Oh boy, let me tell you about my creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl with herb rice! This dish is one of my absolute favorites, and for good reason. Just imagine perfectly cooked shrimp, glistening in a luscious garlic butter sauce, all served over a bed of fragrant herb-infused rice. It’s not only delicious but also super easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want to treat yourself to something special. I remember the first time I made this for my friends; their eyes lit up with every bite, and I felt like a kitchen rockstar! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again—it’s that good! The best part? You can have it on the table in just about 25 minutes. How amazing is that?
Ingredients List
Ready to gather your ingredients? Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl with herb rice:
- 1 pound shrimp – Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking. I love using fresh shrimp, but frozen will work just fine too; just thaw them beforehand!
- 4 tablespoons butter – This adds that rich, luxurious flavor to the sauce. I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness.
- 4 cloves garlic – Minced. Garlic is the star here, so don’t skimp on it! The aroma when it’s sautéing is absolutely heavenly.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This is what gives the dish its creamy, decadent texture. Go for the real deal; it makes a world of difference!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a lovely hint of warmth and color to the sauce. You can use smoked paprika if you want a deeper flavor.
- 2 cups cooked rice – White or brown rice works great here. I often make extra rice in advance so it’s ready to go!
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs – Chopped (like parsley or basil). Fresh herbs really elevate the dish, adding a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Salt and pepper – To taste. Always season your dish; it’s the little things that bring out all those delicious flavors!
That’s it! Simple, fresh ingredients that come together to make a delightful meal. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl with herb rice! It’s easier than you think, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
- Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Give it a moment to get nice and bubbly!
- Once the butter’s melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant—oh, the aroma is just divine!
- Now, it’s time for the star of the show—add the shrimp! Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn a beautiful pink color. This is when you know they’re perfectly cooked.
- Next, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the paprika. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up a bit. You want it to be creamy but not too runny!
- Season it up with salt and pepper to taste. This is your chance to adjust the flavors, so don’t be shy!
- While your shrimp sauce is simmering, grab a separate bowl and mix the cooked rice with the fresh herbs until it’s all combined. The herbs will make the rice pop with flavor.
- Finally, serve the luscious shrimp right over that fragrant herb rice. Just look at those colors! It’s a feast for both the eyes and your taste buds.
And there you have it—a creamy, garlicky shrimp bowl that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time (10 minutes) – Seriously, you can whip this up faster than it takes to order takeout!
- Deliciously creamy and flavorful – The garlic butter sauce is rich and dreamy, making every bite a flavor explosion!
- Perfect for a cozy dinner – It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort, ideal for a night in.
- Gluten-free option – Great news if you or your guests have dietary restrictions; this dish can easily fit into a gluten-free diet!
- Easy to customize with different herbs – Swap in your favorites or whatever you have on hand; it’s all about personalizing your bowl!
Tips for Success
To truly nail this creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl with herb rice, here are my top tips for success! First off, don’t rush the sautéing of the garlic. You want it just golden and fragrant, not burnt—trust me, burnt garlic is a big no-no! When cooking the shrimp, make sure they’re all in a single layer in the pan; this ensures they cook evenly and get that lovely sear. And seasoning is everything! Taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, because everyone’s palate is different. If you can, use high-quality shrimp; fresh or wild-caught shrimp elevate the dish to another level! Finally, don’t skimp on the fresh herbs—they’re the finishing touch that really brings the whole dish to life. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl with herb rice! For starters, try swapping out the shrimp for another protein—chicken or scallops work beautifully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly! You could also add a medley of colorful veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach to the skillet for a pop of nutrition and flavor. Toss them in right after the garlic, letting them sauté until just tender.
And if you want to experiment with spices, why not add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or swap the paprika for curry powder for a unique twist? The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can make it your own with just a few simple changes! Have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Don’t worry; this creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl with herb rice stores beautifully! To keep it fresh, you’ll want to let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, reheating is a breeze. You can use the microwave—just place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat it in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warmed through. This helps to keep the shrimp from overcooking and getting tough!
If you prefer the stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of water or a little extra cream to the pan. Then, add your leftover shrimp bowl and stir gently until heated through. This not only warms it up but also helps maintain that creamy texture we all love.
Just a little tip: try to avoid reheating it more than once, as shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked. Enjoy your meal, and remember—it’s just as good the second time around!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact numbers, I can share some estimated nutritional information for this creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl with herb rice:
- Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 200mg
These values are just a guideline, so feel free to adjust your ingredients to better suit your dietary needs. Enjoy this delicious meal, knowing it’s not only tasty but packed with flavor and a satisfying balance of nutrients!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. I often keep a bag of frozen shrimp on hand for quick meals just like this one. Just pop them in the fridge the night before or run them under cold water for a quick thaw.
What kind of rice works best?
I usually go for jasmine or basmati rice because they have such a lovely fragrance and texture, but you can use any type of cooked rice you prefer. Brown rice is a great option too if you’re looking for something a bit heartier!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can absolutely make a creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl with herb rice dairy-free! Just swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. It’ll add a different flavor, but it can be delicious in its own right!
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but if you like a kick, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce! It’s all about customizing it to your taste buds.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While I recommend serving it fresh for the best flavor, you can prepare the herb rice in advance and store it in the fridge. Just keep the shrimp and sauce separate until you’re ready to serve. Reheat them gently as mentioned earlier to keep everything delicious!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken!
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl served over herb rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Pour in heavy cream and add paprika.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate bowl, combine cooked rice with fresh herbs.
- Serve shrimp over herb rice.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Use any fresh herbs you prefer.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl with herb rice
