Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl filled with creamy, garlicky shrimp nestled atop warm herb rice. This dish brings together the richness of garlic butter and the freshness of herbs in a combination that’s equal parts satisfying and indulgent. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat yet comes together with ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner.

The shrimp are seared to golden perfection and then coated in a silky garlic butter sauce that’s brightened up with lemon and fresh parsley. Paired with fluffy, aromatic herb rice, each bite is loaded with flavor. It’s a quick dinner that tastes like something you’d order at your favorite bistro.

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

This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want something wholesome and flavorful. The shrimp cook in minutes, and the sauce requires minimal ingredients yet delivers maximum taste. The rice is simple but enhanced with fresh herbs, turning a basic side into a star on its own.

Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. You can swap the herbs depending on what you have on hand or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. And it all comes together in one pan and one pot, meaning cleanup is just as easy as the cooking.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, go with large or jumbo shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Fresh is great if it’s available, but frozen shrimp works wonderfully too—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Tail-on shrimp look elegant for presentation, but tail-off is easier to eat, especially in a bowl-style dish like this.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

This dish might taste like a fancy takeout order, but the ingredients are all about simple pantry staples and fresh flavors. You’ll love how these come together to create a buttery, creamy, herb-packed dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy.

• Shrimp
• Butter
• Garlic
• Heavy cream
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper
• Cooked rice
• Mixed herbs (such as dill, thyme, or basil)
• Olive oil

Shrimp is the star here, offering tender texture and soaking up all that garlic butter flavor. Butter and garlic form the base of the creamy sauce. Heavy cream gives it that rich, velvety texture, while lemon juice brightens it all up. Fresh parsley adds freshness and color. Salt and pepper keep the balance right. Cooked rice acts as the base, and mixed herbs bring the whole bowl to life. A touch of olive oil helps get the perfect sear on the shrimp.

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

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in finely chopped mixed herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently until it slightly thickens.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Simmer for another minute just to warm everything through.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Scoop the herb rice into bowls. Top with creamy garlic butter shrimp. Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking shrimp is one of the easiest ways to ruin this dish. They only need a couple of minutes per side. If they curl into tight little rings and start to look dry, you’ve gone too far. Make sure your pan is hot before you add them, so they sear quickly and retain their juiciness.

Another common mistake is letting the garlic burn. Garlic cooks fast, and once it turns brown, it becomes bitter. Add it after the butter has melted and keep it moving in the pan for just 30 seconds before adding the cream.

Lastly, don’t skip patting the shrimp dry. It helps them sear instead of steam, which is what gives you that golden, restaurant-style finish.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

This recipe makes enough to serve 4 people generously. To serve, simply divide the herb rice among bowls and spoon the creamy shrimp on top. For added flair, top with microgreens or a wedge of lemon.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the shrimp or separating the cream sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice?

Steamed Asparagus

The light, crisp texture of asparagus pairs well with the creamy richness of the shrimp.

Roasted Broccoli

Tossed with olive oil and a pinch of garlic powder, roasted broccoli adds a nice crunch and flavor.

Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up that extra garlic butter sauce.

Cucumber Salad

A chilled, tangy cucumber salad can cut through the richness and balance the meal.

Avocado Slices

Creamy meets creamy, but the coolness and texture of avocado is a refreshing contrast.

White Wine

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic butter flavors.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled, corn adds sweetness and a fun, casual element to your bowl.

Fresh Berries or Fruit Salad

As a light dessert or side, fresh fruit rounds out the meal nicely.

Want More Shrimp Ideas?

If you love this creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl, you’re going to enjoy these other bold and savory shrimp dishes on Nina Dishes:

• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a cheesy, hearty one-pan meal.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna to turn your favorite scampi into a baked pasta experience.
• Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque when you’re craving comfort in a bowl.
• Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa for something fresh and summer-ready.
• Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner if you’re looking to explore other seafood bowls.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever the craving hits.

I’d love to know how yours turned out. Did you go extra on the lemon? Swap in coconut milk? Let’s talk flavor tweaks in the comments.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and seafood meals on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover new favorites to love!

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is one of those recipes that instantly becomes part of your regular dinner rotation. It’s fast, satisfying, and tastes like you spent way more time on it than you did. The sauce clings to every bite of shrimp and rice, and the herb layer adds an uplifting freshness.

Perfect for impressing guests or making a Tuesday night feel a bit more special, this is shrimp done right. Don’t forget to save it, share it, and enjoy every creamy, garlicky spoonful.

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