Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice; 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Imagine yourself on a breezy seaside balcony, digging into a warm, buttery bowl of shrimp that’s bursting with garlicky flavor and sitting atop a bed of herbed rice. That’s exactly what this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice delivers—a restaurant-style experience right from your own kitchen. It’s vibrant, rich, and just the right balance of indulgent and light.

This dish combines juicy seared shrimp tossed in a silky garlic butter sauce with rice infused with fresh herbs. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal. With just one bite, you’ll feel like you’re enjoying dinner with an ocean view.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.
Elegant and Flavor-Packed: Rich garlic butter flavor complements the fresh herbs and tender shrimp.
Balanced Meal: Offers a satisfying combination of protein and carbs with a gourmet touch.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family or guests without complicated prep.
Customizable: Easily add veggies or swap herbs based on your taste or pantry.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting your kitchen set up for this dish will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Here are the tools you’ll want to have on hand:

Large Non-Stick Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Essential for searing shrimp evenly and creating a flavorful base for the garlic butter sauce.
Medium Saucepan: For cooking the herb rice to a fluffy finish.
Microplane or Garlic Press: Makes mincing garlic effortless and fast.
Mixing Bowl: For seasoning and prepping shrimp before cooking.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps prevent scratching your non-stick surfaces and ensures even stirring.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for a well-balanced flavor, especially for the garlic, butter, and herbs.

With these tools in place, you’re all set to bring restaurant-quality shrimp bowls straight to your dining table.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish; tender and juicy with a mild, sweet flavor.
Butter: Forms the creamy, rich base of the garlic sauce.
Garlic (minced): Brings bold, aromatic depth to the butter sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that coats the shrimp beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Provides brightness and balance to the richness.
Parsley (fresh, chopped): Adds freshness and color to both shrimp and rice.
Cooked Rice: A soft, fluffy base to soak up the sauce—jasmine or basmati work great.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Used to cook the rice with extra flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the shrimp to golden perfection.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors in both the shrimp and rice.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, toss the cleaned shrimp with salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Let it rest while you prepare the rice and sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Herb Rice

In a saucepan, bring broth to a simmer, stir in rice, a pinch of salt, and let it cook until tender. Stir in chopped parsley and a dab of butter right before serving.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute), then pour in heavy cream and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return shrimp to the pan and toss in the creamy garlic butter until well coated. Serve the shrimp generously over the herbed rice and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

How to Serve and Store This Shrimp Bowl

Serve your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl warm, ideally right after cooking to enjoy the full richness of the sauce. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables if you want to stretch the meal.

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers. The shrimp will last in the fridge for up to 2 days, while the rice can last up to 4 days. Reheat shrimp gently over low heat to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking.

For meal prep, you can cook the rice and shrimp ahead and store them in divided meal prep containers. Just keep the sauce in a small separate container to add fresh when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What type of rice works best?

Jasmine or basmati rice are both great options. You can also use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

Can I add vegetables to the bowl?

Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers work well. Just cook them in the same skillet before making the sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Swap the butter for vegan butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all. If you want heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat shrimp gently in a pan over low heat. Microwave works too, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery.

Want More Shrimp and Seafood Ideas?

If you enjoyed this shrimp bowl, you might love these other seafood-forward recipes:

Try the rich and cozy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for a warming dinner.
Dive into Jalapeno Heat Shrimp Soup when you crave a spicy seafood twist.
Explore Jumbo Shrimp in Butter Garlic Sauce for another take on buttery shrimp goodness.
For tropical flair, the Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa will transport you to paradise.
And if you’re in the mood for pasta, don’t miss the Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet.

Save This Pin For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add a bit of spice or sneak in some veggies? Did you try brown rice or even cauliflower?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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