The One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice is the kind of dish that feels like a gourmet dinner without the fuss. Using just eight ingredients and a single skillet, it captures the tang of lemon, the depth of garlic, and the juiciness of tender shrimp all nestled into fluffy, seasoned rice. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, but elegant enough for dinner guests or a cozy date night. From the golden sauté of garlic to the fresh lemon slices adorning the finished plate, it’s a dish that promises bright flavor, easy cleanup, and serious satisfaction.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 oz. raw shrimp (41-60 size), peeled and deveined
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1 fresh lemon (2 Tbsp juice + slices for garnish)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 Tbsp butter
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1.5 cups long grain white rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1/2 cup water
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning or seasoning salt
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2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
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If shrimp is frozen, thaw completely and peel. Juice half the lemon and slice the other half for garnish.
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In a deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir in the rice and continue sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until the rice begins to crackle slightly.
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Add chicken broth, lemon juice, water, seasoning, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
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Cover the skillet with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
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After 10 minutes, scatter the shrimp evenly over the rice. Cover and cook on low for another 5 minutes.
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Turn off the heat and let rest for an additional 5 minutes with the lid on.
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Fluff rice gently with a fork, stirring in the shrimp slightly. Garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 407 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Comfort of One-Pot Cooking
In today’s fast-paced world, one-pot meals are culinary gold. They offer a unique blend of convenience, minimal cleanup, and bold flavor profiles—all in a single dish. One such gem is One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.
The idea behind one-pot meals is simple: reduce the hassle without compromising flavor. This recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly. By layering garlic, butter, shrimp, rice, lemon, and herbs in one cooking vessel, each ingredient is infused with flavor, transforming humble components into something spectacular.
A Brief Background of the Dish
While there’s no single origin for shrimp and rice combinations, dishes that marry seafood with rice are staples across many coastal and Mediterranean cuisines. Variations like Spanish paella, Cajun jambalaya, and Italian risotto all highlight the harmony between tender seafood and seasoned rice.
The One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice recipe leans into Southern U.S. and Mediterranean flavor cues—zesty lemon, garlic butter, and a touch of Cajun-inspired seasoning. It’s both familiar and fresh. The shrimp is quick-cooking, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, while the rice soaks up all the flavors as it steams—delivering layers of depth with very little effort.
Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Winner
There are countless shrimp and rice recipes out there, but here’s what sets this one apart:
- Simplicity: Only 8 ingredients are needed—many of which you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Quick Cook Time: From start to finish, it’s ready in about 30 minutes.
- One Pot = Less Cleanup: No separate pans for rice, shrimp, or sauce. One skillet does it all.
- Flavor Explosion: Garlic, lemon, and butter give it a rich base, while Cajun seasoning and parsley elevate the whole dish.
- Versatility: You can easily adapt the spice level or add vegetables without altering the integrity of the dish.
- Balanced Nutrition: With protein from shrimp, carbs from rice, and minimal fat, it’s a well-rounded meal that doesn’t feel heavy.
Ingredient Benefits and Tips
Shrimp:
Shrimp is a lean source of protein and contains key nutrients like selenium, B12, and iodine. It’s quick to cook—just 5 minutes of steaming is enough—making it perfect for fast meals. Buying frozen, raw shrimp is economical and ensures freshness. Make sure it’s peeled and deveined before use for ease.
Rice:
Long grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks evenly and doesn’t get mushy. It absorbs the garlic butter and broth, becoming tender and full of flavor. Brown rice can be used for more fiber, though it will need a longer cook time and extra liquid.
Garlic & Butter:
This duo creates a fragrant, rich base. Garlic offers anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, while butter adds flavor depth. You can substitute olive oil for a lighter option.
Lemon Juice & Slices:
Fresh lemon juice adds a burst of acidity that balances the richness of butter and shrimp. Lemon also helps brighten the whole dish, making it feel light and summery.
Cajun or Seasoning Salt:
Tony Chachere’s seasoning, used in the original recipe, delivers a kick of spice without overwhelming heat. It includes paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper—a great all-in-one flavor boost. Adjust to your taste or use any other seasoning salt blend.
Chicken Broth & Water:
Chicken broth is more flavorful than plain water, helping the rice take on a savory base note. You can also use seafood or vegetable broth for a pescatarian twist.
Parsley:
A finishing touch of fresh herbs not only adds color but lifts the flavor. Use flat-leaf parsley for the best texture and flavor.
How to Customize This Dish
Add Vegetables:
This dish is flexible. Try adding diced bell peppers, peas, spinach, or even cherry tomatoes for a veggie-packed version. Sauté them briefly before adding the rice to ensure even cooking.
Make It Creamy:
For a luxurious version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese once the rice is done cooking. This turns the dish into a comforting, creamy seafood risotto-like meal.
Go Spicy:
Love heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic or use a spicy Cajun blend. You could also finish the dish with a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce.
Use Different Protein:
Not a fan of shrimp? This recipe works beautifully with diced chicken, scallops, or even tofu. Just adjust the cook time accordingly based on your protein choice.
Best Cooking Tools to Use
A deep, heavy-bottomed skillet with a lid is essential. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning the rice. A nonstick skillet is even better, as it helps avoid sticking at the bottom. If you don’t have a skillet with a lid, tightly cover your pan with aluminum foil to trap the steam.
If using an Instant Pot or rice cooker, cook the rice first with broth and seasonings, then steam the shrimp on top for 5–10 minutes using the “keep warm” setting. This is a great method to avoid overcooking your shrimp.
What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice
Though the dish is a complete meal in itself, you can serve it with sides for a fuller dining experience:
- Simple Green Salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls
- Grilled Zucchini or Squash
- White Wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrusy tones
For a more indulgent twist, pair it with a buttery Chardonnay and a slice of lemon tart for dessert.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This dish is an excellent option for meal prep. Here’s how to make it work:
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture. Avoid microwaving the shrimp for too long as it may turn rubbery.
- Freezing: It’s best not to freeze this dish due to the texture changes in shrimp and rice. However, you can freeze the rice portion and add fresh-cooked shrimp later.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a look at the nutritional value per serving (approximately 1.5 cups):
- Calories: 407 kcal
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 1729mg
It’s a high-protein, moderate-carb dish that provides lasting energy and satiety. You can further reduce the sodium by using low-sodium broth and seasoning.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation
The One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice is more than just another weeknight dinner—it’s a versatile, elegant, and satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort. It brings the brightness of lemon, the richness of butter, the punch of garlic, and the sweetness of shrimp into perfect harmony with tender rice.
Whether you’re trying to impress a guest, feed a family, or just whip up a meal that makes you feel good, this dish does it all. It’s comforting yet refined, quick but not rushed, and familiar while still feeling special.
Conclusion
In a world of overcomplicated recipes, One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Rice is a breath of fresh, zesty air. Its simplicity, flavor, and flexibility make it a staple for any home cook—no matter your skill level. With the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and flavor-packed ingredients, it checks every box for the ultimate weekday dinner or even a date-night star. Add it to your recipe box today—you’ll find yourself returning to it time and again.