Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Featured in: Quick & Fresh Meals

This dish features tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, complemented by the brightness of lemon zest and fresh herbs. Served over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, it offers a satisfying balance of buttery richness and fresh citrus notes. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Simple seasoning and optional red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, while parsley and lemon wedges provide a fresh finishing touch.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:16:00 GMT
Garlic butter shrimp rice bowl: Tender shrimp glistening in garlic butter and served atop fluffy white rice. Pin Recipe
Garlic butter shrimp rice bowl: Tender shrimp glistening in garlic butter and served atop fluffy white rice. | fordishes.com

Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter is served over fluffy rice, finished with a touch of lemon and fresh herbs for a vibrant and satisfying meal.

I remember the first time I made this rice bowl for my family, everyone was drawn to the kitchen by the irresistible aroma of garlic butter. It quickly turned into one of our favorite weeknight meals.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Rice: 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (about 3/4 cup uncooked)
  • Garlic Butter Sauce: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic (finely minced), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Garnishes: 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped), Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Season Shrimp:
Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
Make Garlic Butter:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil.
Sauté Garlic:
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Cook Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Add Sauce Elements:
Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and swirl to melt.
Finish:
Remove from heat.
Serve Rice Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
Top and Garnish:
Top each bowl with the garlic butter shrimp and spoon some of the sauce over the rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Flavors of a Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl: A close-up shows the shrimp, infused with savory garlic butter. Pin Recipe
Flavors of a Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl: A close-up shows the shrimp, infused with savory garlic butter. | fordishes.com

Sitting around the table with loved ones and sharing this meal always brings smiles and requests for seconds. It’s a dish that brings a fresh, cheerful energy to family dinners.

Additions and Variations

Add a handful of sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli to each bowl for extra color and nutrition. Swap jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome twist.

Pairings

This shrimp rice bowl pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling lemonade for a refreshing nonalcoholic option.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 375 calories, 15 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.

This flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl offers the perfect balance of savory shrimp and zesty lemon. Pin Recipe
This flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl offers the perfect balance of savory shrimp and zesty lemon. | fordishes.com

Let the garlic butter shrimp rice bowl shine with simple garnishes and fresh herbs. Enjoy every vibrant bite!

Recipe FAQs

What type of rice is best for this dish?

Jasmine or basmati rice works well as they offer a fluffy texture and fragrant aroma that complements the garlic butter shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this meal?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure even sautéing and flavor absorption.

How can I add extra vegetables to the bowl?

Sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli make excellent additions, adding both color and nutrition without overpowering the dish.

What’s a good way to avoid the garlic browning too much?

Sauté garlic on medium heat briefly and watch carefully to prevent browning, which can create a bitter taste.

Are there alternatives to butter for a dairy-free version?

Substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil to maintain richness without dairy.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Shrimp sautéed in garlic butter served over rice with lemon zest and fresh herbs for a flavorful dish.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cooking Duration
15 mins
Complete Time
30 mins
Recipe by Fordishes Ava Reynolds


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Details Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Shrimp

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 1/4 tsp salt
03 1/4 tsp black pepper

Rice

01 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (about 3/4 cup uncooked)

Garlic Butter Sauce

01 3 tbsp unsalted butter
02 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 1 tbsp olive oil
04 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon

Garnishes

01 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
02 Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Step 01

Season shrimp: Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over the shrimp.

Step 02

Melt butter and heat oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil.

Step 03

Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.

Step 04

Cook shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Step 05

Add seasoning and finish sauce: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and swirl until melted.

Step 06

Remove from heat: Take the skillet off heat to prevent overcooking.

Step 07

Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls.

Step 08

Add shrimp and sauce: Top each bowl with garlic butter shrimp and drizzle sauce over the rice.

Step 09

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley and add lemon wedges for garnish. Serve immediately.

Needed Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cooking spoon or spatula
  • Rice cooker or saucepan
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy. For dairy-free, replace butter with plant-based options. Verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

For informational use only—doesn't replace personalized medical direction.
  • Calories: 375
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 26 g