Healthy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Roasted Vegetables & Fluffy Rice

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly simple yet flavorful  Succulent, pan-seared shrimp infused with fragrant garlic and butter, paired with vibrant, perfectly roasted vegetables and light, fluffy rice, creates a balanced and utterly delicious meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary taste!

📜 Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for color and depth)

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup white basmati rice or jasmine rice

2 cups water or vegetable broth

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup cauliflower florets

1 cup carrots, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

📝 Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, and diced carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
  3. While the vegetables roast, prepare the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook!
  5. To serve, plate a generous portion of the fluffy rice, arrange the garlic butter shrimp alongside, and add a colorful mound of the roasted vegetables. Garnish the rice with fresh chopped parsley.

💡 Chef's Tips

  • For extra flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp just before serving adds a wonderful bright finish.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is fantastic for meal prep! Cook all components on Sunday, then portion into containers for quick, healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.