Julia Walton
Juicy shrimp, sizzling in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired with fluffy rice swirled through a creamy herb dressing—this Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice is the ultimate comfort food with a fresh twist. The golden sear on the shrimp adds a hint of crispiness, while the herb-infused rice offers a cool, tangy balance that ties everything together. It’s vibrant, aromatic, and irresistibly satisfying in every bite.
This dish doesn’t just taste like a restaurant-quality meal; it’s one you can create at home in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress, the combination of flavors and textures makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. Plus, the fresh garnishes of cherry tomatoes, lemon, and parsley give it that final pop of color and freshness.
What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?
For the best results, use large raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined, with tails on for presentation. Fresh shrimp delivers the sweetest flavor, but frozen works beautifully too—just make sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking. A quick sear in a hot pan with garlic and butter ensures they stay juicy and tender, not rubbery.
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice
- Large Shrimp: The star of the dish, offering sweet, briny flavor and a tender bite.
- Garlic: Infuses the butter and shrimp with a warm, savory aroma.
- Butter: Creates a rich, silky base for the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve that golden sear without burning the butter.
- Cooked White Rice: Serves as the hearty base, soaking up all the creamy herb flavors.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Dill, or Chives): Add brightness and a fresh, garden-like taste to the rice.
- Cream or Greek Yogurt: Gives the herb rice its creamy, tangy texture.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Provide sweet acidity that balances the richness.
- Fresh Lemon: Brightens up the shrimp with a citrusy lift.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element of the dish.
How To Make the Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Herb Rice Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked white rice with fresh chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. Add cream or Greek yogurt, stirring until the rice is evenly coated. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside, allowing the flavors to meld while you cook the shrimp.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry to ensure a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. When melted, toss in minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp with Garlic Butter
Return the seared shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce until fully coated. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for brightness, stirring to combine.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Spoon the creamy herb rice into serving bowls. Arrange the garlic butter shrimp on top, spooning any extra sauce over them. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and an extra lemon wedge for squeezing. Serve immediately while warm.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the shrimp are hot and the herb rice is creamy. Serve it straight from the skillet to the table for maximum flavor. If you need to prepare ahead, store the rice and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet with a touch of butter to keep them tender, and warm the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to revive its creaminess.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice?
1. Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory garlic butter shrimp.
2. Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
A crisp, tangy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
3. Garlic Bread
Perfect for mopping up extra garlic butter sauce.
4. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
Adds crunch and a nutty note to round out the meal.
5. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A cozy starter that complements the herb flavors in the rice.
6. Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Light, fresh, and vibrant—great for a summer version of the dish.
7. White Wine Spritzer
A crisp drink pairing that cleanses the palate between bites.
Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?
If this Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice made your taste buds happy, you might also love these flavorful favorites:
- Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for a spicy twist on buttery shrimp.
- Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta packed with Caribbean-inspired flavors.
- Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce for a fresh, smoky summertime favorite.
- Garlic Butter Steak Parmesan Rigatoni if you’re craving something hearty and pasta-filled.
- Baked Stuffed Lobster Tail Delight for an elegant seafood dinner.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it easily when you’re ready to make it again.
Tried a twist on it? Maybe swapped the herbs for basil or added a sprinkle of parmesan? I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your version in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or chives
- 0.25 cup cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine rice, parsley, dill or chives, and cream or yogurt. Season with salt and pepper, mix well, and set aside.
- Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return shrimp to skillet, toss in garlic butter sauce, and stir in lemon juice.
- Assemble bowls by layering creamy herb rice, topping with shrimp, tomatoes, and extra sauce. Serve immediately.