Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Fresh Herb Rice Pilaf

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and butter served over a fluffy rice pilaf infused with fresh parsley and thyme. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  2. Step 2: While the rice cooks, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove shrimp from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley into the cooked rice. Fluff with a fork to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve the garlic shrimp over the herb rice pilaf with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Fresh Herb Rice Pilaf 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 Shrimp with Fresh Herb Rice Pilaf?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Fresh Herb Rice Pilaf?

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 Shrimp with Fresh Herb Rice Pilaf 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 Garlic Shrimp with Fresh Herb Rice Pilaf?

Mediterranean 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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