There’s something magical about the combination of juicy shrimp bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a bright touch of lemon. Now, imagine all of that deliciousness served over fluffy, perfectly cooked rice—it’s comfort food with a gourmet twist! This Shrimp Scampi With Rice is not only quick and easy to make but also packed with incredible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
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Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi With Rice
This recipe is a total game-changer, and here’s why:
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon makes this dish taste like something from a fancy seafood restaurant.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients without compromising on flavor.
Customizable: Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes. Prefer extra lemon? Go for it!
Family Favorite: A dish that both seafood lovers and picky eaters can enjoy.
Ingredients in Shrimp Scampi With Rice
This dish is made with simple yet flavorful ingredients:
Shrimp: The star of the dish! Large, deveined shrimp cook up juicy and tender.
Butter & Olive Oil: A perfect blend for a rich, flavorful sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for that classic scampi taste.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Adds a bright, refreshing touch to balance the richness.
White Wine or Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but they give a little kick of heat.
Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors.
Cooked Rice: A perfect base to soak up all the delicious scampi sauce.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
Cook the Rice: Prepare your favorite white or brown rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and zest, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine Everything: Toss the shrimp in the sauce, coating them evenly. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over the cooked rice. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge if desired.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi With Rice
With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness.
As a Bowl: Add steamed veggies like asparagus or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them.
Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Add Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan takes it up a notch.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just thaw them first and pat dry before cooking.
Q2: What can I substitute for white wine?
A2: Chicken broth or vegetable broth works great.
Q3: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
A3: Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I freeze shrimp scampi?
A5: Shrimp freeze well, but the sauce may separate when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A6: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Q7: Can I add vegetables?
A7: Yes! Spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.
Q8: How can I make it spicier?
A8: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Q9: Can I use a different protein?
A9: Sure! Try scallops or chicken for a variation.
Q10: What kind of rice works best?
A10: Jasmine, basmati, or even cauliflower rice all pair beautifully with this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scampi With Rice is the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. With its buttery garlic sauce, juicy shrimp, and fluffy rice, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Enjoy!
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Shrimp Scampi With Rice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Shrimp Scampi with Rice is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a garlic, butter, and white wine sauce, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- Salt, to taste
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 4 lemon wedges
Instructions
- Marinate shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil and half of the minced garlic. Set aside.
- Heat oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Cook garlic: Add the remaining garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Sear shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the skillet (work in batches if needed). Sprinkle with salt and cook for 1 minute undisturbed. Flip and cook another 1 minute until opaque and slightly curled. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Pour white wine and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add butter: Stir in butter, a few pieces at a time, until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 1 minute to warm through.
- Serve: Spoon shrimp and sauce over rice, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Substitute white wine with chicken broth if preferred.
- Add grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 230mg