Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels fancy without being fussy. Succulent shrimp are pan-seared until golden, then coated in a velvety garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. Paired with fluffy rice infused with fresh herbs, it’s a restaurant-style dish made right at home.

The real magic here is balance: the richness of the butter, the mellow sweetness of sautéed garlic, and the brightness of chopped parsley all come together to create an irresistible combination. Whether you’re looking to impress someone or just want a comforting meal on the patio with an ocean view, this shrimp bowl delivers every time.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for this recipe because they hold up well to searing and soak up the sauce beautifully. Go for peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on for presentation, or tail-off if you prefer easier eating. Fresh shrimp is always a win, but high-quality frozen shrimp can work just as well—just be sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Shrimp – The star of the dish! Choose large, juicy shrimp that cook quickly and absorb all that buttery garlic flavor.

Garlic – Lots of it. Minced garlic sautéed in butter infuses the sauce with mellow, nutty richness.

Butter – Unsalted butter creates the creamy base and gives the dish its signature flavor. Don’t skimp!

Heavy Cream – Adds velvety body to the sauce, making it perfect for spooning over rice.

Lemon Juice – A splash of acidity cuts through the richness and brightens the whole dish.

Parsley – Fresh and vibrant, parsley adds herbaceous lift and a pop of color.

Cooked Rice – Use white or brown rice, depending on your preference. Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for extra flavor.

Salt + Pepper – To taste, to balance and enhance all the other ingredients.

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

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. This ensures a nice sear and helps the seasoning stick.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Bring Back the Shrimp

Return the shrimp to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle in chopped parsley. Let everything warm through for another minute, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Prepare the Herb Rice

In a separate bowl, toss your cooked rice with a tablespoon of melted butter and finely chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Spoon a generous amount of herb rice into each bowl, then top with creamy garlic butter shrimp. Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with more herbs if you like.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

This shrimp bowl is best served fresh off the skillet. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the warm shrimp, and the herb rice absorbs just enough of the butteriness to make each bite luxurious. Serve it in wide bowls for maximum saucy coverage and garnish with fresh herbs or even a few chili flakes if you like a little kick.

If you’re making it ahead, store the shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers. The shrimp will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. The rice can be reheated the same way, with a drizzle of melted butter to refresh its texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery?

Don’t overcook them! Shrimp cook very quickly—1 to 2 minutes per side is usually plenty. Once they curl into a C-shape and turn pink, they’re done.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use olive oil or vegan butter and a plant-based cream substitute like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just know the flavor will shift slightly.

What herbs go best in the rice?

Parsley, chives, dill, and even a bit of basil work great. Mix and match depending on what you have on hand.

Is frozen shrimp okay to use?

Definitely. Just make sure they’re thawed completely and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What can I serve with this dish?

A crisp side salad or roasted veggies work well. For extra indulgence, add garlic bread to scoop up that sauce!

Can I add vegetables to the shrimp bowl?

Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, asparagus tips, or peas are excellent additions that blend well with the creamy sauce.

Want More Savory Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl, you’ll want to try these other comforting, flavor-packed meals next:

One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for cozy pasta-night vibes.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli if you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of comfort.
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe for a lighter but still buttery seafood option.
Fried Cabbage with Shrimp and Sausage for a bold and southern-style skillet dinner.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli to keep the creamy theme going with a vegetarian twist.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Jam on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you mix in veggies? Use a different herb in the rice?

I love hearing how others bring these meals to life. Share your tips, swaps, and questions below—let’s make dinner delicious together.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 to 3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is a quick, restaurant-worthy dish perfect for weeknights. Juicy shrimp are seared and coated in a rich garlic butter cream sauce, served over fluffy herb-infused rice. Comforting, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Return shrimp to the skillet. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley. Warm through for 1 minute.

6. In a separate bowl, mix cooked rice with melted butter and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Assemble bowls with herb rice on the bottom and creamy garlic butter shrimp on top. Garnish with extra herbs and serve immediately.