If you are craving something that feels both indulgent and fresh, you have just landed on the right recipe! The Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice Recipe brings together succulent shrimp cooked in a golden garlic butter sauce paired with a luscious, herb-infused creamy rice. Every bite bursts with vibrant flavors, from the bright lemon juice to the fresh parsley and dill, making it the perfect meal to impress yourself or friends without any fuss. This dish is comfort food elevated to a new level, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role — shrimp for juicy protein, butter and garlic for richness and aroma, and herbs plus creamy rice for freshness and comforting texture. These ingredients are all easy to find and come together to create a dish that tastes far beyond the effort it takes.
- 450 g Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp save time and cook evenly, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for that fragrant, punchy flavor that lifts the butter sauce.
- 4 tablespoons Butter: This adds a luscious richness that makes the shrimp irresistible and creates a silky sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil: Used for searing the shrimp to a golden pink with a subtle fruitiness in the background.
- 3 cups Cooked white rice: The base of the bowl, providing a soft, creamy texture; you can switch it to brown rice or quinoa if you prefer.
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh dill or chives: These herbs intensify the herbal notes and add complexity.
- 0.25 cup Cream or Greek yogurt: This transforms the rice into a creamy, dreamy bed for the shrimp.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes: Halved for a burst of juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice: Adds an essential bright, zesty finish that ties the whole dish together.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors naturally.
How to Make Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Herb Rice
Begin by combining your cooked rice with freshly chopped parsley and either dill or chives. This step injects bright, fresh herbal notes throughout the rice. Then, stir in cream or Greek yogurt until the mixture turns irresistibly creamy. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste. This base will make your shrimp shine atop a comforting, flavorful cushion.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp to Juicy Perfection
Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels — this simple step is key to getting a nice sear. Season with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn that gorgeous pink and are just opaque. Removing them promptly ensures they stay tender and juicy.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and add butter, letting it melt slowly to develop a nutty richness. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté briefly until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds — your kitchen will smell amazing! This flavorful garlic butter forms the heart of the dish, perfectly coating the shrimp.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter, ensuring every piece is soaked in that buttery, garlicky goodness. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and cook for another minute, allowing the bright citrus to uplift the rich butter and tie all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Spoon a generous helping of the creamy herb rice into each bowl. Lay the luscious garlic butter shrimp on top and drizzle any remaining pan sauce over everything. Finally, scatter halved cherry tomatoes for a sweet, colorful contrast. The Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice Recipe is now ready to delight your palate.
How to Serve Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like extra parsley or dill on top brings a burst of green freshness and aroma. You might also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the shrimp for a subtle crunch that elevates the texture. A few lemon wedges served alongside encourage guests to add an extra zing if they wish.
Side Dishes
This shrimp bowl shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed with simple vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for added warmth and depth. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices work well too, perfect for soaking up any leftover buttery sauce you don’t want to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the shrimp and rice separately in large bowls, letting everyone build their own perfect portion. You can also jazz things up by layering the bowl in glass jars for an attractive, portable option. For a minimalistic approach, serve over fresh baby spinach or arugula to add even more nutrients and a peppery bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the rice and shrimp together or separately depending on your preference, but keep the garlic butter sauce so it can be reheated with the shrimp to maintain moisture.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal because the creamy rice may change texture. If you want to freeze, store shrimp and cooked rice separately, and use within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp and rice in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or additional cream to restore creaminess while preventing drying out. Microwaving works too, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can become rubbery quickly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking so you get a nice sear without steaming the shrimp. Frozen shrimp can sometimes hold more moisture, so drying thoroughly is key.
Is Greek yogurt interchangeable with cream?
Yes! Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and creaminess while keeping the dish lighter. Cream provides richer texture but either works well depending on your dietary preference and availability.
What herbs work best if I don’t have dill or chives?
Fresh basil, tarragon, or cilantro can be great substitutes. They will change the flavor profile slightly but will still impart fresh and vibrant notes to your creamy rice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! The recipe naturally contains no gluten if you use plain rice or quinoa and ensure your butter and other ingredients are gluten-free. It’s a nutritious and safe choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild, letting the garlic butter and herbs shine. However, if you enjoy heat, adding red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic butter or topping the bowl with sliced fresh chili peppers is an excellent way to spice things up.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that feels both special and comforting, this Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect balance of juicy shrimp, rich buttery sauce, and herby, creamy rice that will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes. Don’t hesitate to make it for your next dinner — your taste buds will thank you!
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Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Juicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice Delight is a quick, flavorful dish combining succulent sautéed shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with creamy herb-infused rice and fresh cherry tomatoes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and vibrant colors for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 450 g Large shrimp (Peeled and deveined for convenience)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced, fresh garlic is best)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (Creates a luscious garlic butter sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (Used for searing shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice (Brightens the entire dish)
- Salt and pepper (To taste)
Creamy Herb Rice
- 3 cups Cooked white rice (Can be swapped with brown rice or quinoa)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (Offers freshness)
- 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh dill or chives (Intensifies the herb flavor)
- 0.25 cup Cream or Greek yogurt (Gives a creamy texture)
Garnish
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (Halved, adds pop of color)
Instructions
- Prepare the creamy herb rice: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, chopped fresh parsley, and dill or chives. Stir in the cream or Greek yogurt until the rice is completely coated and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to your preference and mix well.
- Cook the shrimp: Pat the large shrimp dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the shrimp in a single layer. Sauté them for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine shrimp with sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the melted garlic butter to coat thoroughly. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and cook for an additional minute to meld flavors.
- Assemble the bowl and serve: Spoon the creamy herb rice into serving bowls, top with the garlic butter shrimp, and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the dish. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier or gluten-free option.
- Use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to cream for the creamy rice base.
- Adjust garlic quantity according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during garlic sautéing.
