If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that feels indulgent, vibrant, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice Recipe. It brings together succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, perfectly balanced with bright lemon notes and nestled atop a bed of fragrant, herb-infused rice. Every bite is a celebration of comfort and elegance, making it an absolute favorite to share with anyone who loves bold yet comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation for this dish’s success. Each component is straightforward yet plays an essential role — from the tender shrimp to the herbal notes in the rice and the rich cream sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and sweetness.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter creates that irresistible creamy base and helps sear the shrimp perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings the aromatic punch that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth that lifts the shrimp’s flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: The zingy freshness balances the richness beautifully.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add a lovely color contrast.
- 3 cups cooked herb rice (seasoned with parsley, dill, or basil): Infuses the base with complementary herbal notes and keeps the dish light and fresh.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Shrimp
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and melting one tablespoon of butter. Add the shrimp in a single layer, then season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let them sear undisturbed for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden color with just a slight char. This step locks in juiciness while adding a lovely texture. Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside for a moment.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same skillet so it picks up all the lovely browned bits left behind by the shrimp. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned. Next, pour in the heavy cream and gently stir it into the buttery garlic base. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes—this thickens the sauce and brings all those flavors together in silky harmony.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Return Shrimp
Brighten the sauce with a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and taste to adjust seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper if needed. Return the shrimp back into the skillet, coating each piece generously with the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to soak up all those luxurious flavors before serving.
Step 4: Prepare the Herb Rice
While you cook the shrimp and sauce, prepare your herb rice. I love using a simple mix of parsley, dill, or basil tossed through warm cooked rice, which adds freshness and depth. The rice acts as a perfect bed, soaking up any extra sauce and providing a bright herbal balance to the boldness of the shrimp.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the look and flavor of your bowls, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of green and freshness. An extra squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the dish beautifully and brings an irresistible zing.
Side Dishes
This dish shines beautifully all on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables makes the meal even more satisfying. Steamed asparagus or garlicky sautéed spinach complement the garlicky shrimp and creamy sauce without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when entertaining, present each component deconstructed in bowls, letting everyone build their own shrimp and herb rice bites. Alternatively, serve in pretty deep bowls with a garnish of microgreens or edible flowers for a fancy dinner party vibe. The creamy shrimp sauce lends itself perfectly to rustic or elegant plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp and sauce tend to absorb flavors overnight, becoming even more flavorful, although the rice is best consumed within a day to maintain its fresh herb notes.
Freezing
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not ideal since cream-based sauces can sometimes separate, and shrimp texture might get rubbery when thawed. If needed, freeze the shrimp and rice separately without sauce, but fresh preparation yields the best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to avoid curdling the cream sauce. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce looks too thick, and warm through until the shrimp is tender and warmed evenly. Avoid microwaving as it may toughen the shrimp and cause sauce separation.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking for even searing and the best texture. Pat them dry so they brown nicely instead of steaming in the pan.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option, but the sauce might be less thick and rich. Adding a splash of flour or cornstarch can help thicken it up if you go dairy-free.
What herbs work best in the herb rice?
Parsley, dill, and basil are fantastic choices that pair well with the shrimp and garlic flavors. Feel free to experiment with cilantro or chives if you prefer a different herbal twist!
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while seasoning the shrimp to give it some heat. Fresh chili slices as a garnish also add a lovely kick and color.
How can I turn this into a family-friendly meal?
Simply reduce or omit the paprika and lemon juice if your kids prefer milder flavors. Pair with some steamed veggies or a simple cucumber salad to keep things balanced and approachable.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, full of flavor, and impressively easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own!
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl combines succulent seared shrimp with a rich garlic butter cream sauce, served over fragrant herb rice. A quick and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Herb Rice
- 3 cups cooked herb rice (seasoned with parsley, dill, or basil)
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter to prepare the pan for searing the shrimp.
- Sear the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes until shrimp are golden and slightly charred, then remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining butter to the skillet, then add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cream and thicken sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir it into the garlic butter mixture. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Season the sauce: Stir in lemon juice and adjust salt seasoning as needed to balance flavors.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and coat them thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Simmer together for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Assemble the bowl: Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over a bed of cooked herb rice.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and optionally add an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and best texture.
- Herb rice can be pre-cooked or store-bought seasoned rice for quicker prep.
- Adjust smoked paprika and lemon juice quantities to your taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Ensure shrimp is not overcooked to keep it tender and juicy.
- Fresh herbs in the rice add an aromatic touch that complements the creamy shrimp.
