Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Featured in: Everyday Joys

This dish features large shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper, then cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and bright lemon zest. Served over jasmine or basmati rice, it is garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to enhance the vibrant flavors. The method is quick and simple, balancing buttery richness with a touch of acidity for a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for a light yet flavorful main dish.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:30:00 GMT
Golden garlic butter shrimp rice bowl, a savory and satisfying seafood main course with fluffy rice. Save
Golden garlic butter shrimp rice bowl, a savory and satisfying seafood main course with fluffy rice. | sugarprairie.com

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

I first made this Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl on a busy weeknight. The simple ingredients and fast cooking time made it a perfect meal, and my family loved how flavorful and comforting it was.

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.
Sauté garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Cook shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Finish sauce:
Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and swirl to melt. Remove from heat.
Prepare bowls:
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
Serve:
Top each bowl with the garlic butter shrimp and spoon some of the sauce over the rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
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Whenever we make this recipe, everyone gathers around the table quickly. My kids especially love squeezing extra lemon over their bowls, and it's always a dinner that brings smiles.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Notes

For extra flavor, add sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli. Swap jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa as you like. Pairs well with a crisp white wine.

Close-up of garlic butter shrimp atop rice, featuring a vibrant lemon garnish for flavor and color. Save
Close-up of garlic butter shrimp atop rice, featuring a vibrant lemon garnish for flavor and color. | sugarprairie.com

Enjoy this rice bowl immediately for best texture and taste. It's easy to customize with your favorite veggies and grains.

Kitchen Help

What type of rice works best for this dish?

Jasmine or basmati rice provides a fragrant and fluffy base that complements the rich garlic butter shrimp perfectly.

Can I adjust the garlic flavor intensity?

Yes, you can increase or reduce the minced garlic according to your preference to make the dish more or less pungent.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative while maintaining the olive oil to keep the rich sauce texture.

What garnishes enhance this bowl’s flavor?

Fresh parsley adds herbal brightness while lemon wedges provide an optional citrusy lift before serving.

How do I ensure the shrimp is cooked properly?

Cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, making sure not to overcook for tender results.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl

Shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with lemon and herbs, served over fragrant fluffy rice.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Everyday Joys

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Without gluten

Components

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 1/2 lemon

Garnishes

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

Method steps

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Prepare Garlic Butter Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil.

Phase 03

Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for one minute until fragrant without browning.

Phase 04

Cook Shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Phase 05

Incorporate Sauce Ingredients: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if using, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add remaining butter and swirl to melt.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls.

Phase 08

Top with Shrimp: Place garlic butter shrimp atop the rice and spoon sauce over each serving.

Phase 09

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

Kitchen tools needed

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

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy. Use plant-based butter substitute for dairy-free option. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 375
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 26 g