If you’re on the hunt for a showstopping meal that dazzles with flavor and comes together in a flash, this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice is your new weeknight hero. Succulent shrimp bask in a rich garlic butter sauce, nestled on a bed of bright, cheesy cauliflower rice that soaks up every drop of goodness. Best of all, it’s a breeze to make and feels oh-so-special whether you’re serving friends, family, or just treating yourself to something delicious and wholesome.

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how such a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create a dish so bold and crave-worthy. Each component in Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice plays a starring role, contributing just the right pop of taste, color, or creamy richness.

Shrimp: Choose medium, raw shrimp—peeled and deveined for maximum flavor and easy eating.
Unsalted butter: This is the base of our luscious garlic sauce, so make sure it’s good quality.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of this brings herby, aromatic depth to the shrimp.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle, savory warmth without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste—freshly cracked pepper is always best here.
Vegetable stock: Adds umami richness and keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
Sriracha or favorite hot sauce: Just a touch for gentle heat—feel free to adjust to your liking.
Cauliflower head, riced: This grain-free base soaks up all the sauce while staying fluffy and light.
White onion, chopped: Brings a little sweet crunch to every bite of the cauliflower rice.
Garlic, minced: The star of the show—go for fresh cloves for the best flavor punch.
Parmesan, finely grated: Melts into the rice for a creamy, umami-packed finish—don’t skimp!
Lemon juice (and zest, if desired): Provides brightness and zing that ties everything together.
Red chili pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle on for extra color and a lively kick of spice.
Fresh parsley, chopped: For a final burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of green on your plate.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Begin by arranging your shrimp in a bowl or shallow plate and give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let the seasoning hug each piece—this simple step makes a big difference in flavor, ensuring every shrimp is savory all the way through.

Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower Rice

Heat up a large skillet over medium heat, then melt half of your butter for that unmistakable richness. Toss in half of your minced garlic and all the chopped onion, sautéing just until everything is fragrant—keep watch so nothing browns. Pour in your riced cauliflower and toss well, making sure every grain gets a buttery coating. Stir and let it sizzle for about a minute, waking up all those flavors.

Step 3: Add Flavor to the Rice

Splash in two tablespoons of your vegetable stock, half the parsley, and a little lemon zest if you want an extra burst of citrus. Let most of the liquid cook off, then stir in the lemon juice and two-thirds of the Parmesan. A quick toss and another minute of cook time turns your cauliflower rice into a bright, cheesy bed. Transfer the rice to a shallow plate while you move on to the shrimp.

Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp

Using the same pan (just give it a quick wipe if anything is too browned), melt the rest of your butter and add your seasoned shrimp. Let them cook for a minute or two on one side, so they start to turn juicy pink and a little bit golden at the edges.

Step 5: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Sprinkle your remaining minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion powder over the shrimp. Flip them over and stir to coat in all that aromatic goodness. Pour in the rest of the vegetable stock along with the Sriracha, and finally, the remaining Parmesan. Let the sauce reduce just for a minute, thickening up and clinging to every shrimp. Don’t let them overcook—they should stay plump and tender.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Push the shrimp to one side and add the cauliflower rice back to the skillet to quickly reheat and soak up flavor. Adjust your seasoning and don’t forget a pinch of red chili flakes for heat if you love that kick. Toss in your remaining parsley, add some lemon slices for flair, and bring the Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice straight to the table—family style, piping hot, and ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice

Garnishes

For a bright finish, scatter a handful of freshly chopped parsley and a few extra lemon wedges or slices right before serving. Another quick grate of Parmesan on top adds irresistible creaminess and a hint of salty crunch. If you’re a spice lover, a sprinkle of red chili flakes gives a pretty pop of color and heat—plus, it looks stunning!

Side Dishes

Thanks to the hearty cauliflower rice, this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice is a one-pan wonder, but you can elevate the meal with a crisp green salad or some steamed asparagus on the side. Optionally, a few slices of crusty bread are perfect for mopping up any extra garlic butter sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy dinner, spoon the cauliflower rice into a shallow serving dish and artfully arrange the shrimp over top. Or, serve in individual bowls with extra lemon wedges for squeezing at the table. For a cocktail party spin, mound the cauliflower rice onto endive leaves and top each one with a shrimp—delicious bites, ready for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cool any extra Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to three days, making it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

While shrimp can sometimes become a bit rubbery after freezing, you can freeze the cauliflower rice on its own for up to two months. If you’d like to freeze the completed dish, do so in a well-sealed, freezer-safe container, and thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen up the sauce if needed. The key is to warm everything through gently, preserving the tender texture of the shrimp and keeping the cauliflower rice fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. Frozen shrimp are just as delicious and make this recipe even more accessible.

Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or skip the Parmesan entirely—the dish will still be bursting with flavor thanks to the garlic, lemon, and herbs.

Is it possible to prepare the cauliflower rice ahead of time?

Definitely. You can rice the cauliflower and store it (uncooked) in the fridge for up to two days or in the freezer for longer. This saves you time when you’re ready to cook dinner.

What’s the best way to rice cauliflower at home?

You can pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they’re rice-sized, or grate them with a box grater for a quick, fresh alternative to store-bought riced cauliflower.

Can I substitute another protein for the shrimp?

Of course! Try bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or cubes of firm tofu, adjusting the cooking time as needed for the best results. The garlic butter sauce is incredibly versatile and goes well with both.

Final Thoughts

With its vibrant flavors and quick prep, Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice is bound to become your go-to for meals that feel indulgent but come together effortlessly. Give it a try—you’ll love every bite, and so will anyone lucky enough to grab a fork!

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delectable recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon Parmesan Cauliflower Rice, a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines succulent shrimp with fragrant garlic, zesty lemon, and creamy Parmesan cauliflower rice.

Instructions

To make the garlic butter shrimp with lemon cauliflower rice: In a bowl or shallow plate, season shrimp with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and fry half the garlic and the chopped onion for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet and stir to mix everything together well and coat in melted butter. Cook, stirring regularly for 1 minute.
Stir in the 2 tablespoons vegetable stock, about half the parsley, and lemon zest. Cook for one minute to reduce juices then add the lemon juice and 2/3 of the Parmesan cheese. Cook for another minute until cauliflower rice is crisp-tender. Remove to a shallow plate and set aside.
In the same pan, melt 2 remaining tablespoons butter and add seasoned shrimp. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes on one side.
Add the remaining minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion powder to the shrimp. Stir to combine and flip the shrimp to cook on the opposite side. Cook shrimp for 1 minute then add 1/4 cup vegetable stock and Sriracha. Sprinkle shrimp with remaining Parmesan and allow the sauce to reduce for 1 minute, making sure not to overcook the shrimp.
Push shrimp to the side and add cauliflower rice back to the pan to reheat quickly. Adjust seasoning as needed with black pepper and red chili pepper flakes. Stir in the remaining parsley, add lemon slices and serve the garlic parmesan shrimp and cauliflower rice immediately. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté, Pan-Fry
Cuisine: American