This creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl is a tasty meal that brings together juicy shrimp and fluffy herb rice. It’s rich, buttery, and absolutely irresistible!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this dish. Just sauté shrimp in garlic and butter, then serve it over a bed of herb-filled rice. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe, giving a satisfying bite. You can substitute with shrimp of a smaller size or even use chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. You can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version. Dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream can also work well here.
Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but feel free to swap with cilantro or green onions if you prefer. Dill gives a unique flavor, so adding it is a great optional choice!
Chicken Broth: Using broth enhances the flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is perfect. In a pinch, water can be used but will lack richness.
How Do I Cook Perfect Herb Rice?
Cooking herb rice might seem tricky, but it’s simple! The key is to use a flavorful base and let the rice simmer gently. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with rinsing the rice to remove excess starch for fluffiness.
- Bring broth or water to a boil, then add the rice and salt. Cover and reduce heat to low to let it cook.
- After cooking, stir in butter and chopped herbs while fluffing with a fork. This adds flavor and keeps the rice light.
With these steps, you’ll have a delicious herb rice to accompany your shrimp!
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl With Herb Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Herb Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes prepping and cooking the shrimp, while the herb rice cooks at the same time. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Herb Rice:
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. After that, take it off the heat.
2. Fluffing the Rice:
Once the rice is done, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter, the chopped parsley, and dill if you’re using it. Give it a gentle fluff with a fork and cover it to keep warm while you work on the shrimp.
3. Preparing the Shrimp:
While the rice is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with some paper towels. Lightly season them with salt and pepper so they’re ready to go!
4. Cooking the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned. Then add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Making the Sauce:
Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Lower the heat and pour the chicken (or vegetable) broth into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, letting the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Combining Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage. Stir in the chopped parsley and taste the sauce, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serving the Dish:
To serve, spoon the fragrant herb rice into bowls and top it generously with the creamy garlic butter shrimp. Drizzle some extra sauce from the skillet over the top for added flavor!
8. Garnishing:
If you wish, garnish with more fresh parsley for a colorful touch. Serve hot, and enjoy your delightful creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl!
This dish is sure to impress, with its rich flavors and creamy texture—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, or for a quick thaw, place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How to Add More Flavor to the Rice?
To boost flavor, consider cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water and adding spices like garlic powder or herbs such as thyme along with the parsley. You can also sauté the rice in a little oil or butter for a nutty flavor before adding the liquid.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance. Store them separately from the rice in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s versatile and pairs well with many sides!