If you’re craving something that feels both indulgent and comforting, the Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dish brilliantly combines succulent salmon and perfectly cooked shrimp glazed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, all resting atop a bed of rich, fragrant garlic butter rice. Each bite delivers a delightful harmony of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors that will have you coming back for seconds faster than you can say “yum.” Whether it’s a special dinner or a midweek treat, this Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice Recipe is an absolute delight to prepare and devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in building those incredible layers of flavor and texture. From the flaky salmon and juicy shrimp to the fragrant garlic butter rice, every component shines on its own while coming together in perfect harmony.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Use medium-sized shrimp for even cooking and succulent bites.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and saltiness to the glaze.
- Garlic (minced): A must-have to give both sauce and rice their irresistible aroma.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear on your seafood.
- Butter: Used in both the rice and cooking, it lends a silky richness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavors without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): For a bright, herbaceous garnish that lifts the dish.
- Jasmine rice (or preferred rice): Its fragrant, slightly sticky texture complements the buttery garlic flavor.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (or water): Provides the cooking liquid for the rice, adding subtle depth if broth is used.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Rice
Start by melting butter in a medium pot over medium heat to create that luscious base flavor. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté gently for about a minute until you can smell that intoxicating garlicky aroma — this step locks in flavor that infuses the entire rice dish. Then stir in your rice, coating every grain in that buttery garlicky goodness before adding your cooking liquid and salt. Simmer the rice covered until it’s tender and fluffy, then fluff it up with a fork to let every grain shine.
Step 2: Whip Up the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the rice is cooking, mix the sweet honey, salty soy sauce, and more minced garlic in a small bowl. This magical blend will become your glaze and tie all those flavors together with sweetness and umami in every bite.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon and Shrimp
Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter to get that perfect sear going. Season your salmon and shrimp simply with salt and pepper to let their natural flavors shine. Start by placing the salmon skin-side down to get a crispy edge; cook thoroughly so it flakes effortlessly. Remove the salmon when done, then cook the shrimp in the same pan until they turn beautifully pink and opaque.
Step 4: Glaze with Honey Garlic Sauce
Turn the heat down and pour your honey garlic sauce over the salmon and shrimp right in the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and let the sauce reduce just a little, thickening up to a glossy, sticky finish that clings to every nook and cranny of your seafood.
Step 5: Assemble and Garnish
Plate your fluffy garlic butter rice first, then lay the glazed salmon and shrimp over the top. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and a fresh, vibrant touch. Now you’re ready to enjoy a dish that’s as stunning to serve as it is delicious to eat.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds brightness, but you can also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or thinly sliced green onions for a burst of sharp freshness. A wedge of lemon served alongside can brighten the flavors even more at the table.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or snap peas to add a fresh, crisp contrast. A side cucumber salad or pickled vegetables can also elevate the meal with their coolness and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving the salmon and shrimp on a rustic wooden board with rice in individual bowls for a family-style experience. You can also arrange the seafood over the rice in a colorful deep dish and drizzle extra sauce on top for added indulgence. Using banana leaves or large lettuce leaves as a base can offer a fun, tropical vibe while keeping things casual and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooked salmon, shrimp, and garlic butter rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Keeping them separate helps prevent the seafood from over-saturating the rice, preserving texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked rice and seafood separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best quality and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to the rice if needed to keep it moist. For the salmon and shrimp, a quick warm-up in a skillet or oven keeps them tender without drying out. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent rubbery seafood.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp or salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the seafood before cooking to ensure even cooking and to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
What type of rice works best for the garlic butter rice?
Jasmine rice is ideal due to its natural fragrance and slightly sticky texture, but basmati or any medium-grain rice will also work well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, opt for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Add some red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha into the honey garlic sauce for a nice kick of heat that balances the sweetness.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque center. Overcooking can dry it out, so watch carefully as it cooks about 4-5 minutes per side.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try the Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to bring restaurant-worthy flavors right into your own kitchen with simple steps and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this dish promises a satisfying and memorable meal that’s full of heart and flavor. Give it a go and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice recipe features perfectly cooked salmon fillets and succulent shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Served atop fragrant garlic butter jasmine rice, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Fats & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Garlic Butter Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice (or your preferred rice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter Rice: In a medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic and fragrant.
- Add Rice: Stir in 1 cup of jasmine rice, coating the grains evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Cook Rice: Pour in 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (or water) and season with salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff rice with a fork.
- Make Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 3 cloves minced garlic until combined.
- Heat Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
- Season Seafood: Season the salmon fillets and shrimp with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook Salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are opaque.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Reduce heat to low. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the salmon and shrimp, tossing gently to coat evenly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Place the cooked garlic butter rice on plates and top with the honey garlic salmon and shrimp. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the jasmine rice with basmati or long-grain rice if preferred.
- For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduced-sodium broth or water.
- Shrimp size can vary; adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer, or add a cornstarch slurry to help thicken.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus.
