Garlic Butter Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowl 🍤🥑🍚
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowl is the perfect combination of fresh, creamy, buttery, and savory flavors all packed into one satisfying meal. Juicy shrimp are cooked in rich garlic butter sauce, then served over fluffy rice with creamy avocado slices for a comforting yet refreshing dish. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to feel restaurant-worthy. The lemon juice adds brightness, while paprika gives the shrimp a warm smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery garlic sauce. Best of all, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
- 2 cups cooked rice 🍚
- 1 avocado, sliced 🥑
- 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 3 tbsp butter 🧈
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 🍋
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
Instructions
1. Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Dry shrimp helps create a better golden sear while cooking. Place the shrimp in a bowl and season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated with seasoning.
2. Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and slightly golden around the edges. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp during the final minute of cooking for extra brightness and flavor.
3. Prepare the Rice Bowl
Spoon warm cooked rice into serving bowls. You can use jasmine rice, basmati rice, white rice, or even brown rice depending on your preference. Arrange sliced avocado neatly on one side of the bowl.
Top the rice with the hot garlic butter shrimp, making sure to include all the flavorful juices from the pan.
4. Finish with Garlic Butter Sauce
Stir chopped parsley into the remaining garlic butter sauce in the skillet. Spoon the buttery sauce generously over the shrimp and rice for maximum flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy every creamy, buttery bite.
Q/A
❓ Can I use frozen shrimp?
✅ Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for the best texture.
❓ What rice works best?
✅ Jasmine rice and basmati rice are excellent because they stay fluffy and absorb the garlic butter sauce beautifully. Brown rice works great for a healthier option.
❓ Can I add vegetables?
✅ Absolutely! Cucumber, corn, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or steamed broccoli all make delicious additions to this bowl.