Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice

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If you love comforting, flavor-packed bowls that come together fast, this garlic butter shrimp bowl recipe with creamy herb rice is your next dinner obsession. The shrimp are seared to perfection in rich, garlicky butter, while the rice is cooked with cream, fresh herbs, and just enough lemon to brighten the whole dish.

This is one of those recipes that checks every box: easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and so versatile you can adjust the herbs or add your favorite veggies. It’s fast, flavorful, and feels like a little luxury in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

The garlic butter shrimp are juicy, savory, and loaded with depth from a quick sear and buttery sauce. Combined with the creamy herb rice, it creates a balance of richness and freshness you rarely find in such a simple dish.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this one is sure to become a repeat favorite. Plus, it’s easy to swap out rice for quinoa, or shrimp for scallops or chicken.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For best results, go with large or jumbo raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp work just fine too—just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp since they can turn rubbery when reheated in the butter sauce. And if you’re buying fresh, look for shrimp with a firm texture and no strong fishy odor.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

This dish is all about flavor and simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the buttery richness of the shrimp and the herbaceous comfort of the rice. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shrimp
• Butter
• Garlic
• Cooked rice
• Heavy cream
• Fresh herbs (like parsley, dill, or chives)
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese

The shrimp bring that sweet, briny flavor and satisfying bite. Butter adds richness and carries the garlic beautifully. Freshly minced garlic is key for depth, while olive oil helps with searing. The rice is a creamy base, enhanced by heavy cream and parmesan cheese for that luxurious feel. A mix of fresh herbs adds brightness, and a splash of lemon juice balances the richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a mix of olive oil and butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add more butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Return the shrimp to the pan, tossing them in the sauce for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Herb Rice

In a separate saucepan, heat the cooked rice with heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy, then fold in chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Spoon the creamy herb rice into bowls and top generously with garlic butter shrimp. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve and Store This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

This garlic butter shrimp bowl is best served warm, right after assembling. The creamy herb rice is at its best when it’s fresh and silky, and the shrimp stay juicy with that buttery finish.

It serves about 4 people as a main dish, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a small gathering. If you’re making it ahead, store the shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp—a quick sauté or microwave on low works well.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl?

Garlic Bread

A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce in the bowl.

Simple Side Salad

Crisp greens with a lemon vinaigrette add a fresh contrast to the buttery richness of the dish.

Steamed Asparagus

The natural sweetness of asparagus works well with the garlicky shrimp and creamy rice.

Roasted Broccoli

Add a little crunch and char flavor by roasting broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

White Wine

A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the shrimp and herbs beautifully.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

If you’re making this in the summer, grilled corn is a fun and tasty pairing.

Sautéed Spinach

Wilted spinach with a hint of garlic is a nutritious and easy addition.

Avocado Slices

Add a creamy, cool element with fresh avocado on the side or mixed into the bowl.

Want More Shrimp Bowl Ideas?

If you love this garlic butter shrimp bowl, you’re in for a treat with these other delicious bowls and creamy dinners:

• Try this ultra comforting Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a rich and hearty twist.
• This Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole brings a golden, oven-baked spin to your seafood cravings.
• Dive into Marry Me Shrimp Pasta if you’re craving creamy, garlicky seafood flavors with pasta.
• For a smoky touch, this One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta is a flavor-packed dinner winner.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your version turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Add extra herbs? Or try it with scallops instead?

I love hearing how others make these bowls their own. Got questions? Drop them below so we can cook better together.

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