Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon-Cilantro Rice
Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter paired with bright, fragrant lemon-cilantro rice for a refreshing seafood dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine the rice with 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until tender.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Step 4: When rice is done, remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tbsp butter until melted and combined.
- Step 5: Plate the lemon-cilantro rice and top with the sautéed garlic shrimp. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon-Cilantro Rice 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 Garlic Shrimp with Lemon-Cilantro 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 butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon-Cilantro 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 Shrimp with Lemon-Cilantro 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Lemon-Cilantro Rice?
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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