Nora
Imagine juicy shrimp, perfectly seared and coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, served over fluffy herb rice with a side of fresh cherry tomatoes. This shrimp bowl is a balance of comfort and freshness, combining rich, buttery flavors with a light, herby touch.
It’s a recipe that feels both indulgent and wholesome. The shrimp delivers that irresistible golden crust while staying tender inside, and the rice infused with herbs makes every bite feel vibrant. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner after a long day or something impressive for guests, this dish does both beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl
This shrimp bowl is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The creamy garlic butter sauce feels restaurant-worthy but requires minimal effort, and the fresh herbs elevate the rice into something truly special.
What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?
Large raw shrimp (fresh or frozen) work best here because they hold their shape during searing and soak up the garlic butter beautifully. Peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on make for an elegant presentation, but you can also use tail-off shrimp for easy eating.
Ingredients for the Delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice
Every ingredient in this shrimp bowl plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the rich butter to the fragrant herbs, each element works together to create a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced.
- Shrimp – The star of the dish, bringing sweet, tender bites that pair beautifully with garlic and butter.
- Butter – Provides a creamy, velvety base for the sauce while enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the butter with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Heavy Cream – Adds luxurious richness and creates the creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- Parmesan Cheese – Gives the sauce a subtle salty sharpness that balances the cream.
- Fresh Herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro) – Brighten up the rice and cut through the richness.
- Cooked Rice – Fluffy rice acts as the perfect base to soak up the sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Their natural sweetness and juiciness add freshness and color.
- Olive Oil – Helps sear the shrimp for that golden crust.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into balance.
How To Make the Delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Rice
Cook rice according to package instructions. Stir in freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for a fragrant, flavorful base. Keep it warm while you prepare the shrimp.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the creamy garlic butter sauce, ensuring each piece is coated.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Spoon the herb rice into serving bowls, top with creamy garlic butter shrimp, and add fresh cherry tomatoes on the side. Garnish with extra herbs for a finishing touch.
Serving and Storing Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl
This recipe makes enough to serve 4 people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Each bowl offers a balance of creamy shrimp, fluffy herb rice, and fresh tomatoes, giving you both comfort and freshness in one dish.
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce silky. The rice can be microwaved with a damp paper towel on top to retain moisture.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl?
Pairing this dish with the right sides or drinks can make it an even more delightful experience. Here are some tasty recommendations:
Fresh Green Salad
A crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast to the creamy shrimp.
Garlic Bread
Buttery garlic bread or a warm baguette helps soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Roasted Vegetables
Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.
White Wine
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the garlic and butter perfectly.
Steamed Broccoli
Simple and wholesome, broccoli adds crunch and balances the richness.
Lemon Wedges
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating brightens every bite.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
The smoky sweetness of grilled corn pairs wonderfully with the buttery shrimp.
Want More Shrimp Ideas?
If you loved this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl, you’ll also enjoy other shrimp and seafood favorites from NoraNosh. Check these out:
- Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas
Each of these recipes brings its own twist, whether it’s bold Cajun spices, tangy tomato freshness, or a cheesy baked touch.
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And don’t forget to share how your shrimp bowls turned out! Did you go heavy on the garlic? Add extra herbs? Or maybe swapped rice for pasta? I’d love to hear your variations.
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Delicious Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro), chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions, then stir in fresh herbs. Keep warm.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until sauce slightly thickens.
- Return shrimp to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter sauce.
- Assemble bowls with rice at the base, shrimp on top, and cherry tomatoes on the side. Garnish with extra herbs.