Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Dinners

This dish features tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with a hint of lemon zest and fresh herbs. Served over aromatic jasmine or basmati rice, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare in about 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal. Optional red pepper flakes add a gentle spice, while parsley and lemon wedges brighten the presentation and enhance freshness.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 10:48:00 GMT
Garlic butter shrimp rice bowl: vibrant meal of succulent shrimp on fluffy white rice. Save
Garlic butter shrimp rice bowl: vibrant meal of succulent shrimp on fluffy white rice. | forkina.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 dish, my kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling garlic and butter. It was such a hit with my family that it's now requested weekly for both casual dinners and special occasions.

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 minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to brown.
Cook Shrimp:
Add shrimp to skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Finish Sauce:
Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, lemon juice. Add remaining butter and swirl to melt.
Prepare Bowls:
Divide cooked rice among four bowls.
Assemble:
Top each bowl with garlic butter shrimp; spoon sauce over rice.
Garnish & Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Flavors burst with a close-up of the delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, ready to eat. Pin it
Flavors burst with a close-up of the delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, ready to eat. | forkina.com

It brings back memories of sharing lively meals with my loved ones, gathered around the table savoring every bite.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter). For dairy-free, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative. Always check ingredient labels for possible allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Golden garlic butter coats plump shrimp in a Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
Golden garlic butter coats plump shrimp in a Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, garnished with fresh parsley. | forkina.com

This rice bowl is a deliciously simple way to enjoy shrimp any day. The garlic butter and lemon bring all the flavors together beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté the garlic on medium heat just until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid browning and bitterness.

Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, jasmine or basmati rice works best, but brown rice or quinoa can be substituted for a healthful variation.

What is the best way to cook shrimp evenly?

Cook shrimp in a single layer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Absolutely, the crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be added or omitted based on your preferred heat level.

What are good complementary side options?

Sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli add nutrition and pair well by balancing the buttery richness.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Shrimp cooked in garlic butter served atop fragrant rice with lemon and fresh parsley.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Shrimp

01 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 1/4 teaspoon salt
03 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Rice

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

Garlic Butter Sauce

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
05 Zest and juice of half a lemon

Garnishes

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

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare garlic butter base: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 03

Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown.

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

Step 06

Remove from heat: Take the skillet off the heat to finish the sauce.

Step 07

Assemble bowls: Distribute cooked rice evenly among four bowls.

Step 08

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

Step 09

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

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy. Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives for dairy-free option.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 375
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 26 g