Looking for a delicious and lighter alternative to traditional shrimp scampi? Try this easy Shrimp Scampi Over Cauliflower Rice! With tender shrimp simmered in a zesty garlic and butter sauce, served atop cauliflower rice, this dish is quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests without breaking a sweat!
Budget Information
This delightful Shrimp Scampi Over Cauliflower Rice recipe will cost you about $15.00 in total, making it just around $3.75 per serving for four people. Here’s the breakdown of the costs:
- Shrimp (1.5 pounds): $9.00
- Cauliflower (1 head): $3.00
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): $1.00
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): $0.50
- Garlic (3 cloves): $0.50
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): $0.50
- Chicken broth (1/4 cup): $0.50
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup): $0.50
- Red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper: $0.50
Why This Recipe Works
This Shrimp Scampi Over Cauliflower Rice recipe is a winner for several reasons! Not only does it combine the classic bold flavors of shrimp scampi—think garlic, lemon, and buttery goodness—but it does so with a healthy twist by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta. This way, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health; you get both! Plus, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you still want something gourmet.
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Gather your ingredients for this flavorful dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds of shrimp (31-40 count, deveined and peeled) – $9.00
- 1 head of cauliflower – $3.00
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – $1.00
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – $0.50
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced – $0.50
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – $0.50
- 1/4 cup chicken broth – $0.50
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – $0.50
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – $0.50
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – $0.10
- Pinch of black pepper – $0.10
For some optional additions, consider:
- Chopped shallots for added depth
- Shaved Brussels sprouts for crunch
- Cajun seasoning for extra spice
- Shaved parmesan cheese for a touch of creaminess
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to whip up this Seafood sensation:
Step 1: Start by thawing your shrimp if they’re frozen. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel and set aside. This will ensure they sear beautifully in the pan.
Step 2: Prepare your cauliflower rice. You can buy this pre-riced or make it yourself! To make it, chop the cauliflower into florets, then use a food processor to pulse it into rice-sized bits. Be careful not to over-process! Once you have your cauliflower rice ready, set it aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 of the butter. Let them melt together and create a lovely aromatic base. Immediately add in the minced garlic, stirring it around for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—this step is crucial for maximizing flavor!
Step 4: Next, add in the thawed shrimp to the pan, seasoning them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them; shrimp cook quickly!
Step 5: Once your shrimp are beautifully cooked, transfer them to a plate and keep warm. Take the same skillet and pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Let it simmer on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release all those flavorful brown bits.
Step 6: After the broth has reduced a bit, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining butter and chopped parsley. This buttery, garlicky sauce is the star of your dish!
Step 7: Now, time to prepare the cauliflower rice! In a separate pan, sauté the cauliflower rice with a drizzle of olive oil for about 3-5 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Finally, it’s time to serve! On a plate, layer the cauliflower rice and top with the succulent shrimp and drizzle the garlicky sauce over everything. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for that gourmet touch, and voila—dinner is served!
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional info per serving:
- Calories: 352
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store any leftovers, make sure the dish is cooled to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend using the microwave or stovetop. If using the stove, gently reheat the shrimp scampi mixture on low heat while adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. The cauliflower rice can be warmed up quickly and will soak up that delicious sauce beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp Scampi Over Cauliflower Rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think light! A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can cleanse the palate perfectly. Grilled asparagus or roasted vegetables add a healthy crunch. If you want something heartier, a slice of crusty garlic bread for dipping in the garlicky sauce is always a hit!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
When making this dish, fresh ingredients are your best friend! If possible, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for superior flavor and texture. Don’t shy away from garlic—feel free to add more if you love that garlicky punch! And if you want to make this dish a bit spicier, throw in a bit more red pepper or use a spicy olive oil. Remember, cooking should be fun, so feel free to experiment!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Just make sure you thaw them properly before cooking for the best results.
Can I substitute the cauliflower rice with regular rice? Sure! While that will change the dish to being higher in carbs, you can use any type of rice you prefer.
How do I store leftovers? Make sure to cool the dish before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
Can I use other seafood? Absolutely! This recipe can also work with scallops or even chicken breast!
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes! This recipe is completely gluten-free as long as you ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
