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Garlic Shrimp Rice

Category: Dinner Solutions You'll Love

20-minute dinner featuring shrimp in buttery garlic sauce with rice. Quick and tasty, easy to prep for busy nights or guests.
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By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Thu, 01 May 2025 17:22:51 GMT
Shrimp and Rice with Garlic Butter Save
Shrimp and Rice with Garlic Butter | tastybysophie.com

The juicy shrimp and garlicky butter sauce stacked on top of soft rice makes an amazing dinner that turns basic stuff into something you'd pay good money for. When you mix the sweet taste of fresh shrimp with that rich, buttery blend that soaks right into your rice, you'll find yourself coming back for more with every single bite.

I've cooked this so many times and it always wows everyone at my table. Just last weekend, I made it for a few friends who couldn't believe such basic ingredients could taste so fancy. The magic happens when that garlic butter mixes with the rice and makes those crunchy bits at the bottom that everyone always fights to get.

Must-Have Ingredients

  • Big shrimp, fresh or frozen: Go for ones marked 16/20 per pound for the best size. Try to grab deveined ones to cut down on prep work
  • White rice (long-grain): Basmati or jasmine work best since they smell great and stay fluffy while soaking up all that sauce
  • Real garlic cloves: Don't even think about using powder - only fresh cloves will give you that amazing smell and taste
  • Good butter (unsalted): Splurge on European-style butter if you can - the extra fat makes the sauce incredibly rich
  • Whole lemon: Pick ones that feel heavy for their size and have bright yellow skin for the most juice
  • Fresh parsley bunches: Find ones with bright green, perky leaves that don't look sad or wilted

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Getting Your Rice Just Right
Wash your rice several times until you don't see cloudy water anymore
Mix your rice with water using a 1:1.5 measurement for perfect fluffiness
After cooking, let it sit untouched for 10 minutes, then use a fork to make it fluffy
Making That Amazing Butter Sauce
Put your chopped garlic and butter in a pan before turning on the heat
Warm it up gradually so the garlic flavor seeps into the butter without burning
You'll know it's ready when the butter turns slightly golden and smells nutty
Cooking Shrimp Perfectly
Make sure your shrimp are completely dry before they hit the pan for better browning
Don't crowd them - leave space between each piece
They're done when they turn pink and form a loose 'C' shape
How To Stack Everything
Heat up your ring mold first so the food doesn't stick
Pack the rice down gently but firmly enough that it holds together
Arrange your shrimp in a circle pattern to make it look extra fancy
Putting It All Together
Pour the warm sauce over slowly so it doesn't make a puddle
Toss the fresh herbs on top right before serving
Get it to the table while it's still hot
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe Save
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Recipe | tastybysophie.com

My kids go crazy for the crunchy rice that forms at the bottom of each stack. My little girl always asks me to throw in extra garlic, and I totally get it – there's no such thing as too much in this dish!

Flavor Balancing Basics

Getting this dish just right means understanding how each ingredient plays its part. Salt brings out the natural sweetness in your shrimp, and a bit of black pepper adds that gentle kick that works so well with the buttery garlic sauce.

Making Magic With Your Sauce

Don't rush when making your sauce. Taking your time to let the garlic slowly flavor the butter makes all the difference. Trust me, your patience will pay off when every bit of rice gets coated in this amazing mixture.

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack Save
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Stack | tastybysophie.com

I've spent years tweaking this recipe, and I can honestly say it brings people together like few other dishes can. There's something special about how these simple ingredients turn into such an impressive meal. Whether you're cooking for someone special or just treating yourself to a nice dinner, this garlic butter shrimp and rice stack won't let you down.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prep this in advance?
You can make the shrimp and rice separately a day ahead. Warm them up and assemble before eating for the best results.
→ Any good substitutes for shrimp?
Try scallops, diced chicken, or even crispy tofu for a veggie-friendly alternative. Adjust cooking times as needed.
→ Do I need special tools for stacking the rice?
Not at all! Use a small bowl, a round cookie cutter, or even grease a measuring cup to shape the rice.
→ Which type of rice is best here?
Jasmine or medium-grain white rice works well. It should be a bit sticky to stay in shape but not mushy.
→ How do I add heat to this?
Spice it up with extra chili flakes, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce stirred into the butter sauce.

Garlic Shrimp Rice

Tender shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce layered over soft rice. Easy to make and perfect for impressing company or quick dinners.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Seafood from America

Yield: 4 Servings (Four portions)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Foods

01 2 cups cooked white rice (or go for jasmine rice for a hint of fragrance)
02 1 pound of large shrimp, cleaned and peeled

→ Flavor Additions

03 1 tablespoon of olive oil
04 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
05 2 tablespoons of butter
06 Salt and pepper, as you prefer
07 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a kick)
08 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Toppings

09 Fresh parsley, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
10 Wedges of lemon for squeezing over

Steps

Step 01

Warm up the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss the shrimp in, sprinkle with some salt and pepper, then cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they’re pink and no longer translucent. Take them out and keep them aside.

Step 02

Melt the second tablespoon of butter in the same skillet, then toss in the chopped garlic. Stir and sauté it over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing. Stir in the lemon juice and chili flakes (if you want spice).

Step 03

Scoop the rice into four parts. Press each portion tightly into a small bowl or round mold to form stacks. Carefully turn the mold over and move the rice stack onto a plate without breaking it.

Step 04

Put shrimp on top of each rice stack, then drizzle the garlic butter mixture right over the shrimp.

Step 05

Scatter the freshly cut parsley on top of everything. Give lemon wedges to the side so people can squeeze some extra tang if they want.

Notes

  1. Swap rice with low-carb cauliflower rice if that’s your thing.
  2. Want more spice? Toss in extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
  3. Chicken or scallops can step in for shrimp if you feel like mixing things up.
  4. Throw in some cooked veggies like peppers or spinach for more color and variety.

Required Tools

  • A big frying pan
  • A small mold or bowl to shape the rice
  • Plates for serving

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Shrimp (shellfish)
  • Butter (dairy)

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 330
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 26 g