Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

Featured in: Everyday Cravings

This dish features tender shrimp cooked in fragrant garlic butter, paired perfectly with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice. Enhanced by a hint of lemon zest and juice, it offers a bright and savory flavor balance. Fresh parsley adds a herbaceous touch, making it a satisfying meal that comes together quickly with simple, fresh ingredients.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:27:00 GMT
A close-up of a Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, boasting tender shrimp over fluffy rice and vibrant herbs. Save
A close-up of a Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, boasting tender shrimp over fluffy rice and vibrant herbs. | munchhug.com

Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served over fluffy rice with a touch of lemon and fresh herbs creates a vibrant, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

I was inspired to make this dish after a vacation by the coast, where every restaurant seemed to serve some delightful shrimp bowl. Now, it’s a regular in my home kitchen whenever I want something both comforting and refreshing.

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.
Prepare Pan:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil.
Sauté Garlic:
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 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Add Flavors:
Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and swirl to melt.
Finish:
Remove from heat.
Assemble Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
Top and 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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My family always asks for seconds when I make this, and it has quickly become a dinnertime favorite we all look forward to.

Serving Suggestions

Add a handful of sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli for extra veggies, or pair with a crisp salad and your favorite white wine.

Allergen Information

This dish contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter). For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and always check ingredient labels for possible allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximately 375 calories, 15 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 26 g protein.

Golden-brown Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, smelling of garlic and lemon, is a quick and satisfying dinner. Save
Golden-brown Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowl, smelling of garlic and lemon, is a quick and satisfying dinner. | munchhug.com

This garlic butter shrimp rice bowl brings together bold flavors and comforting textures in every bite. Enjoy it fresh for maximum flavor!

Recipe Guide

What type of shrimp works best?

Large peeled and deveined shrimp provide the ideal texture and cook quickly for this dish.

Can I use other types of rice?

Yes, jasmine or basmati rice are preferred for their fragrance, but brown rice or quinoa can be used for a healthier twist.

How do I prevent garlic from burning?

Sauté garlic briefly over medium heat until fragrant and avoid browning by stirring constantly and removing promptly.

Is it possible to adjust the spice level?

Yes, add or omit crushed red pepper flakes depending on your preferred heat intensity.

What are good garnishes to serve with this dish?

Fresh parsley and lemon wedges complement the flavors well and add a bright, fresh finish.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice

Tender shrimp in garlic butter atop fluffy rice, enhanced with lemon and fresh parsley.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition preferences No 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 (from about 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

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Prepare garlic butter base: Heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Phase 03

Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant without browning.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Finish sauce: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if using, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and swirl until melted.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls.

Phase 08

Top with shrimp: Place garlic butter shrimp atop rice and spoon sauce over.

Phase 09

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and offer lemon wedges alongside. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy; for dairy-free option, replace butter with plant-based alternative.

Dietary info (per portion)

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