Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Fresh Parsley over Lemon Rice
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and parsley served atop fragrant lemon-infused rice for a light and vibrant meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs 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 320 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice, tossing to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Step 5: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, stir in 1 tbsp olive oil, and transfer to serving plates. Top each serving with the sautéed shrimp mixture and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Fresh Parsley 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 Shrimp with Garlic and Fresh Parsley 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 shrimp, peeled and deveined from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Fresh Parsley 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 Shrimp with Garlic and Fresh Parsley over Lemon Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 with Garlic and Fresh Parsley over Lemon 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.
