Introduction
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl is a quick and satisfying meal. It is perfect for busy weeknights. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes! This dish is full of flavor. The shrimp is juicy, the garlic butter is rich, and the rice is fluffy. It’s also simple to make and good for you. You can change it to fit what you like. Everyone will love this meal, even picky eaters.
Why Make This Recipe
You will love making these Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls because they are fast and easy. Busy weeknights are perfect for them. They are ready in less than 30 minutes. The taste is amazing, with juicy shrimp, rich garlic butter, and soft rice. This meal is good for you. It has lean protein and you can add any vegetables you like. You can change it up in many ways. It is a meal that everyone, even picky eaters, will enjoy.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls
Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls is straightforward. First, you cook your rice and get your vegetables ready. Then, you make the star of the dish: the garlic butter shrimp. Finally, you put everything into a bowl. The whole process is quick and easy, which makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients of Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- Fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Rice Bowls:
- Cooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown rice work well)
- Your favorite vegetables (steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or edamame are good choices)
- Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, sesame seeds, chopped green onions, a drizzle of sriracha or soy sauce.
Directions of Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls
Preparing the Rice and Veggies:
- Cook your chosen rice as the package tells you.
- Get your vegetables ready. You can steam, sauté, or roast them while the shrimp cooks.
The Star of the Show: Sautéing the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you use them). Cook them until they smell good, about 30 seconds. Do not burn the garlic.
- Put shrimp in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are no longer see-through.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Take the skillet off the heat and stir in fresh parsley.
Assembling Your Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl:
- Put cooked rice into serving bowls.
- Arrange cooked shrimp and prepared vegetables on top of the rice.
- Add any optional toppings you like.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls
Serve these bowls with extra lemon wedges on the side. You can also offer a simple green salad with a light dressing. A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad also goes well with this meal.
How to Store Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls
Store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them gently when you want to eat them again.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls
Do not overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast, so watch it closely. This keeps it from becoming tough. Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best taste. Always taste your food and add more salt and pepper if needed. Prepare all your ingredients ahead of time. This makes cooking smoother. Cook shrimp over medium-high heat for a good sear and quick cooking.
Variation
Creative Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Herby Delight: Try other fresh herbs like dill or cilantro.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of coconut milk at the end for a richer sauce.
- Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for these Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and keeps the garlic butter flavor strong.
What kind of rice is best for Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls?
Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices. They are fluffy and smell good. Brown rice also works well. It has a nutty taste and more fiber.
How can I make these Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls spicier?
You can make them spicier by adding more red pepper flakes. You can also add a small amount of cayenne pepper or drizzle sriracha on top after cooking.
Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls with Roasted Vegetables
Equipment
- Pot
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Large Skillet
- Serving Bowls
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 1 lb fresh shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Rice Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1/2 cup edamame shelled, frozen or fresh
- 1 tbsp olive oil for roasting vegetables
- Salt for roasting vegetables
- Pepper for roasting vegetables
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 avocado sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions chopped
- Sriracha or soy sauce for drizzling
- extra lemon wedges for serving, if desired
Instructions
Prepare Rice and Vegetables
- Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions, then preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 15-20 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Prepare frozen edamame by cooking it according to its package directions.
Sauté the Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
Assemble the Rice Bowls
- Divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly between two serving bowls.
- Arrange the cooked garlic butter shrimp and roasted vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, and edamame) on top of the rice.
- Add any desired optional toppings such as sliced avocado, sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of sriracha or soy sauce.
Serve
- Serve the rice bowls immediately, adding extra lemon wedges on the side if desired.