Looking for a garlic shrimp bowl recipe that’s as delicious as it is easy? This recipe delivers succulent shrimp bathed in a buttery garlic sauce, served over fluffy rice with vibrant, fresh toppings, making it your new go-to for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Key Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Bowl
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
- Optional Toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Shredded carrots
- Cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Bowl
This garlic shrimp bowl is incredibly simple to prepare, delivering a burst of fresh, zesty flavors in every bite. The tender shrimp, infused with rich garlic and butter, combine beautifully with fluffy rice and a medley of colorful toppings for a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal. Expect to have this delightful dish ready in approximately 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for ensuring the shrimp sears nicely rather than steams, resulting in a better texture. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery.
- Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, stir in the fresh lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley. Swirl the pan to emulsify the sauce. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.
- Combine and Coat: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them completely in the luscious garlic butter sauce. Allow to simmer for another 30 seconds to a minute, just to warm the shrimp through and allow them to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly between two serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the garlic shrimp and its buttery sauce.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Arrange your desired fresh toppings over the shrimp and rice. This is where you can really customize your garlic shrimp bowl. Consider adding sliced avocado for creaminess, halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch, shredded carrots for color and texture, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an herbaceous note. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds an extra layer of brightness.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Bowl
You’ll absolutely adore this garlic shrimp bowl for its incredibly succulent shrimp, perfectly coated in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that’s simply irresistible. Unlike a heavier pasta dish, this bowl offers a lighter yet profoundly satisfying experience, making it a fantastic alternative when you crave something flavorful without feeling weighed down. The magic, however, truly lies in the vibrant, fresh toppings that add pops of color, texture, and delightful contrasts, elevating this simple meal into something truly special.
Making this garlic shrimp bowl at home not only saves you money compared to ordering takeout but also guarantees the freshest ingredients and a truly personalized meal. Forget the restaurant markups and the delivery wait times; you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a healthy, delicious option without the fuss. So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a meal that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation!
Storing the Garlic Shrimp Bowl:
- Refrigeration: Allow the garlic shrimp bowl to cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. The cooked components and assembled bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to store the toppings separately if possible to maintain their texture.
- Reheating: To reheat, scoop the desired portion into a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. For a crisper texture on the shrimp, you can briefly sauté them in a pan with a splash of oil or butter after reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat the components separately: rice in the microwave, and shrimp gently in a skillet.
Freezing Tips:
- Freezing is not generally recommended for this garlic shrimp bowl, as the texture of the shrimp and the freshness of the toppings can be significantly compromised upon thawing. If you must freeze, it is best to freeze the cooked rice and the prepared shrimp and sauce separately. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as described above. Add all fresh toppings after reheating.
Final Thoughts
This garlic shrimp bowl is your new secret weapon for quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meals. Gather your loved ones and dive into this incredibly flavorful dish – you won’t be disappointed!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Garlic Shrimp Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for ensuring the shrimp sears nicely rather than steams, resulting in a better texture. Season the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.1 pound large shrimp, salt
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can turn bitter.2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery.1 pound large shrimp
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, stir in the fresh lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley. Swirl the pan to emulsify the sauce. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, salt
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them completely in the luscious garlic butter sauce. Allow to simmer for another 30 seconds to a minute, just to warm the shrimp through and allow them to absorb the flavors.1 pound large shrimp
- Divide the cooked rice evenly between two serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the garlic shrimp and its buttery sauce.2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Arrange your desired fresh toppings over the shrimp and rice. Consider adding sliced avocado for creaminess, halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch, shredded carrots for color and texture, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an herbaceous note. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving adds an extra layer of brightness.sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, cilantro, lime wedges