Garlic Prawns and Rice Recipe: Buttery Shrimp With Fragrant Jasmine

This dish combines tender prawns with fragrant jasmine rice for a restaurant-quality meal at home. The shrimp cook quickly in a buttery garlic sauce, absorbing rich flavors while staying perfectly succulent.

With simple ingredients and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll create a balanced plate where every bite delivers aromatic garlic, sweet shrimp, and fluffy rice. The technique ensures consistent results every time.

Ingredients for Garlic Prawns and Rice

Tender shrimp, fragrant jasmine rice, and a golden garlic sauce make this dish sing.

The shrimp quality is paramount here. Wild-caught Gulf shrimp or sustainably farmed from brands like Sealect or Pure Ocean deliver the best texture and flavor. Size matters—opt for 16/20 count (about 1.5 lb for 4) for even cooking. Jasmine rice should be Thai-grown for authentic fragrance; Three Rings or Golden Phoenix are reliable brands at most supermarkets.

No white wine? Additional chicken stock with a splash of lemon juice works in a pinch. For a richer sauce, substitute half the butter with heavy cream (though this alters the dish’s lightness). Shrimp can be swapped for scallops or firm white fish like cod, but reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes. Fresh parsley is ideal, but cilantro or chives add a nice variation.

Cook the rice first—it keeps warm for 30 minutes without issue. The shrimp are best served immediately but can be gently reheated with a splash of stock for 1-2 days. Avoid freezing cooked shrimp, as they become rubbery. Store leftover rice in an airtight container.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Prawns and Rice

Master these techniques for restaurant-quality shrimp and perfectly cooked jasmine rice every time.

Step 1: Prepare and Par-Cook the Jasmine Rice

Rinse the 2 cups jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs completely clear. This removes excess starch and prevents gummy rice. I always use a fine-mesh strainer for this step to catch all the grains.

Combine the rinsed rice with 2.5 cups chicken stock in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes—this steam-finishing ensures even cooking without burning.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for Maximum Flavor

Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent and just beginning to caramelize at the edges. This builds the flavor foundation for your shrimp.

Add the minced 8 cloves garlic cloves and 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Be vigilant here—garlic burns quickly. The moment it turns light golden at the edges, it’s ready for the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection

Increase heat to medium-high and add the 1.5 lb large shrimp in a single layer. Season immediately with 1.5 tsp kosher salt and 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until the edges turn opaque white.

Flip the shrimp and add 0.5 cup dry white wine and 0.25 cup unsalted butter. The wine should sizzle and deglaze the pan, lifting all those browned bits. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are just cooked through—they’ll turn pink and opaque with a slight C-shape curl.

Step 4: Finish with Brightness and Serve

Squeeze the juice from 1 whole fresh lemon over the shrimp and stir to combine. The acidity will cut through the richness of the butter and brighten all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—though with the salted shrimp and buttery sauce, it’s usually perfect.

Divide the steamed jasmine rice among four plates. Top with the shrimp and all that glorious garlic butter sauce. Garnish with the 0.25 cup fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the shrimp are at their peak tenderness.

Flavor Customization for This garlic prawns and rice

Spice It Up

For heat lovers, add 1 tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tbsp sriracha to the garlic butter sauce. I also love adding ½ tsp smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. 🌶️

Herb Variations

Swap the parsley garnish for fresh cilantro or basil for a different herbal note. For a Mediterranean twist, stir in 1 tbsp chopped dill or oregano at the end. These herbs add freshness without overpowering.

Citrus Boost

Try adding 1 tsp lime zest along with the lemon juice for a brighter, more complex citrus profile. A splash of orange juice (2 tbsp) can also add a sweet-tart dimension that complements the garlic beautifully.

Creamy Richness

For a decadent variation, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end. This creates a luxurious sauce that clings to the rice. Alternatively, a dollop of crème fraîche on each serving adds tangy richness.

Umami Depth

Add 1 tbsp fish sauce or 1 tsp soy sauce to the sauce for an umami punch. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top also works surprisingly well, adding a salty, nutty note.

Vegetable Addition

Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms or ½ cup diced bell peppers with the shallots for extra texture and flavor. I often add 1 cup baby spinach at the very end—it wilts in seconds and adds color.

Frequently Asked Questions