Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

This dish features tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, accented with lemon zest and fresh herbs. Served atop fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, it offers a quick and vibrant meal full of balanced flavors. The gentle heat from optional crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while parsley and lemon wedges bring freshness. Ideal for an easy dinner, this bowl combines savory seafood with aromatic garlic and creamy butter for a satisfying plate.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:13:00 GMT
Golden garlic butter shrimp rice bowl, with plump, glistening shrimp and fluffy white rice, delicious! Save
Golden garlic butter shrimp rice bowl, with plump, glistening shrimp and fluffy white rice, delicious! | ovenharmony.com

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

The first time I made this shrimp rice bowl for my family, everyone loved how the buttery shrimp soaked into the rice, and even picky eaters came back for seconds.

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
Prepare Garlic Butter:
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
Cook Garlic:
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic
Cook Shrimp:
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque
Add Flavor:
Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and swirl to melt
Finish Sauce:
Remove skillet from heat
Prepare Rice Bowls:
Divide cooked rice among four bowls
Serve:
Top each bowl with garlic butter shrimp and spoon some sauce over rice
Garnish:
Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges
Sizzling aroma: Garlic butter shrimp rice bowl featuring tender shrimp, perfect for dinner tonight. Save
Sizzling aroma: Garlic butter shrimp rice bowl featuring tender shrimp, perfect for dinner tonight. | ovenharmony.com

Sharing these bowls at dinner brought everyone together. My kids loved adding extra lemon and parsley to theirs.

Required Tools

Large skillet, cooking spoon or spatula, rice cooker or saucepan, measuring spoons, knife and cutting board

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains 375 calories, 15 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein

Serving Suggestions

Add a handful of sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition. Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

Vibrant plate: Flavorful garlic butter shrimp rice bowl, a pescatarian delight with fresh lemon garnish. Save
Vibrant plate: Flavorful garlic butter shrimp rice bowl, a pescatarian delight with fresh lemon garnish. | ovenharmony.com

This shrimp rice bowl is vibrant and comforting. Enjoy every bite fresh out of the skillet.

Recipe FAQ

What type of rice works best with this dish?

Jasmine or basmati rice is preferred for its fluffy texture and fragrant aroma, complementing the garlic butter shrimp well.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the shrimp?

Yes, adding or omitting crushed red pepper flakes lets you control the heat level to suit your taste.

How should I cook the shrimp for best texture?

Cook shrimp on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque to ensure tenderness without overcooking.

Are there suitable substitutions for butter?

For a dairy-free option, plant-based butter alternatives can be used without compromising flavor.

What garnishes enhance the dish's freshness?

Fresh parsley and lemon wedges added at serving bring bright, refreshing notes that balance the richness.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Shrimp sautéed in garlic butter over fluffy rice, finished with lemon and fresh parsley.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Easy Weeknight Meals

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Without gluten

Components

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

Phase 01

Prepare shrimp: Season shrimp evenly with salt and black pepper.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Add seasonings and finish sauce: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if using, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add remaining tablespoon butter and swirl to melt.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice among four bowls.

Phase 08

Top with shrimp and sauce: Place garlic butter shrimp atop rice and spoon sauce over.

Phase 09

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and add lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter).
  • For dairy-free preparation, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
  • Check ingredient labels for other potential allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 375
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 26 g