If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comforting, and quick to whip up, then you are going to love this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe. Imagine juicy shrimp seared to perfection, bathed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, then served over warm, fragrant herb rice that brightens every bite. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but is delightfully simple, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a favorite you return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic in this recipe comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From the fresh herbs that add a burst of color and zest to the creamy butter sauce that wraps the shrimp in rich flavor, these essentials come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s as balanced as it is delicious.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on: The star of the dish, shrimp provide a tender, juicy protein with a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with garlic butter.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Gives the sauce its silky richness and helps create that beautiful golden sear on the shrimp.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note while preventing the butter from burning during cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced: Infuses the sauce with vibrant and aromatic flavor that makes the whole dish irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Creates the creamy texture that brings everything together in a luscious sauce.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: Acts as the perfect base to soak up all the flavorful juices and provide satisfying comfort.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds fresh herbaceous brightness and a pop of green color.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped: Offers a fragrant citrusy note that enlivens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small fresh chili, finely chopped: Injects a gentle heat that balances the richness without overpowering.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bring a juicy sweetness and beautiful color contrast to the bowl.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth and subtle spice for depth.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe
Step 1: Seasoning the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels — this is key to getting that perfect sear. Then, sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes. This simple seasoning highlights the shrimp’s natural sweetness and adds a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
Step 2: Searing to Perfection
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, lay your shrimp in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want them pink and just slightly charred for that irresistible flavor and texture. Once seared, remove the shrimp and set them aside — you’re building layers of flavor.
Step 3: Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and add a little more butter if the pan looks dry. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned. This brief cooking releases that wonderful garlic aroma that’s the heart of the sauce.
Step 4: Adding Cream for Richness
Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. This step transforms your simple garlic butter into a creamy, dreamy sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Let them cook for an additional minute so every bite is fully coated. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and get ready to assemble your bowl.
Step 6: Assembling the Bowl
Spoon your cooked herb rice generously into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the saucy shrimp, making sure some of that luscious sauce drizzles over the rice for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 7: Adding the Finishing Touches
Garnish with the fresh parsley, cilantro, halved cherry tomatoes, and a few extra chili flakes if you like just a bit more kick. Serve immediately while everything is warm, vibrant, and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro do more than add color — they brighten the rich creaminess of the shrimp perfectly. Cherry tomatoes add a juicy pop that balances texture and sweetness, while a sprinkle of chili flakes can provide a lively contrast for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This shrimp bowl pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple cucumber salad or steamed green beans lend a crunchy freshness that complements the creamy, tender shrimp. For a heartier option, garlic bread or roasted veggies would round out the meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the shrimp bowl in rustic bowls or small cast-iron skillets for a cozy touch. You can also arrange the shrimp and rice separately on a long platter and let everyone assemble their own servings, turning dinner into a fun, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp and herb rice in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to keep the flavors fresh and the shrimp tender.
Freezing
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe isn’t ideal for freezing because the cream sauce and rice might change texture. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately before tossing with the sauce — just thaw gently and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp and breaking the sauce. Stir occasionally, and add a splash of cream or butter if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear and to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a coconut milk alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
How spicy is the dish with chili flakes?
The chili flakes add a gentle heat that complements the dish without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount to suit your personal spice preference.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, use plant-based butter, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
What kind of rice works best in this recipe?
White jasmine or basmati rice are great choices because of their fluffy texture and light fragrance, which complement the rich shrimp and sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe is truly a winner for anyone who loves bold flavors and quick meals full of personality. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a treat but comes together simply, turning any ordinary day into a delicious celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new go-to comfort meal!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp are seared in butter and olive oil, then bathed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh parsley, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and a kick of chili flakes, this bowl offers a vibrant combination of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small fresh chili, finely chopped
Sauce and Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Rice and Garnishes
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chili to add a balanced heat.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight char. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. If necessary, add a bit more butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned to release its flavor without bitterness.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream into the garlic, letting it simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a rich, creamy base for the shrimp sauce.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them evenly in the garlic butter cream sauce. Continue to cook for another minute to blend flavors, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bowl: Spoon 2 cups of cooked white rice into serving bowls. Top the rice with the creamy garlic butter shrimp, ensuring some sauce drizzles over the rice for extra flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the bowls with fresh parsley, cilantro, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add extra chili flakes or fresh chili if desired for more heat. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on for the best texture and presentation.
- Drying the shrimp before seasoning ensures they sear properly, creating a nice crust instead of steaming.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less creamy.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried parsley and cilantro can be used, but reduce quantities since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their juiciest and the sauce at its creamiest.
