Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Rice
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Rice! is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Matthew Augusta on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 34 min
Cost: $15.44 total, $3.86 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp (peeled and deveined, medium‑large size)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (plus a pinch for shallots)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 medium Shallots (finely minced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme (leaves only, roughly chopped)
- ½ cup Dry White Wine (use a cooking‑grade wine you would drink)
- 1 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked; yields about 3 cups cooked)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Pan
Place the large skillet over medium‑high heat and add the olive oil, letting it shimmer.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Sear Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for about 1 minute per side until pink and just opaque.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Set Shrimp Aside
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside while you build the sauce.
Time: PT0.5M
Sauté Shallots
In the same skillet, add the minced shallots, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for about 30 seconds until just softened.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: Medium
Add Garlic & Thyme
Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: Medium
Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine, stirring to lift any browned bits, and let it reduce until almost completely evaporated (about 2 minutes).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Add Stock and Reduce
Stir in the chicken stock and simmer, reducing the liquid by roughly half (about 3 minutes).
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Finish the Sauce
Turn off the heat and immediately whisk in the grated Parmesan, butter pieces, and lemon juice until the butter melts and the sauce becomes glossy.
Time: PT1M
Combine Rice
Stir the cooked rice into the skillet, coating each grain with the buttery sauce.
Time: PT1M
Re‑Add Shrimp
Return the shrimp to the pan, toss gently, and let sit for about 1 minute to re‑warm.
Time: PT1M
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, give a final quick stir, and serve immediately.
Time: PT0.5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free stock)
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shrimp: Scallops, Firm white fish fillets
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt, sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Shallots: Red onion, yellow onion (half amount)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Instead of Dry White Wine: Chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable stock, water with bouillon
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, ghee
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice, white wine vinegar (½ tsp)
- Instead of Long Grain White Rice: Basmati rice, brown rice (increase cooking time)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro, chives
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Saucepan with Lid
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and just opaque.
- Reduce the wine fully before adding stock to avoid a watery sauce.
- Add Parmesan and butter off the heat to keep the sauce smooth.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh thyme leaves for the brightest flavor; dried thyme can be used but reduce the amount by half.
- A splash of good-quality white wine adds depth; avoid cooking wines with high salt.
- Finish with a little zest of lemon for extra brightness.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp become rubbery.
Cook shrimp only 1 minute per side and remove them as soon as they turn pink. Re‑heat only briefly when returning to the pan.
Sauce is too thin.
Continue reducing the stock a little longer, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water).
Sauce turns grainy after adding cheese.
Turn off the heat before adding Parmesan and butter; whisk quickly to emulsify.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
Freezer: Not recommended – shrimp texture degrades after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat with a splash of stock.
- The sauce can be prepared up to the point of adding butter; keep butter separate and stir in just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of garlic butter shrimp in American coastal cuisine?
Garlic butter shrimp is a staple of American coastal cooking, especially in the Gulf and New England regions where fresh shrimp are abundant. The simple combination of butter, garlic, and citrus reflects the quick, flavor‑forward dishes that fishermen historically prepared on the boat deck.
What regional variations of garlic butter shrimp exist within United States cuisine?
In the South, the dish often includes Cajun seasoning and is served over grits. In the Pacific Northwest, smoked salmon or Dungeness crab may be added. The Italian‑American version, like this recipe, incorporates Parmesan, thyme, and white wine for a richer sauce.
How is garlic butter shrimp traditionally served in New England seafood restaurants?
New England eateries typically serve garlic butter shrimp over a bed of buttery rice or alongside a warm baguette, allowing diners to soak up the buttery broth. A squeeze of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of parsley are common finishing touches.
What occasions or celebrations is garlic butter shrimp commonly associated with in American cuisine?
Garlic butter shrimp is popular for casual gatherings, summer barbecues, and quick weeknight meals. It also appears on holiday brunch menus because it can be prepared in under 30 minutes while still feeling special.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional garlic butter shrimp dish versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh shrimp, unsalted butter, garlic, fresh thyme, dry white wine, and Parmesan cheese. Acceptable substitutes are dried thyme (use half the amount), chicken broth instead of stock, and a splash of lemon juice for acidity if wine is omitted.
What other American side dishes pair well with garlic butter shrimp and rice?
Crisp green salads with vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or a simple corn on the cob complement the rich shrimp dish. A light coleslaw also adds a refreshing contrast.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making garlic butter shrimp from Matthew Augusta's recipe?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, not reducing the wine fully, and adding Parmesan while the pan is still on high heat, which can cause a grainy sauce. Follow the timing cues and add cheese off the heat for best results.
Why does this garlic butter shrimp recipe use wine reduction instead of simply adding more stock?
The wine reduction adds acidity and depth that stock alone cannot provide. It deglazes the pan, lifts caramelized bits, and creates a nuanced flavor base before the stock is added.
Can I make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can cook the shrimp and sauce up to the point of adding the butter. Store the sauce and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and stir in the butter just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Matthew Augusta specialize in?
The YouTube channel Matthew Augusta focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking recipes that require minimal ingredients and equipment, often highlighting classic American comfort foods with a modern twist.
How does the YouTube channel Matthew Augusta's approach to seafood cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Matthew Augusta emphasizes speed and simplicity, using pantry staples and straightforward techniques to make seafood dishes like this garlic butter shrimp accessible to beginners, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate plating or advanced techniques.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
