
It starts with aromatics like
- Diced onion
- Minced garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Chopped bell peppers
Sauteing the aromatics in olive oil is key. It softens their texture and concentrates their flavor.
Fresh herbs also pack a flavor punch. Chopped cilantro, parsley, basil, and green onions all enhance shrimp and rice recipes.
Don’t be shy with seasoning either. Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, and lemon juice all contribute brightness and depth.
Cook the Rice Perfectly
Cooking the rice so it’s light and fluffy is crucial. Undercooked, gummy rice will ruin a shrimp rice bowl. Here are some tips:
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Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This prevents sticking.
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Use a rice to water ratio of 1:2 for fluffy results.
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Allow rice to steam after cooking. Keep the lid on the pot for 10 minutes before fluffing.
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To infuse more flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
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Stir in a tablespoon of butter after cooking for extra rich rice.
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For a nutrition boost, make it with brown rice, farro or quinoa.
Prep the Shrimp for Quick Cooking
Shrimp cooks very quickly, so proper prep is important.
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For even cooking, choose shrimp of similar size. Aim for 26-30 or 31-35 count.
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Peel and devein shrimp for tender texture. Use a paring knife for quick work.
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Pat shrimp dry before cooking. This helps them sear instead of steam.
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Season shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder or cajun seasoning.
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A hot skillet ensures shrimp cooks fast without drying out. Use olive or avocado oil.
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Cook shrimp just until opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
Putting It All Together
Once your rice is cooked and shrimp prepped, it’s go time!
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1-2 Tbsp oil.
2. Add diced aromatics and cook until softened and fragrant, 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in cooked rice and lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
4. Push rice to sides of skillet. Add shrimp to center and cook 1-2 minutes per side until opaque.
5. Toss everything together! Finish with fresh herbs, lemon juice and salt to taste.
That’s all it takes to make a fast, flavorful skillet of shrimp and rice.
Get Creative with Add-Ins
The basic formula allows for endless tasty variations:
-frozen peas
-diced pineapple or mango
-roasted bell peppers
-sautéed zucchini or squash
-corn kernels
-shredded carrots or cabbage
-edamame
-snap peas
-bean sprouts
Take your shrimp and rice to the next level with extra toppings too:
-avocado
-green onions
-toasted sesame seeds or nuts
-cilantro
-lime wedges
-crumbled feta or cotija cheese
-sriracha or chili garlic sauce
Full-Flavor Shrimp and Rice Recipes
If you need a bit more guidance, try one of these flavor-loaded recipes:
Creole Shrimp and Rice
Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, tomatoes, and broth give this New Orleans-inspired dish its trademark heat and richness.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Eggs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and frozen peas transform basic shrimp rice into vibrant takeout-style fried rice.
Greek Shrimp Orzo
Briny feta, Kalamata olives, oregano, spinach, and lemon juice bring Mediterranean flair.
Coconut Shrimp Curry
Coconut milk, spices, and basil infuse this Thai curry-style shrimp and rice dish.
Spanish Shrimp Paella
Saffron, parsley, tomatoes, and chorizo deliver iconic Spanish flavors.
Shrimp Jambalaya
The Holy Trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper plus Creole seasoning define this Louisiana favorite.
Make It a One-Pot Meal
Part of the appeal of shrimp and rice recipes is that they easily turn into complete meals:
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Simmer shrimp shells to make a flavorful cooking broth for the rice.
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Sauté meat, chicken or veggies right in the skillet before adding rice.
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Cook a quick egg or make a greens salad to serve alongside.
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Round it out with crusty bread, hot sauce, and a cold beer or glass of white wine!
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
I like to make sure that every meal has a range of colors and at least some vegetables. Here are some recipes for sides that I think would go well with this dish and make it a complete meal:
- 12 oz. shrimp (41-60 size) ($4.99)
- 1 fresh lemon ($0.60)
- 4 cloves garlic ($0.32)
- 2 Tbsp butter ($0.24)
- 1.5 cups long grain white rice ($0.93)
- 2 cups chicken broth ($0.26)
- 1/2 cup water ($0.00)
- 1 tsp Tony Chacheres seasoning* ($0.10)
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley ($0.09)
- If your shrimp is frozen or not peeled, make sure you thaw them and peel them before you start. You will need about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice from half of the lemon. Slice the other half of the lemon to use as a garnish.
- Mince the garlic. Butter and garlic should be put in a deep skillet. Cook the garlic for one to two minutes over medium-low heat.
- After you add the rice, cook for another one to two minutes. As the rice cooks in the hot butter, you should hear it start to snap and crackle a bit.
- With care, add the water, chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, Tony Chacheres (or seasoning salt), and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Put the lid on top of the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Allow the broth to come up to a full boil. Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes after it starts to boil.
- Most of the broth should be soaked up by the rice after 10 minutes of simmering. Just lift the lid for a moment to spread the shrimp out over the rice. Put the lid back on the skillet and cook it over low heat for another 5 minutes.
- After taking the pan off the heat, leave the lid on and let it rest for five more minutes. After resting, lift the lid. The shrimp should be opaque and pink.
- With care, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in some of the cooked shrimp. Add the lemon slices that were left over and, if you want, extra chopped parsley. Serve hot.
What Kind of Shrimp to Use
You definitely want to purchase raw shrimp for this recipe rather than pre-cooked, and you can usually get the best price when buying frozen shrimp. You can buy them peeled or unpeeled, tail on or off, it doesn’t matter. Most frozen shrimp already comes deveined, which makes peeling super fast and easy. Here is a great tutorial on how to peel and devein shrimp from Simply Recipes, if needed.
I used medium-sized shrimp for this recipe because I think that’s a good size for this kind of dish. You’ll want it to fit on your fork. The shrimp I used were 41-60 size, which means you’ll get about 41-60 shrimp per pound. Fewer numbers mean bigger shrimp (one pound of shrimp = fewer numbers), and more numbers mean smaller shrimp (one pound of shrimp = more numbers).
How to Make Shrimp Fried Rice EASY| Chinese Fried Rice Recipe| Better Than Take Out
How do you cook shrimp with rice?
Add soup, water, and red pepper and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until the white sauce has thickened. Serve the shrimp on top of hot rice and enjoy! How do I Store this Shrimp with Rice Recipe? How do I Reheat Garlic Shrimp? Are Shrimp and Prawns the Same Thing?
How do you make shrimp fried rice?
Oils: This shrimp fried rice recipe starts with a mix of olive oil and sesame oil. Shrimp: A pound of peeled and deveined shrimp should be enough to make four servings. Frozen vegetables: Frozen peas, frozen carrots, and frozen corn add color and nutrients. Garlic: Take the flavor up a notch with two cloves of garlic (or more, to taste).
How long does it take to make shrimp & rice?
Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Rice is an easy comfort food that only takes 25 minutes to make. This garlicky seafood meal combines sauteed vegetables and plump shrimp, served over a bed of warm white rice. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Did you try this recipe?
How do you cook prawns & rice together?
While the rice cooks, sear the shrimp/prawns in another pan until golden brown then use that same pan to make the garlic butter sauce. When the rice is cooked, I add the prawns to the rice, switch off the heat and cover with a lid to allow the rice and shrimp to steam for a few minutes.