Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon Zest over Herb Rice
Bright and fragrant shrimp sautéed with garlic and lemon zest served atop fluffy herb-infused basmati rice for a light and flavorful dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs large shrimp peeled and deveined, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with fork. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with a slight golden sear.
- Step 4: Serve the sautéed shrimp immediately over the herb rice, spooning any garlic-lemon oil from the skillet over the top for extra flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon Zest over Herb 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 Lemon Zest over Herb 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon Zest over Herb 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 Lemon Zest over Herb 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 Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon Zest over Herb 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.
