Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

If you’ve ever craved something that’s both comforting and elegant, this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice will quickly become your new favorite dish. It’s the perfect balance of succulent shrimp, creamy garlic sauce, and fragrant herb-infused rice—ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a dinner party. The best part? It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavors that everyone will love.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this recipe will check all the boxes. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into how to make this dish and give you a taste of coastal comfort.

Ingredients

This recipe is made with straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that combine to create a flavor-packed bowl. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Juice of half a lemon

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Herb Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparing the Dish

Cook the Herb Rice

Start by cooking the rice to perfection. In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the rice and stir it around for a minute to coat it with the butter, letting it lightly toast. Then, pour in the chicken broth (or water) and add the dried parsley and thyme. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.

Cook the Shrimp

While the rice is cooking, it’s time to prepare the shrimp. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once the shrimp are cooked through, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them and give everything a quick toss to coat. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it softens and becomes fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Bowl

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Spoon a generous portion of herb rice into each bowl, and top with the garlic butter shrimp. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and rice, making sure to coat everything with that delicious sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra lemon juice, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Dietary Variations

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice can easily be adjusted to accommodate various dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions you can make to tailor the recipe to different diets:

Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free chicken broth. Just double-check the ingredients in your broth to ensure it doesn’t contain gluten. If you need to substitute the rice, cauliflower rice works wonderfully for a lower-carb option.

Keto/Low-Carb

To make this dish keto-friendly, simply swap the rice for cauliflower rice. You can find cauliflower rice in the frozen section of most grocery stores, or make your own by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. This will help you keep the dish low in carbs while still enjoying the rich, flavorful shrimp and garlic butter sauce.

Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based butter alternative, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This substitution will maintain the creamy texture and rich flavor of the dish without any dairy.

Vegan

To make this recipe vegan, replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a hearty, plant-based protein. You can also use vegan butter and coconut cream in place of the dairy-based options. This way, you can still enjoy a rich, flavorful bowl while keeping it entirely plant-based.

Halal

For a halal-friendly version, ensure that the shrimp is sourced from a halal supplier, and verify that your chicken broth is halal-certified. You can also substitute the shrimp with halal-certified fish, like cod or tilapia, for a similar flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The rice may absorb some of the sauce, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring back its creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the shrimp and rice in a skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.

Freezing

While it’s not recommended to freeze shrimp, you can freeze the garlic butter sauce and the cooked rice. If you plan to freeze the rice, make sure it’s cooled completely before storing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Wrap-Up

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines rich, buttery shrimp with aromatic herb rice for a perfect meal. Whether you’re sticking to a particular diet or just looking for a comforting, flavorful dish, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your needs. Don’t be surprised if this quickly becomes one of your go-to recipes—it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Enjoy!

FAQ

How can I make the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce while cooking the shrimp. You can also use a spicy hot sauce or even add fresh chopped jalapeños for extra spice!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking. You can place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes or leave them in the fridge overnight.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for the herb rice?

Yes, brown rice works well, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook than white rice. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding more liquid if needed.

Can I prepare the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the rice and garlic butter shrimp in advance and reheat them when ready to serve. Just make sure to store them separately so the shrimp don’t get overcooked when reheated.

What can I serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice?

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a light side salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed asparagus for a complete meal.