Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is a flavorful and quick-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over fragrant herb-infused jasmine or basmati rice, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Herb Rice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 tbsp fresh or dried herbs (thyme, dill, or parsley)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Drizzle of olive oil (about 1 tsp)
Instructions
- Cook Rice: Prepare the jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the fresh or dried herbs, salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. Set aside and keep warm.
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, to add a subtle heat.
- Melt Butter and Olive Oil: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil, allowing them to melt and combine to form a rich base for cooking the shrimp.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, ensuring the butter does not burn and the garlic releases its aroma.
- Cook Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and opaque. Flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked but still tender.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce, coating them well and enhancing the flavors.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the herb rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the garlic butter shrimp. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an optional extra zing.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked; they cook quickly and should be pink and opaque but still juicy.
- Jasmine rice offers a floral aroma while basmati rice provides a nuttier flavor – choose according to preference.
- This recipe is versatile – you can add steamed vegetables or a side salad to make it a complete meal.