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Southern Garlic Shrimp & Salmon over Rice

Comforting southern-style garlic shrimp and salmon served over fluffy white rice with a rich, creamy garlic sauce—perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a celebration.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 fillet salmon fresh or thawed
  • 12-15 large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups cooked white rice fluffy
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Season the salmon fillet with salt, black pepper, paprika, and drizzle with olive oil to create a flavorful crust.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pan, add butter and melt. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Add shrimp to the pan, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried parsley. Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle onion powder and cayenne pepper if using. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Stir in lemon juice to add brightness and cut through the richness.
  7. Step 7: To serve, spoon cooked white rice onto plates, place the seared salmon on top, then ladle the shrimp and creamy garlic sauce over everything. Drizzle with any pan juices for extra flavor.

Notes

Use brown or cauliflower rice for a healthier variation. Substitute shrimp with scallops or crab meat, and salmon with trout or cod. Add smoked paprika or Old Bay seasoning for extra southern flair. Toss in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for a veggie boost. Sprinkle Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy touch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently to avoid overcooking.