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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Rice broth/water, butter, salt, parsley, lemon zest
  • Shrimp olive oil, butter, garlic, cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper
  • Optional: spinach/peas/tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Cook the Herb Rice Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs mostly clear (this helps keep it fluffy). Add rice, water or broth, butter, and salt to a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15–18 minutes, until liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat and let it sit covered 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in parsley and lemon zest. Tiny tip: Add lemon zest off heat so it stays fragrant.
  2. Prep the Shrimp (This Part Matters) Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Dry shrimp = good sear. Wet shrimp = steaming. The difference is real.
  3. Sear the Shrimp Fast Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook about 2 minutes per side until just opaque and lightly golden. Remove shrimp to a plate right away. Don’t worry if the shrimp isn’t fully perfect yet. It finishes later in the sauce.
  4. Build the Garlic Butter Base Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant. If garlic starts browning fast, your pan is too hot. Pull it back. Garlic can go from “wow” to “bitter” quickly.
  5. Make It Creamy Pour in cream and stir. Let it gently simmer 1–2 minutes. Add Parmesan and whisk until smooth and slightly thickened. You want the sauce to coat a spoon, not pour like milk.
  6. Return Shrimp + Finish with Lemon Add shrimp (and any juices) back to the skillet. Toss to coat and warm through 30–60 seconds. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and a handful of parsley. Taste. Then taste again. Add salt, pepper, or a little extra lemon if it needs a lift.
  7. Assemble the Bowls Spoon herb rice into bowls. Top with shrimp. Drizzle extra sauce over everything. Finish with chopped parsley and a lemon wedge.
  8. (Optional) Add Veggies Without Extra Drama Spinach: stir it into the sauce at the very end until wilted. Peas: toss into the sauce for the last minute. Cherry tomatoes: add them after shrimp cooks, quick sauté 1–2 minutes, then proceed with sauce.