Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Herb Rice – A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Favorite

If you’re searching for a garlic butter shrimp recipe that feels elegant yet comes together effortlessly, this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Herb Rice is about to become your new go-to. It’s bright, buttery, packed with fresh herbs, and perfectly balanced with zesty lemon. Even better? It’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it the ultimate easy shrimp dinner for busy weeknights.

Shrimp cooks quickly, absorbs flavor beautifully, and pairs perfectly with fluffy rice infused with herbs and citrus. This dish combines tender, juicy shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter with fragrant lemon herb rice, creating a complete meal that tastes restaurant-quality but is simple enough for home cooks of any skill level.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master this quick seafood meal.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Herb Rice

• Ready in under 40 minutes
• Made with simple, fresh ingredients
• One-pan shrimp preparation
• Bright, balanced flavors
• Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
• Easily customizable

This shrimp and rice skillet is light enough for spring and summer yet comforting enough for cooler evenings. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs creates a flavor profile that’s universally loved.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Lemon Herb Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Lemon Herb Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth, olive oil, and salt to a boil.
3. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and dill. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

6. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
7. Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic Butter Shrimp

8. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
10. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
11. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
12. Return shrimp to skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with parsley.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

13. Spoon lemon herb rice onto plates.
14. Top with garlic butter shrimp.
15. Drizzle extra sauce from the pan over the top. Serve immediately.

The Secret to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

The key to juicy shrimp is simple: don’t overcook them. Shrimp cook incredibly fast — typically just 2–3 minutes per side. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.

Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. For the best texture in your shrimp and rice skillet, remove them from heat as soon as they curl into a loose “C” shape.

Choosing the Best Shrimp

For optimal flavor and texture:

• Use large or extra-large shrimp
• Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp both work
• Wild-caught shrimp often have better flavor
• Remove tails for easier eating (optional)

If using frozen shrimp, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for 10–15 minutes.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

This dish works so well because it balances:

Richness – From butter and olive oil
Brightness – From lemon juice and zest
Freshness – From parsley and dill
Savory Depth – From garlic and paprika
Comfort – From fluffy rice

Each component complements the other, making it a truly satisfying quick seafood meal.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.

2. Creamy Garlic Shrimp

Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce for a richer finish.

3. Brown Rice Version

Substitute brown rice for added fiber. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

4. Mediterranean Twist

Add chopped cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, and olives.

5. Low-Carb Option

Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

Serving Suggestions

This easy shrimp dinner pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed asparagus
• Roasted broccoli
• A crisp green salad
• Warm crusty bread
• Sparkling water with lemon

For entertaining, serve family-style in a large shallow bowl with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.

Freezing:
Shrimp can become rubbery when frozen after cooking, so freezing isn’t recommended for best texture.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp is:

• High in protein
• Low in calories
• Rich in selenium
• Contains vitamin B12
• A good source of iodine

Paired with rice and fresh herbs, this meal offers balanced carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Make It a Complete Dinner Experience

To elevate presentation:

• Garnish with extra lemon zest
• Finish with flaky sea salt
• Add microgreens for color
• Serve in warmed bowls

Small details make a big difference, especially when entertaining guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through.

What rice works best?
Long-grain white rice yields fluffy results, but jasmine or basmati also work well.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Herb Rice is everything you want in a weeknight meal — fast, flavorful, and satisfying. It feels elevated without being complicated and uses ingredients that are easy to find year-round.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this shrimp and rice skillet delivers bold flavor and beautiful presentation every single time.

Add it to your regular rotation, and you’ll always have a reliable garlic butter shrimp recipe ready to impress.

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Herb Rice

Juicy garlic butter shrimp served over bright lemon herb rice for a quick, flavorful dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 410

Ingredients

  

Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Lemon Herb Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill optional

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium Saucepan
• Cutting board
• Chef knife

Method

 

1. Cook rice with broth and salt until tender.
2. Fluff rice and stir in lemon juice, zest, and herbs.
3. Season shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Sauté shrimp in butter and oil until pink and opaque.
5. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
6. Stir in lemon juice and zest, return shrimp to pan.
7. Serve shrimp over lemon herb rice and drizzle with sauce.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp; they cook very quickly.