Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl With Herb Rice

Creamy garlic butter shrimp served in a bowl with herb rice and fresh herbs

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This creamy garlic butter shrimp bowl is a treat for seafood lovers! It features juicy shrimp swimming in a rich garlic sauce served over fluffy herb rice. Yum!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star of this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using chicken breast or tofu for a lighter protein. Frozen shrimp work well too—just thaw them before cooking.

Butter: Unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness of the dish. If you want a healthier twist, you can use olive oil or avocado oil instead for cooking the shrimp.

Heavy cream: This adds richness, but you can substitute half and half or whole milk if you want fewer calories. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or cashew cream.

Rice: Long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine makes the dish light and fluffy. Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives if you want a grain-free option.

How Do You Get Your Shrimp Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking shrimp calls for quick and precise timing. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery, so pay attention! Here’s how:

  • Start by heating butter over medium heat, adding minced garlic first until fragrant.
  • Then, introduce the shrimp, seasoning them well. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Don’t crowd the pan! If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Remember to keep an eye on the color! Once they start to curl, you know they’re close to done.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl With Herb Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Herb Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the rice and about 15 minutes for the shrimp. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Rice:

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add the rice, 1 tablespoon of butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir once, cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

2. Fluffing the Rice:

After cooking, take the rice off the heat and fluff it with a fork. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley, cover it again to keep warm, and set it aside while you cook the shrimp.

3. Cooking the Shrimp:

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until the aroma is delightful—but be careful not to let it brown! Now, add the shrimp to the skillet and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried parsley.

4. Finishing the Sauce:

Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Then, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the heavy cream. Stir gently and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly for about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5. Serving Up:

To serve, place a generous portion of the herb rice on one side of a bowl or plate, and spoon the creamy garlic butter shrimp along with its sauce beside the rice. Feel free to garnish with extra chopped parsley if you like that fresh touch!

Enjoy your creamy, garlicky shrimp with fragrant herb rice! It’s a bowlful of happiness!

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quicker method. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?

Absolutely! You can use half and half, whole milk, or for a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

What Should I Serve with This Dish?

This shrimp bowl is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a lower-carb option, substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

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