Sautéed Garlic and Herb Shrimp over Lemon Rice

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

Quick sautéed shrimp infused with garlic and fresh herbs, served atop fragrant lemon-infused rice for a bright and satisfying dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low fat) ready in about 30 minutes pairs long grain white rice, water, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup long grain white rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice, mixing gently.
  2. Step 2: While the 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, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 3/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Serve the sautéed shrimp over the lemon-infused rice immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic and Herb Shrimp over Lemon Rice take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Garlic and Herb Shrimp over Lemon Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic and Herb Shrimp over Lemon Rice?

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 Garlic and Herb Shrimp over Lemon Rice 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.

Is Sautéed Garlic and Herb Shrimp over Lemon Rice low fat?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low fat based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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