Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Creamy Herb Rice

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If you’re craving something cozy yet elevated, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice is pure comfort in every bite. The buttery shrimp are seared to juicy perfection and sit atop a bed of herbed rice bathed in a dreamy, creamy sauce. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough to throw together on a weeknight.

The best part? The sauce soaks into the rice and coats every shrimp with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to scoop up with a spoon to catch every last drop. This shrimp bowl tastes like something you’d get at a cozy bistro, and now you can make it at home without the hassle.

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What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Fresh or frozen raw shrimp both work beautifully. Look for medium to large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. Tail-on shrimp add visual flair, but you can go tail-off for easier eating. Just be sure not to overcook them—shrimp only need a few minutes to become perfectly tender.

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Ingredients for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Herb Rice

• Shrimp – The star protein. Juicy, slightly sweet shrimp absorb the garlic butter flavor while adding that delightful bite.
• Butter – Unsalted works best so you can control the salt level. It’s what creates the rich base for both the shrimp and the sauce.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter and sauce with savory depth.
• Cream – Heavy cream adds a luscious texture to the rice, transforming it from plain to decadent.
• Cooked White Rice – Day-old or freshly steamed rice both work. The key is fluffiness.
• Parsley & Chives – Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add that garden-fresh finish.
• Lemon Zest – A little citrus zest lifts the richness and adds sparkle.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For a touch of heat to balance the creaminess.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasoning to taste.

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

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the shrimp and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Herb Sauce

In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed. Stir in garlic and let it bloom. Pour in heavy cream, then stir until it starts to simmer. Add parsley, chives, lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let it thicken slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Rice

Fold in your cooked rice and gently stir to coat every grain in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Spoon the creamy herb rice into a bowl and top generously with the garlic butter shrimp. Garnish with extra herbs and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Serve this shrimp bowl piping hot, garnished with extra herbs or a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan for even more flavor. A side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad makes it a well-rounded meal.

To store leftovers, let the bowl cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to bring back the creamy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking.

What kind of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice, jasmine, or even basmati are great options. Avoid sticky rice varieties.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes. Swap the butter with vegan butter and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice is very mild from the red pepper flakes. You can increase or omit them to your preference.

Can I use other proteins?

Definitely. Try scallops, chicken breast slices, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes—just store the shrimp and rice separately to maintain the best texture when reheating.

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Want More Shrimp and Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl, you might enjoy these flavor-packed meals too:

• Cajun Shrimp Scampi for a bold, spicy twist on a seafood classic.
• Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce if you’re a salmon lover looking for buttery perfection.
• Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for a surf-and-turf vibe with richness in every bite.
• Fried Cabbage with Shrimp & Sausage if you’re craving a comforting skillet dinner.
• Slow Cooker Southern Shrimp Boil for a make-ahead, crowd-pleasing feast.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Add more herbs? Maybe even switch up the rice? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

For more creamy, cozy dinners and new shrimp ideas, follow along on my Pinterest at Life with Jam.

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