Garlic Shrimp and Rice
A vibrant one-pot meal where fluffy rice is simmered with heaps of garlic and herbs, then topped with tender shrimp steamed to perfection. It's a flavorful, heart-healthy dish ready in under 30 minutes without any added salt.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté the aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- c.Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot.
- d.Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast and cook the rice
- b.Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir for 1 minute to coat it in the garlic butter.
- c.Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Add the black pepper and red pepper flakes.
- d.Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Steam the shrimp
- b.Once the rice is cooked, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on top of the rice.
- c.Place the lid back on the skillet and let the shrimp steam for 3-5 minutes, until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
- d.Avoid overcooking, as they can become tough.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat.
- c.Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- d.Gently fluff the rice and mix in the shrimp. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps it cook up fluffy and not sticky.
- 2Do not stir the rice while it's simmering. This can release starches and make the final dish gummy.
- 3Use a skillet with a tight-fitting lid to ensure the rice and shrimp steam properly.
- 4For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf with the chicken broth and remove it before serving.
- 5Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before adding them to the pot; this helps them steam evenly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon and add a finely chopped jalapeño with the garlic for a spicier kick.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the shrimp and use low-sodium vegetable broth. Add 1 cup of chickpeas or white beans along with the shrimp for a plant-based protein boost.
healthyHealthy
Substitute white rice with quinoa or brown rice, adjusting the liquid amount and cooking time accordingly. Add 1 cup of chopped spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart-Healthy
By eliminating added salt and using heart-healthy olive oil, this recipe supports cardiovascular wellness and helps manage blood pressure.
Lean Protein Source
Shrimp provides high-quality, lean protein which is essential for muscle repair and building, while being low in saturated fat.
Rich in Allicin
Garlic is a key ingredient, containing allicin, a compound known for its potential immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this dish is quite healthy. It's low in sodium, which is good for heart health and blood pressure. Shrimp is a lean source of protein, and the dish is flavored with natural ingredients like garlic and lemon instead of salt-heavy sauces.