Description
Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Rice
A rich and flavorful creamy shrimp dish served over fluffy rice, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
:
For the creamy shrimp:
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Fresh parsley for garnish
For the rice:
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
Salt to taste
Instructions
:
Cook the Rice:
In a medium pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice and a pinch of salt.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Shrimp:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Assemble the Plate:
Serve the creamy shrimp over the cooked rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
This creamy garlic shrimp dish is indulgent and full of flavor, paired perfectly with fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by preparing your ingredients: measure the cream, broth, and spices, and ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. Start cooking the rice first, as it can rest while you make the shrimp. For the sauce, keep the heat at medium to prevent the garlic from burning when you sauté it. Once you add the cream and broth, let the sauce simmer gently; a rapid boil can cause the cream to separate. The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Finish with lemon juice and parsley just before serving to preserve their bright flavors.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious over simple rice, this creamy shrimp also pairs wonderfully with other bases. Try it over pasta, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or creamy polenta. For a complete meal, serve with a side of steamed asparagus, green beans, or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the luxurious sauce.
How-to Summary
Cook rice until fluffy. Sauté garlic in butter, then cook shrimp until pink. Add broth, cream, and spices, simmering until the sauce thickens. Finish with lemon juice and parsley. Serve the creamy shrimp sauce over the prepared rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, and use olive oil instead of butter.
What if my sauce is too thin? Create a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Sauté diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms with the garlic before adding the shrimp.
How should I store leftovers? Store shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to the shrimp sauce to refresh its consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp: They become rubbery. Cook only until just opaque and pink.
- Burning the garlic: Sauté it on medium heat for only 1-2 minutes until fragrant, not brown.
- Boiling the cream sauce: A simmer is key. A hard boil can cause the sauce to curdle or separate.
- Underseasoning: Sauce components like rice, broth, and cream need ample seasoning. Taste and adjust at the end.
- Crowding the pan: Cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure proper searing and avoid steaming.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Rice is a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home. The combination of succulent shrimp in a rich, garlicky sauce with fluffy rice is both comforting and elegant. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this versatile dish. It’s a perfect, quick dinner for any night of the week that is sure to impress.