Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Citrus Rice

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

Tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter served over fluffy rice infused with fresh lime and orange zest for a bright, refreshing taste. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium shrimp, unsalted butter, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 360 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. Combine rice with 2 cups chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  2. Step 2: Remove rice from heat and stir in 1 tsp lime zest, 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tsp salt. Fluff with fork and keep covered.
  3. Step 3: While rice cooks, heat 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and pink, seasoning with 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Remove shrimp from heat, toss with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve over the citrus rice for a bright and savory meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Citrus 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 Zesty Citrus Rice?

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 Garlic Shrimp with Zesty Citrus 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 Zesty Citrus 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 Zesty Citrus Rice?

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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