Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the perfect blend of creamy and comforting without feeling overly heavy. It’s high in protein, light on carbs, and quick to prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite. The recipe is versatile and can be paired with various sides like salad, vegetables, or noodles, making it ideal for meal prepping or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the Herb Rice:

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water (optional: half broth, half water)

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine for a more aromatic touch)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on if preferred)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5–6 garlic cloves, finely minced

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)

• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

To Serve:

• Lemon wedges

• Extra parsley

• Drizzle of olive oil (optional)

• Crusty bread or steamed vegetables (optional sides)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook Herb Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine broth, rice, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes (or as per rice package instructions). Once the liquid is absorbed, remove from heat, fluff with a fork, then stir in parsley and lemon zest. Keep warm.

2. Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps to remove excess moisture for better searing.

3. Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on each side until they are pink and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and cover with foil.

4. Build Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then melt the butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisk until melted, and let the sauce thicken slightly for around 2 minutes.

5. Finish Shrimp: Return the shrimp and any juices to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce. Turn off the heat, and add lemon juice and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if needed.

6. Build the Bowls: Divide the herb rice among bowls. Top with the creamy garlic butter shrimp and extra sauce. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook the dish.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or another plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh, for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

• Add Veggies: Include sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the dish to increase its vegetable content.

• Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover shrimp and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out.

FAQs

1. How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

To avoid overcooking, make sure you sear the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque. They continue to cook slightly after being removed from the pan, so don’t leave them on the heat for too long.

2.Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the rice and shrimp are best when freshly cooked, you can prepare the rice and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

3.Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking for the best results.

4. Can I make the garlic butter sauce without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

5. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, as brown rice generally takes longer to cook.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce to give it a spicy kick.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is easy to scale up for meal prep or a larger group. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.

8. Can I use a different kind of rice?

Yes, you can use jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa as an alternative to long-grain white rice. Just adjust the cooking method based on the type of rice you choose.

9. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and ensure that any additional sides or condiments are gluten-free.

10. Can I add other herbs to the rice?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or cilantro to add different flavors to the rice.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, flavorful garlic butter shrimp and aromatic herb rice, it brings comfort and sophistication together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a loved one, or a group, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

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