Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: a creamy herb rice with garlic butter shrimp bowl! This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also so versatile that it can be enjoyed any night of the week. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy dinner with friends, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The combination of rich, creamy rice and succulent garlic butter shrimp is nothing short of heavenly. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup rice: I love using long-grain rice for this dish, as it cooks up fluffy and light, perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the rice, making it rich and savory. You can use homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s low-sodium!
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This is where the creaminess comes from! It gives the rice that dreamy texture we all crave.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Just a little pat of butter brings a lovely richness that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! It adds that aromatic punch to the shrimp and the rice.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: I prefer large shrimp for this recipe; they cook quickly and have that perfect bite. Don’t forget to get them fresh!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to sauté the shrimp beautifully without burning the garlic.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish and add a lovely pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: The dill complements the shrimp and gives the rice a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to make sure it’s just right for you.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, which keeps your rice nice and fluffy!
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Don’t peek too much; let it do its thing!
- While the rice is cooking, let’s get the shrimp ready! In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that the butter burns.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Wow, the smell is incredible already!
- Next, toss in the shrimp. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. You’ll know they’re done when they curl up a bit. Yum!
- Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the heavy cream, chopped parsley, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a gentle mix and let it simmer for another minute to meld those flavors together.
- When the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork, and then it’s time to serve! Place a generous scoop of the creamy herb rice on your plate and top it with those luscious garlic butter shrimp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy texture of the rice pairs beautifully with the succulent garlic butter shrimp.
- Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor, making every bite delightful.
- It’s a healthy option packed with protein and rich flavors.
- Versatile enough to serve on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
To make your creamy herb rice with garlic butter shrimp bowl truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, when selecting shrimp, look for ones that smell fresh and have a firm texture. If you can, buy them from a reputable fishmonger or the seafood counter. Fresh herbs are a game changer—don’t skimp on the parsley and dill! They elevate the dish with vibrant flavors. Timing is key, so keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking; they can go from perfect to overcooked in a flash. Lastly, don’t forget to taste as you go to adjust the seasoning just right!
Variations
If you’re in the mood for something different, feel free to switch things up! Instead of shrimp, you can use chicken or even tofu for a plant-based twist. For a burst of flavor, try adding lemon zest or a splash of white wine to the sauce. You can also experiment with herbs—basil or cilantro would be fantastic alternatives! The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of creamy herb rice with garlic butter shrimp bowl. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea!
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
So whether you’re counting macros or just enjoying a hearty meal, this dish delivers on flavor and satisfaction!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your creamy herb rice with garlic butter shrimp bowl, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water or a bit more cream to keep everything nice and creamy. You can also warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until heated through. Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp again—it’s all about keeping that delicious texture intact!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. They can be a great time-saver.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk, but the texture won’t be quite as creamy.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp while cooking!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the rice and shrimp separately and combine them just before serving. This prevents the rice from becoming soggy.
What other herbs can I use?
Feel free to experiment! Thyme, chives, or even a bit of cilantro can add a different flavor profile to your dish.
Creamy Herb Rice with Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious creamy herb rice dish topped with garlic butter shrimp.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water.
- In a pot, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Cook rice for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, parsley, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fluff the rice and serve it on a plate topped with the garlic butter shrimp.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor.
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: creamy herb rice, garlic butter shrimp, shrimp bowl
