Craving something buttery, garlicky, and downright satisfying that comes together fast? This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is that weeknight hero. With juicy, seared shrimp drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce and paired with fluffy, herb-flecked rice, it balances indulgence and freshness in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or looking to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this bowl delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home. Ready in under 30 minutes and customizable with your favorite greens or spice levels, it’s a recipe that deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the skillet, let’s talk setup. For this recipe, simplicity reigns supreme, and that means having the right tools at your fingertips:

Large Nonstick Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Ensures even searing of shrimp and holds heat well to form that delicious buttery sauce.
Medium Saucepan with Lid: Ideal for cooking the rice evenly and locking in flavor with herbs.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These are gentle on your cookware and perfect for stirring the butter sauce.
Mixing Bowl: For tossing the shrimp in seasoning before they hit the pan.
Microplane or Garlic Press: Essential for fresh garlic to release maximum flavor without chunks.

Having these tools prepped and ready keeps the cooking stress-free and lets the flavors shine.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

Shrimp (large, peeled and deveined): The star protein—plump and meaty, they cook fast and soak up all that garlic butter goodness.
Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy, it’s the base of the sauce that carries the garlic flavor.
Garlic (freshly minced): Adds depth, warmth, and classic savory flavor.
Parsley (fresh, chopped): Brightens the dish and pairs beautifully with butter.
Paprika and Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds warmth and a subtle kick.
Cooked White Rice: Acts as the hearty base, absorbing the garlic butter for maximum flavor.
Dried Herbs (thyme, basil, or Italian mix): These elevate the rice into a herbaceous and aromatic side.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the shrimp without burning the butter.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning essentials that let the ingredients shine.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside to marinate while prepping the rice.

Step 2: Cook the Herb Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water (or broth), a pinch of salt, and dried herbs. Cover and cook according to package instructions until fluffy. Keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then place shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and let it sizzle gently until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add parsley and return shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Spoon herb rice into bowls, top with buttery shrimp, and drizzle extra sauce over everything. Garnish with more parsley or chili flakes if desired.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowls

These shrimp bowls are best served immediately while the shrimp are hot and the butter sauce is silky. If you’re meal prepping, store rice and shrimp separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently to maintain texture—shrimp only need a quick warm-up to stay tender.

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, but this dish shines most fresh from the pan. For a next-day refresh, add a splash of broth or water to the skillet and reheat both elements together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning to avoid excess water in the pan.

Is this dish spicy?

Mildly! You can adjust the crushed red pepper to taste or omit it completely.

What herbs work best for the rice?

Dried basil, thyme, or an Italian herb blend give great results. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro also work if you prefer.

Can I substitute the rice?

Absolutely. Try quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

What kind of butter should I use?

Unsalted is ideal since you control the seasoning. But salted butter can work if adjusted carefully.

How can I add more veggies?

Sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or grilled zucchini all pair beautifully and boost the bowl’s nutrition.

Want More Shrimp Dinner Ideas?

You might also enjoy the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe, where buttery shrimp meet creamy pasta layers. Or dive into the flavorful Easy Seafood Casserole for a baked comfort dish that includes shrimp in a creamy medley.

Craving more handheld options? The Shrimp Burrito Bowls are a bold, Tex-Mex favorite. And for a spicier twist, check out the Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken with Noodles—easily swapped for shrimp if you’d like.

For a lighter, more refreshing bowl, my Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa is another go-to, perfect for summer lunches.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner or seafood boards for future cravings. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you add lemon zest? Use brown rice? Leave a comment below and let me know.

For more recipes like this, follow me on Pinterest where I share my daily creations: LadyPlate on Pinterest

The Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl Recipe with Herb Rice

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is the ultimate quick-fix meal—juicy shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter, served over fluffy, herb-infused rice. It’s a 30-minute comfort dish that feels like a gourmet dinner without the fuss. Perfect for weeknights or low-effort entertaining.

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside to marinate.

2. In a saucepan, combine rice, water (or broth), a pinch of salt, and dried herbs. Cook according to package instructions. Keep warm.

3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then place the shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

4. Lower heat and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add chopped parsley and return shrimp to the pan, tossing to coat.

5. Spoon herb rice into bowls, top with the garlic butter shrimp, and drizzle sauce over. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.