Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables
Juicy and flavorful, Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables is the perfect dish for any occasion. This quick and healthy meal brings together succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to delight. With its bold flavors and simple preparation, you’ll want to add this dish to your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from shrimp and vitamins from mixed vegetables.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce elevates the shrimp’s taste to new heights.
- Easy Cleanup: One skillet and one pot are all you need, making cleanup a breeze.

Tools and Preparation
To make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Steamer basket (or a microwave-safe bowl)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Ideal for searing the shrimp quickly while creating that delicious garlic butter flavor.
- Saucepan: Perfect for cooking rice evenly without burning it.
- Steamer basket: Ensures vegetables retain their nutrients while becoming tender-crisp.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 200g (about 7 oz) shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 tsp olive oil or butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
- Add rice and salt, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Steam broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Toss them with olive oil or butter, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp along with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Plate
Arrange rice, shrimp, and vegetables on a plate. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: ~420 kcal per serving
Servings: 1
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables
Serving Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables can elevate your dining experience. This dish is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Cilantro: Use cilantro for an aromatic touch that pairs well with shrimp.
With Citrus
- Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the shrimp for an extra zing.
- Lime Zest: Grate some lime zest over the dish before serving for added brightness.
With Sauces
- Soy Sauce: A drizzle of soy sauce can enhance the umami flavor of the shrimp.
- Sriracha: For those who enjoy heat, offer Sriracha as a spicy condiment.
Garnished Plates
- Edible Flowers: Add edible flowers for an elegant presentation that impresses guests.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the vegetables to add texture and flavor.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables
Perfecting Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables is simple with a few key tips. These suggestions will help you achieve the best flavor and texture in your dish.
- Shrimp Choice: Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for optimal taste and texture.
- Melt Butter Carefully: Ensure you melt butter on medium heat to prevent burning and maintain its rich flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking: Cook shrimp just until pink, as overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors in this dish.
- Use Quality Rice: Opt for jasmine or basmati rice for fluffy, fragrant results that complement the shrimp well.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables enhances your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any garlic butter from the shrimp.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the shrimp.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements this dish’s flavors wonderfully; grill or boil it as preferred.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with veggies offers a nutritious side that pairs well.
- Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in sesame oil brings a refreshing contrast to your plate.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains add a delightful sweetness that balances savory notes in the main dish.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and healthy, zucchini noodles provide a low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned simply can be a satisfying side option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables can be a quick and enjoyable process. However, some common mistakes can hinder your results.
- Skipping the Rinse: Many skip rinsing the rice before cooking. This can lead to a sticky texture. Always rinse until the water runs clear for fluffy rice.
- Overcooking Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and tough. Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and slightly crispy for the best texture.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Some forget to season each component of the dish. Ensure you season the rice, shrimp, and vegetables separately to enhance their flavors.
- Not Prepping Vegetables: Failing to cut vegetables uniformly can result in uneven cooking. Chop them into similar sizes for consistent tenderness.
- Using Too Much Heat: Cooking on high heat can burn garlic quickly. Use medium-high heat to sauté garlic gently without burning it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place food in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low in a skillet, stirring frequently until hot. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What type of rice is best?
Jasmine or basmati rice is ideal due to their fragrant qualities and fluffy texture when cooked.
How can I customize the vegetables?
Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference! Bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini are great alternatives.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheat easily throughout the week.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables is not only quick but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of juicy shrimp, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies makes this dish delightful and versatile. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasoning levels according to your taste preferences. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Steamed Rice & Mixed Vegetables is a delightful meal bursting with flavor and nutrients. This quick and healthy dish combines succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, fluffy jasmine rice, and vibrant mixed vegetables, making it perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. In just 25 minutes, you can serve up this colorful plate that not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body. With simple preparation and easy cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a beloved addition to your culinary repertoire.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing/Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup white rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Olive oil or additional butter for vegetables
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse rice until water runs clear. Boil water in a saucepan, add rice and salt. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Steam broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp; toss with olive oil or butter, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add shrimp with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly crispy.
- Serve by arranging rice on plates topped with shrimp and vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 185mg