Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl is a dish that dances on your taste buds, combining the rich flavors of garlic and butter with a zesty lemon kick. Imagine tender shrimp sautéed to perfection, enveloped in a buttery embrace, served over fluffy lemon rice that sings with citrusy brightness.

Every time I make this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl, I am transported back to my beach vacation days where the smell of garlic wafted through the air, mingling with ocean breezes. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual dinner or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this dish brings sunshine into your kitchen and puts smiles on faces.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavor profile balances buttery richness with zesty brightness in every bite.
- Visually stunning, it’s like a masterpiece on your dinner table, inviting everyone to dive in.
- Versatile enough to adapt based on what you have at home, this dish can be customized endlessly.
Nothing quite compares to the joy of serving this dish and watching my friends’ faces light up as they savor each mouthful of buttery goodness.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease.
Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic punch; avoid pre-minced versions if possible.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Freshly grated lemon zest and juice add vibrant flavors; don’t skip these.
Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice provides the best texture for this dish.
For the Garnish:
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and color; use it generously for visual appeal.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of these gives a subtle heat that elevates the whole dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Rice: Begin by rinsing 1 cup of rice under cold water until it runs clear. Combine with 2 cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and bubbly, toss in minced garlic (about 4 cloves) and sauté until fragrant, around 30 seconds.
Add Shrimp & Seasoning: Add 1 pound of shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over them. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until shrimp turns pink and opaque.
Incorporate Lemon Flavors: Squeeze in juice from one lemon and stir in lemon zest while mixing everything together. Let it cook for an additional minute so flavors meld together beautifully.
Combine Everything Together: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and gently stir it into the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Make sure every grain is coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce.
Serve & Garnish Delightfully: Plate your Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Add more lemon zest if desired before serving hot!
This delightful Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl not only pleases your palate but also showcases your culinary skills with minimal effort! Enjoy every delightful bite while basking in compliments from family or friends who may ask for seconds!
You Must Know
- This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl is not just a meal; it’s an experience!
- The aroma of garlic mingling with the tangy lemon will have everyone flocking to your kitchen.
- Plus, it’s quick to whip up on busy weeknights!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté the shrimp in garlic butter first, then cook the rice while they sizzle for perfect timing and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu, or add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t rush cooking; let everything simmer together for maximum flavor.
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning.
Cooking this dish reminds me of a summer cookout with friends, where laughter filled the air alongside the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen.
FAQ
What type of shrimp should I use?
Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well; just ensure they are deveined.
Can I make this dish without rice?
Absolutely! Serve garlic butter shrimp over pasta or salad instead of rice.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp turns pink and opaque when fully cooked, usually taking only 3-5 minutes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl
Experience a burst of flavor with this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Lemon Rice Bowl, where succulent shrimp are sautéed in rich garlic butter and served over fluffy lemon-infused rice. Each bite offers a perfect balance of buttery richness and zesty brightness, making it an ideal dish for casual dinners or special occasions. Quick to prepare and customizable, this meal is sure to impress your family and friends!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until clear. In a pot, combine with water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest; cook for an additional minute.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and gently combine it with the shrimp mixture in the skillet.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variations. Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in a skillet.