Sautéed Shrimp with Tomato and Basil over Garlic Butter Rice

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

Succulent shrimp sautéed with fresh tomatoes and basil, served over fragrant garlic butter rice for a bright, satisfying meal. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 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. In a medium pot, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat, then add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir for 1 minute to coat grains in garlic butter. Pour in 2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Fluff the garlic butter rice with a fork and serve topped with the sautéed shrimp and tomato-basil mixture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Tomato and Basil over Garlic Butter 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 Shrimp with Tomato and Basil over Garlic Butter 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 Shrimp with Tomato and Basil over Garlic Butter 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 Tomato and Basil over Garlic Butter 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 Tomato and Basil over Garlic Butter 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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