Easy One-Pan Lemon Herb Shrimp & Rice Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

Ready to transform your weeknight dinner with a zesty one-pan lemon herb shrimp & rice that promises maximum flavor and minimal cleanup?

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspired this effortless meal bursting with bright, fresh ingredients.

Succulent shrimp nestled against fluffy rice create a harmonious blend of textures and aromas.

Fragrant herbs and tangy citrus dance together, promising a meal that feels simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

Delicate seasoning allows each ingredient to shine without overwhelming the palate.

Quick preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in under thirty minutes.

Savor every bite of this simple yet elegant recipe that proves gourmet cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques.

What Makes One-Pan Lemon Herb Shrimp & Rice Easy

• Streamline Kitchen Magic: Combine shrimp and rice in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and reducing dish-washing time.
• Burst with Fresh Flavors: Infuse the dish with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, creating a vibrant and tantalizing meal that dances on your taste buds.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality dinner in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious, nutritious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Feast: Easily adapt the recipe by switching protein types or adding vegetables, making it a versatile go-to meal for different preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Shrimp & Rice

• Rice: A light and fluffy grain that serves as the foundation of this one-pan dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that provides protein and a delicate flavor to the recipe.

• Garlic, Fresh Herbs: Minced ingredients that add depth and fragrant notes to the dish.
• Lemon: A citrus fruit that brings bright, zesty flavor and helps tenderize the shrimp.

• Olive Oil, Chicken Broth: Essential liquids that help cook the rice and create a flavorful base for the dish.

How to Prepare One-Pan Lemon Herb Shrimp & Rice

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Rinse rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Finely mince garlic and chop fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and gently sauté the minced garlic and herbs until they release their fragrant aroma, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Toast Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring carefully to coat each grain with the herb-infused oil, creating a delicious base for your one-pan meal.

Step 4: Liquid Magic

Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to merge and intensify.

Step 5: Cook and Cover

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Arrange shrimp evenly across the rice’s surface. Cover the skillet and let everything cook together, about 15-20 minutes, until the shrimp turn opaque and the rice becomes perfectly tender.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Using a fork, delicately fluff the rice. Sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your easy, delicious one-pan meal.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Herb Shrimp & Rice

• Washing rice removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that won't become sticky or clumpy during cooking.
• Chop herbs and mince garlic in advance to streamline the cooking process and prevent burning or overcooking ingredients.
• Sauteing garlic and herbs in olive oil releases their aromatic oils, creating a rich, deep flavor base for the entire dish.
• Use precise measurements of chicken broth and lemon juice to achieve perfectly cooked rice without becoming too dry or soggy.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn opaque to prevent rubbery texture, ensuring tender and succulent seafood in every bite.

Flavor Variations for Lemon Herb Shrimp & Rice

• Mediterranean Seafood Swap: Replace shrimp with tender white fish like cod or halibut for a different protein option that keeps the light, zesty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Substitute shrimp with roasted chickpeas or firm tofu cubes, maintaining the herb and lemon seasoning for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to create a lower-carb, gluten-free meal that still delivers rich, aromatic flavors.
• Spicy Cajun Fusion: Add Cajun seasoning and swap chicken broth for seafood stock to transform the dish with a bold, spicy New Orleans-inspired approach.

Pairing Ideas for Lemon Herb Shrimp & Rice

Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the bright lemon and herb flavors, cutting through the richness of the shrimp.

Create a light mixed green salad with orange segments, fennel, and a lemon vinaigrette that echoes the dish’s citrusy profile and provides a refreshing contrast.

Offer warm, crusty sourdough or ciabatta with olive oil and herbs for dipping, which enhances the Mediterranean coastal feel of the shrimp and rice dish.

Prepare a cool, tangy yogurt-based tzatziki sauce with fresh dill and cucumber that adds a creamy texture and cooling element to the spicy and zesty main course.

How to Store Lemon Herb Shrimp & Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 1-2 days maximum to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Transfer cooled shrimp and rice to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water. Stir gently to redistribute moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until thoroughly warmed, about 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use basmati or jasmine rice for similar results.

• How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and curl into a C-shape, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.

• Is it okay to substitute chicken broth with water?

While possible, chicken broth adds more flavor, so using broth is recommended for a tastier dish.

One-Pan Lemon Herb Shrimp & Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Mediterranean flavors dance through this delightful one-pan lemon herb shrimp & rice, bringing coastal sunshine to your dinner table. Quick and elegant preparations promise a restaurant-quality meal that connects Mediterranean comfort with home-cooked simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Grains:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse rice under cold water until liquid runs clear, draining completely.
2. Finely mince garlic and chop fresh herbs, setting aside for later use.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, sautéing garlic and herbs until aromatic, approximately 1-2 minutes.
4. Introduce rinsed rice to the skillet, carefully coating grains with fragrant oil mixture.
5. Pour chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the skillet, allowing liquid to reach a rolling boil.
6. Lower heat to minimum setting, gently arranging shrimp in an even layer across rice surface.
7. Cover skillet and allow contents to simmer quietly, cooking until shrimp turn completely opaque and rice reaches tender consistency, roughly 15-20 minutes.
8. Using a fork, delicately separate and fluff rice grains to ensure even texture.
9. Sprinkle additional chopped herbs over the dish for vibrant color and enhanced flavor profile before serving.

Notes

• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that won’t clump together.
• Use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for maximum flavor and vibrant color in the dish.
• Choose large or jumbo shrimp for a more substantial texture and easier cooking control.
• Adjust liquid ratio if using brown rice, which requires more cooking time and broth compared to white rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg