Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Rice Bowl with Lime and Cilantro

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic served over fluffy lime-infused rice, garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright and satisfying seafood bowl. This Latin American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs shrimp, long grain white rice, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  5. Step 5: To serve, spoon the lime-cilantro rice into bowls and top with the sautéed garlic shrimp. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired for a fresh, bright seafood meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Rice Bowl with Lime and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Rice Bowl with Lime and Cilantro?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Rice Bowl with Lime and Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Rice Bowl with Lime and Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Rice Bowl with Lime and Cilantro?

Latin American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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