Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

There’s something irresistible about shrimp cooked in garlic butter, especially when it’s served over a bed of creamy herb rice. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl is the kind of dish that instantly feels like comfort food, yet it’s elevated enough to impress guests. It’s a little indulgent, a little herby, and packed with flavor in every bite.

The shrimp is seared to perfection with golden, garlicky butter and a splash of lemon for brightness. Paired with rice simmered in herbs and a touch of cream, this bowl balances richness with freshness. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish offers both simplicity and sophistication.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

This bowl has the best of everything: bold garlicky shrimp, creamy rice that feels almost like risotto, and herbs that tie it all together. It comes together fast, with most of the cooking happening in one pan. Plus, the ingredients are simple and accessible, making it an easy win even on busy nights.

The creamy herb rice adds a soft, savory contrast to the garlicky shrimp, making each bite perfectly balanced. It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy. If you love meals that look fancy but are secretly simple, this one is for you.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Go for large or extra-large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Tail-on adds a nice presentation, but feel free to remove them if convenience is key. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen works just as well when thawed properly. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they tend to become rubbery when reheated. Look for wild-caught if possible for better flavor and sustainability.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

The ingredients in this dish are few but chosen carefully to deliver deep, layered flavor. The richness of butter, the brightness of lemon, and the creaminess of the rice make this bowl a comfort-packed dinner you’ll crave on repeat.

• Shrimp
• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemon juice and zest
• Heavy cream
• White rice
• Chicken broth
• Fresh parsley
• Chives
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Each ingredient plays a crucial role. Shrimp is the star of the dish, tender and quick-cooking. Butter adds richness, especially when combined with garlic to infuse the shrimp with flavor. Lemon balances the richness with brightness. Heavy cream and chicken broth create a luxurious base for the rice, while white rice absorbs all the flavors. Fresh parsley and chives introduce herbaceous freshness, and salt and pepper bring it all together. A splash of olive oil helps sear the shrimp to golden perfection.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Rice Base

Start by cooking the white rice in chicken broth. This adds depth from the very beginning. Once most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in heavy cream, chopped parsley, and chives. Let it simmer gently until creamy. Cover and keep warm while preparing the shrimp.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until just opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the rest of the butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add lemon juice and zest, then return the shrimp to the pan to coat in the sauce. Cook for another minute, just until everything is heated through.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Spoon the creamy herb rice into bowls and top with generous portions of the garlic butter shrimp. Finish with more fresh herbs and an optional extra squeeze of lemon if you like it bright.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One of the easiest ways to overcomplicate this dish is by overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp only needs a couple of minutes per side, and once it turns opaque and curls into a “C” shape, it’s done. Waiting too long can turn it rubbery and dry.

Another common pitfall is skipping the step of cooking rice in chicken broth. Water works, but broth adds a foundational savory note that builds the whole dish’s character. Also, don’t rush the cream in the rice—give it time to absorb and become luxuriously creamy.

Lastly, be careful not to burn the garlic. A few seconds too long and it turns bitter. Make sure the pan isn’t too hot before adding it to the butter.

How to Serve and Store This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

This recipe serves 4 hungry eaters comfortably. It’s best enjoyed fresh, especially because shrimp can dry out during reheating. If you do need to store leftovers, keep the shrimp and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture.

If you’re entertaining, this dish looks stunning in shallow bowls garnished with extra herbs and lemon wedges. It makes a great centerpiece for a casual dinner party or even a comforting solo meal.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe?

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

Adds crunch and citrus that pairs well with the creamy rice.

Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette

Perfect for scooping up every bit of the buttery sauce.

Side Salad with Vinaigrette

A fresh green salad with a zippy dressing helps balance the richness.

Grilled Zucchini or Summer Squash

A light vegetable pairing that won’t overpower the shrimp.

Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Simple, earthy greens round out the meal beautifully.

Avocado Slices or Guacamole

Creamy avocado brings a cooling contrast to the warm spices.

White Wine

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

Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl, you’ll definitely want to try these other seafood-inspired favorites:

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a buttery twist on lasagna layered with shrimp and garlic.

• Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque brings comforting richness in every spoon.

• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for a creamy, one-skillet shrimp pasta dinner.

• Yummy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa for something bright and summery.

• Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod if you’re after a lighter, oven-baked option.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the lemon? Try another herb mix? Maybe even a splash of white wine?

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

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

The Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a chef in your own kitchen. It hits that perfect note between richness and freshness, and it comes together fast enough for weeknights. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this one on repeat for both casual dinners and easy entertaining.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?