Lemon Garlic Shrimp Steamed Rice (Printable)

Zesty shrimp sautéed with lemon and garlic, served over fluffy steamed rice. A quick, vibrant, and flavorful main.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Marinade and Sauce

04 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

→ Rice

10 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
11 - 2 cups water
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Garnish

13 - Lemon wedges
14 - Extra fresh parsley

# How To Make It:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and allow to stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
02 - While the rice is cooking, season the peeled and deveined shrimp generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.
04 - Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until they are just opaque and fully cooked through.
05 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if desired) to the shrimp. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the flavorful sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
06 - Serve the hot lemon garlic shrimp directly over the fluffy steamed rice. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and extra chopped parsley, if desired, for a vibrant finish.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's incredibly fast; you'll have dinner on the table before you can even decide what to watch next.
  • The bright, zesty flavors will make you feel like you're dining al fresco in a Mediterranean villa, even if you're just in your kitchen.
02 -
  • Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery quickly; always keep a close eye on them and remove them from the heat the moment they turn opaque.
  • The quality of your lemon makes a huge difference; a fresh, juicy lemon will elevate this dish from good to absolutely glorious.
03 -
  • To prevent garlic from burning, add it to the oil just as the pan is reaching temperature, and keep the heat moderate; it should smell fragrant, not acrid.
  • For truly tender shrimp, flip them only once and remove them from the heat just as they turn opaque; they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.