Garlic Butter Shrimp with White Rice & Peppers

This Garlic Butter Shrimp with White Rice & Peppers is a quick, flavorful seafood dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and paired with colorful bell peppers, onions, and carrots, then served over fluffy white rice. Ready in just 30 minutes, this high-protein meal is both satisfying and easy to make.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving
• Protein: Approximately 32g per serving

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp

• 1½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Sautéed Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Rice

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and carrot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and lightly caramelized. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

While the vegetables cook, warm the cooked white rice. Stir in butter and salt, then fluff with a fork. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 4: Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink, opaque, and fully cooked.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss gently to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Stir in the fresh parsley.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the buttered rice onto serving plates or bowls. Top with the garlic butter shrimp and vegetables, then drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the dish.

Garnish with additional parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Do not overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery.
• Use fresh garlic for the richest flavor.
• Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to help them sear properly.
• Cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure even browning.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.

Variations

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce.

Cajun Shrimp and Rice

Replace the Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning for a bold Southern-inspired flavor.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped jalapeño for extra heat.

Low-Carb Version

Serve the shrimp and vegetables over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the shrimp from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

What size shrimp works best?

Large shrimp (21–25 count per pound) provide the best texture and presentation for this recipe.

Can I make this meal ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the rice and prepare the vegetables ahead of time. Cook the shrimp just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes
• Packed with protein and fresh vegetables
• Rich garlic butter flavor
• Perfect for weeknight dinners
• Family-friendly and meal-prep friendly

This Garlic Butter Shrimp with White Rice & Peppers delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients, making it a delicious and healthy seafood dinner everyone will enjoy.