Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl With Herb Rice

Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice

Table of Contents

Buttery, luscious shrimp over fresh herb rice – a weeknight win with Mediterranean soul.

This Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl is a rich yet balanced dish that brings comfort and flavor together effortlessly. Plump shrimp are seared in garlic butter and finished in a light cream sauce kissed with lemon and herbs. Served over fluffy herbed rice with hints of parsley, dill, and lemon zest, this bowl is hearty enough for dinner yet light enough to enjoy year-round. It’s a Mediterranean-style twist on shrimp scampi with cozy vibes and bold flavor.

Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 3–4

Ingredients

For the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Juice of ½ lemon

⅓ cup light cream or half-and-half

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for richness)

Salt & black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

For the Herb Rice:

1 cup long grain white rice or basmati

2 cups water or low-sodium broth

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

½ tsp salt

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tbsp chopped dill or mint

Zest of ½ lemon

Instructions

Make the Herb Rice:

Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or broth) and ½ tsp salt to a boil. Add rice and 1 tbsp olive oil or butter.

Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes (or according to package directions) until tender.

Turn off heat and let steam for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then mix in parsley, dill/mint, and lemon zest. Set aside.

Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t brown).

Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until just pink.

Add lemon juice and cream. Stir in Parmesan (if using) and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Stir in chopped herbs and remove from heat.

Assemble the Bowls:

Spoon herb rice into bowls. Top with creamy shrimp and drizzle sauce over the top. Garnish with more herbs and a lemon wedge, if desired.

Tips

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:
Shrimp cook very quickly — as soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from heat. Overcooking makes them rubbery.

Use Pre-Cooked Rice for Speed:
Short on time? Use leftover rice or quick-cook rice packets. Just stir in the herbs and lemon zest to brighten it up.

Balance the Cream:
If the sauce feels too heavy, add a splash of extra lemon juice or broth to lighten it. If it’s too thin, simmer 1–2 extra minutes to thicken.

Fresh Garlic is Key:
Avoid jarred garlic for this recipe — fresh garlic provides that deep, savory base that elevates the butter sauce.

Variations

Dairy-Free Option:
Replace butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of dairy. Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

No Cream? Use Yogurt:
Sub the cream with ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (add it off the heat to prevent curdling) for a tangier, higher-protein finish.

Add Greens:
Stir in a handful of baby spinach, arugula, or chopped kale to the shrimp just before finishing the sauce.

Switch the Grain:
Try quinoa, farro, couscous, or orzo instead of rice for variety.

Make It Spicier:
Add harissa paste, Aleppo pepper, or more red pepper flakes for a spicier Mediterranean flair.

Make It Lighter:
Use zoodles or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture that can thin the sauce.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes — both the shrimp and herb rice are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check labels on broth or Parmesan if using pre-packaged.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prep components (cook rice, clean shrimp, chop herbs) in advance. For best results, cook the shrimp and assemble just before serving so the texture stays fresh.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, serves 4 – approximate)

Calories: 420

Final Conclusion

This Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl with Herb Rice is the perfect fusion of rich comfort and bright Mediterranean freshness. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and packed with protein, healthy fats, and citrusy herb flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish hits the spot — indulgent, yet balanced.