This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl is the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers who crave bold flavors with a gourmet touch. The shrimp are seared to juicy perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, then served over a fluffy bed of herb rice that absorbs all the deliciousness. It’s a hearty yet elegant meal that brings coastal vibes right to your kitchen.

Whether you’re prepping a special dinner or just need a weeknight win, this dish delivers flavor and satisfaction in under 30 minutes. Each bite bursts with buttery garlic richness, fresh herbs, and tender shrimp that feel like they belong in a seaside bistro. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon for brightness and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a kick!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this shrimp bowl to life, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:

Large Non-Stick Skillet or Cast Iron Pan – This is essential for getting that golden sear on the shrimp while maintaining tenderness.
Medium Saucepan – Perfect for cooking the herb rice evenly without clumping.
Microplane or Garlic Press – These help mince garlic finely to infuse the butter sauce quickly and deeply.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For gentle stirring without breaking the shrimp.
Zester (Optional) – For adding lemon zest at the end for a fresh finish.

Having these tools at your fingertips makes prep smoother, cooking faster, and cleanup easier. Quality pans give you that perfect shrimp crust while a sturdy spoon keeps everything moving without overcooking.

Ingredients for the Delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice

Each ingredient in this dish plays a flavorful role in creating the creamy, buttery seafood harmony:

Raw Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star of the dish, offering a juicy, tender bite and rich seafood flavor.
Unsalted Butter – Creates the luxurious, velvety garlic sauce that coats the shrimp.

Garlic (freshly minced) – Brings bold aromatic depth and is essential to the buttery base.
Heavy Cream – Adds a creamy texture that balances out the garlic’s punch.
Lemon Juice – Cuts through the richness with bright acidity.

Fresh Parsley (chopped) – Lends freshness and a pop of green to the rice and shrimp.
Cooked White or Brown Rice – Serves as a hearty base, soaking up all the garlicky butter sauce.
Olive Oil – Helps cook the shrimp quickly and evenly with a slight crisp.

Salt & Cracked Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance the whole dish.
Chili Flakes (optional) – Adds a subtle kick for those who enjoy spice.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Rice Base

Cook your white or brown rice according to package directions. Once done, fluff with a fork and mix in chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

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

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and chili flakes (if using). Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Return Shrimp and Coat

Add shrimp back into the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Let them simmer for another minute until fully heated.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Scoop a generous portion of herb rice into each bowl. Top with the garlic butter shrimp and spoon over extra sauce. Garnish with parsley and an optional squeeze of lemon.

Best Ways to Serve and Store the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

This shrimp bowl is best served warm, straight from the skillet. Pair it with a crisp green salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread to make it a fuller meal. For added brightness, garnish with lemon zest or fresh microgreens.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving the shrimp too long to keep them tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.

What type of rice works best?

Long grain white rice or jasmine rice is ideal, but brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and a plant-based cream like coconut cream. It will add a different twist but still be rich and flavorful.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spicy if you add chili flakes. You can adjust the heat to your taste or skip them altogether.

Can I add vegetables to the bowl?

Definitely! Try sautéed spinach, asparagus, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

Is this good for meal prep?

It can be! Just keep the shrimp and rice separate until ready to serve to preserve texture. Reheat gently as shrimp can toughen if overcooked.

Want More Shrimp Bowl Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl, there are even more seafood-packed and satisfying recipes waiting for you. Here are some must-tries:

Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage Broccoli – a quick and bold one-pan meal.
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe – for those who want tropical flair with creamy heat.

Seafood Stuffed Shells – indulgent, cheesy, and perfect for a dinner party.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls – fresh and customizable, perfect for weekday lunches.
Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails – when you’re craving next-level seafood luxury.

And if you want even more dinner inspiration, check out what I’m sharing daily on Pinterest: Life With Olivia Pinterest Recipes

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood or dinner board so it’s right there when you need it.

Tried it out? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you go heavy on the garlic? Maybe toss in some spinach? Share your spin—I love seeing how you make these bowls your own.

Got questions? Don’t be shy. Let’s keep making dinner fun and flavorful together.

Delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 2 to 3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and satisfying seafood dinner made with buttery garlic shrimp, served over fragrant herb rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a quick gourmet meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.