Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Rice Bowl with Lemon and Herbs
Juicy sautéed shrimp atop a bed of fragrant garlic rice, brightened with fresh lemon juice and herbs for a light yet flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium pot, combine rice with 2 cups water and 1 tsp salt, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, cooking for 1 minute more to combine flavors.
- Step 5: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in 1 tbsp olive oil. Serve the garlic lemon shrimp over the rice in bowls, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Garlic Rice Bowl with Lemon and Herbs 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 Shrimp and Garlic Rice Bowl with Lemon and Herbs?
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 Shrimp and Garlic Rice Bowl with Lemon and Herbs?
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 Lemon and Herbs 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 Lemon and Herbs?
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.
