Yes, you can make a delicious garlic butter shrimp rice right in your rice cooker for a satisfying weeknight dinner. No stove, no mess—just juicy shrimp, garlicky butter flavor, and perfectly cooked rice in one pot. This easy rice cooker recipe combines comfort food vibes with gourmet taste, all under 30 minutes of prep and cook time.
Let’s break down how this one-pot rice cooker shrimp dish becomes your go-to meal for busy evenings.
Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Works in a Rice Cooker
The rice cooker isn’t just for rice—it’s perfect for layered meals that steam, infuse, and cook all in one cycle. When you cook shrimp and rice together, the seafood flavor gets absorbed by the rice while the garlic butter keeps everything moist and rich.
Key Reasons This Recipe Works So Well
Here’s why garlic butter shrimp rice is a weeknight favorite:
- One-pot convenience: Everything cooks in the rice cooker—no pans to wash.
- Perfect flavor blend: The butter, garlic, and shrimp juices infuse every grain of rice.
- Moist, tender shrimp: Steam cooking ensures your shrimp won’t turn rubbery.
Ingredients for Rice Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice
This dish uses common ingredients found in most kitchens. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
- 1/2 lb medium raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups water or chicken broth
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step: Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice in a Rice Cooker
Cooking this dish is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
- Rinse white rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Drain completely and set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
- Toss shrimp with garlic, paprika, pepper, salt, and chili flakes.
- Let sit while prepping other ingredients (10 minutes is enough).
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Rice Cooker
- Add rice and water or broth into the rice cooker pot.
- Layer butter on top, then add shrimp.
- Pour in lemon juice and give it a light stir.
Step 4: Cook and Rest
- Set your rice cooker to “Cook” and wait for it to switch to “Warm.”
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before opening the lid.
Step 5: Fluff and Garnish
- Gently fluff with a spoon to mix everything.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips to Enhance Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice
There are easy ways to elevate this recipe with extra flavor and texture.
Ideas to Make It Even Better
Try these add-ins for variation:
- Add frozen peas or corn before cooking for color and nutrients.
- Mix in a splash of white wine with the broth for a gourmet twist.
Nutritional Value of This Shrimp Rice Recipe
This dish is a solid source of lean protein and a flavorful carb base.
What Makes This Recipe a Smart Choice
Here’s the nutritional breakdown:
- High in protein from shrimp (low in fat).
- Butter adds healthy fats when used in moderation.
- Can be made gluten-free if using plain water or gluten-free broth.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This garlic butter shrimp rice is also great for make-ahead meals.
How to Store and Reheat
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in a microwave with a splash of water to bring back moisture.
- Avoid freezing as shrimp can get tough once reheated from frozen.
FAQs
Here are some questions and answers about making rice cooker garlic butter shrimp rice.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them fully before marinating to avoid extra moisture in the rice.
Will the shrimp overcook in the rice cooker?
No, as long as you use medium-sized shrimp and don’t open the lid during cooking, the gentle steam will keep them tender.
What rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice works best for fluffiness. Avoid sticky or short-grain rice for this recipe.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, but it will change the flavor slightly. Butter gives it that rich, classic taste.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Try bell peppers, green beans, or peas for color and nutrition.