Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Introduction

The Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is an elegant yet comforting dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of cream, served over fragrant herb-infused rice. This recipe balances the briny sweetness of shrimp with the indulgent silkiness of butter and cream, while the herb rice lightens the dish with freshness. Perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic meals, or even family gatherings, it’s a bowl of flavor that feels both luxurious and homestyle.

Ingredients

For the Herb Rice

  • 1 ½ cups jasmine or basmati rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or cilantro (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • 450 g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions / Methods

Step 1: Cook the Herb Rice

  1. Rinse rice until water runs clear.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter (or olive oil) and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add rice, stir to coat in butter.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, season with salt and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes (until fluffy).
  6. Stir in fresh herbs before serving.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

  1. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet.
  3. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter.
  2. Add garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp & Sauce

  • Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat in sauce, and cook for another minute.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

  1. Scoop a portion of herb rice into a bowl.
  2. Top with creamy garlic butter shrimp.
  3. Garnish with parsley, chives, or extra Parmesan.

History

Shrimp has long been a staple in Mediterranean and coastal cuisines, prized for its delicate flavor and quick cooking. Garlic butter sauces trace back to French cuisine, particularly the classic beurre blanc and scampi-style dishes. Over time, chefs worldwide combined these elements into comforting “shrimp bowls,” often paired with rice or pasta. The addition of cream and Parmesan gives this dish an Italian-inspired richness, while the fresh herb rice keeps its Southern and Mediterranean influences alive.

Benefits

  1. Protein-Rich: Shrimp is lean yet high in protein.
  2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports heart and brain health.
  3. Balanced Meal: Carbs from rice, protein from shrimp, healthy fats from butter and olive oil.
  4. Herbal Boost: Fresh herbs add antioxidants and aid digestion.
  5. Quick & Elegant: Cooks in under 30 minutes but tastes restaurant-worthy.

Formation (Cooking Science)

  • Butter + Cream: Emulsify into a velvety sauce that coats shrimp beautifully.
  • Garlic Flavor Release: Garlic sautéed in butter infuses the fat, creating deep flavor.
  • Rice Absorption: Cooking rice in broth instead of water locks in savory depth.
  • Parmesan in Sauce: Adds umami and thickens sauce naturally.

Conclusion

The Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is a restaurant-style dish made easily at home. Every bite combines creamy, garlicky richness with the freshness of herbed rice and succulent shrimp. It’s versatile, elegant, and guaranteed to satisfy both seafood lovers and comfort food fans.

Lovers of This Dish

  • Seafood Enthusiasts: Shrimp prepared to perfection.
  • Garlic Lovers: A bold, fragrant sauce.
  • Families: Easy, filling, and crowd-pleasing.
  • Romantic Dinner Seekers: Perfect for date nights.
  • Health-Conscious Foodies: Balanced with lean protein and fresh herbs.

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