Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Featured in: Cozy Dinner Bowls

This dish features tender shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, lightly seasoned and combined with bright lemon zest and juice for a vibrant flavor. Served atop fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, it's garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to enhance the experience. The balance of rich butter and zesty citrus, complemented by subtle spicy notes from red pepper flakes, offers a satisfying and easy-to-prepare meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 09:38:00 GMT
Golden Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, served with fluffy rice and fresh parsley, a delicious meal. Save to Pinterest
Golden Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, served with fluffy rice and fresh parsley, a delicious meal. | lovelyserena.com

Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served over fluffy rice with a touch of lemon and fresh herbs makes for a vibrant and satisfying meal. This simple bowl is a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home without extra fuss.

I remember the first time I made this for my friends: the aroma of garlic filled the kitchen, and everyone flocked to the table eager for dinner. The combination of buttery shrimp and fresh herbs was an instant hit that became a weeknight favorite.

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 the shrimp:
Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
Prepare skillet:
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. Do not brown the garlic.
Cook shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Add flavors:
Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest and juice. Add the final tablespoon of butter and swirl to melt.
Finish:
Remove from heat.
Prepare bowls:
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
Assemble:
Top each bowl with shrimp and spoon sauce over rice.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
A close-up of a Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, showing glistening shrimp and a flavorful sauce. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, showing glistening shrimp and a flavorful sauce. | lovelyserena.com

This shrimp rice bowl has become a family favorite when we want something special but easy after a busy day. Even my kids love customizing their bowls with extra lemon and fresh herbs.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories: 375, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 35 g, Protein: 26 g (per serving)

Dietary Notes

Pescatarian friendly. Substitute butter for a plant-based option for dairy-free. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Vibrant Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, with lemon wedges, easy to imagine its savory aromas. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, with lemon wedges, easy to imagine its savory aromas. | lovelyserena.com

This dish comes together quickly and impresses every time. Enjoy this easy, flavorful meal for a perfect dinner any night of the week.

Ask About This Recipe

What type of shrimp works best?

Large peeled and deveined shrimp provide the ideal texture and flavor, allowing even cooking and easy seasoning absorption.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, jasmine or basmati rice is recommended for fluffiness, but brown rice or quinoa are great alternatives for a heartier base.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque to retain tenderness and juiciness.

Is it necessary to use butter?

Butter is key for richness and flavor, but it can be replaced with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free option.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely, sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli add color, nutrition, and complement the shrimp and garlic butter nicely.

What garnishes enhance this meal?

Fresh parsley and lemon wedges brighten the dish and add a refreshing finish to the rich butter and shrimp.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Shrimp cooked in garlic butter, served on fluffy rice with lemon and fresh herbs.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Wheat-Free

What You Need

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 (approximately 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

How To Make It

Step 01

Season shrimp: Sprinkle shrimp with salt and black pepper to season evenly.

Step 02

Prepare garlic butter base: 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 cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Finish sauce: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if desired, lemon zest, and juice. Add remaining tablespoon of butter and swirl until melted.

Step 06

Remove from heat: Take skillet off heat once sauce is combined.

Step 07

Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice among four bowls evenly.

Step 08

Top with shrimp and sauce: Spoon garlic butter shrimp with sauce over the rice in each bowl.

Step 09

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter).
  • For dairy-free options, replace butter with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 375
  • Lipids: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 26 g