Looking for a quick, tasty meal? Try my Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls! In just a few simple steps, you’ll whip up this flavorful dish packed with large shrimp, fresh lemon, and garlic. It’s perfect for busy days or when you want to impress. Plus, you can easily customize it to fit your taste. Join me as we bring this delightful dish to your kitchen!

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– Zest of 1 lemon and juice from the same lemon
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Optional Ingredients
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
– Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish)
Serving Add-ons
– 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced (for topping)
– A handful of baby spinach or arugula (for serving)
This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowl is simple yet bursting with flavor. I use large shrimp for a juicy bite. The jasmine rice provides a fluffy base that soaks up the rich lemon and garlic sauce. Garlic is key here; it gives a savory punch.
The lemon zest and juice bring brightness to the dish. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness on top.
For serving, I love to add ripe avocado. It adds a creamy texture that complements the shrimp. Baby spinach or arugula gives a nice crunch. These ingredients combine to create a balanced meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Skillet
– Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
– Once the oil is shimmering, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic fragrant but not brown. This step infuses the oil with rich flavor.
Cooking the Shrimp
– Take 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Season them with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
– Place the shrimp gently in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. This means they’re cooked through.
Combining Flavors
– Pour in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Stir everything together to mix the flavors.
– Let it cook for another minute. This lets the lemon and garlic meld into the shrimp.
Assembling the Bowls
– Start with a base of 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice in each bowl.
– Spoon the lemon garlic shrimp and its juices over the rice. This adds great flavor to the rice.
– Add a handful of fresh baby spinach or arugula next to the shrimp. This adds color and freshness.
– Layer thin slices of a ripe avocado on top. This gives your dish a creamy texture.
– Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds a bright touch and looks appealing.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Heat the skillet before adding oil. This helps the shrimp cook evenly.
– Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. This keeps them tender.
Presentation Tips
– Choose brightly colored bowls for a fun look. This makes the dish pop.
– Add a lemon wedge on the side. It gives a fresh squeeze of flavor.
Flavor Adjustment Tips
– Change the amount of garlic and lemon to fit your taste. You can make it stronger or milder.
– If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. It gives the dish a nice kick.

Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well and adds a hearty touch. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. Just marinate it in the lemon garlic sauce for flavor. Scallops offer a sweet, tender bite. Fish like salmon or tilapia can also shine in this bowl.
Rice Substitutes
If you want a healthier rice option, try brown rice. It adds a nice nutty flavor and more fiber. Quinoa is another great choice. It’s packed with protein and cooks quickly. For a low-carb option, consider cauliflower rice. It absorbs flavors well and adds great texture.
Flavor Enhancements
To elevate the dish, try adding fresh herbs. Cilantro brings a bright taste, while dill adds a unique twist. You can also experiment with citrus fruits. Lime juice offers a tart kick, while orange zest gives a sweet note. Mixing these flavors can make your dish even more exciting.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps seal in the flavors. You should refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They will stay good for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to cool the rice and shrimp before sealing the container. This prevents moisture buildup, which can spoil the dish faster.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to eat, use gentle heat to reheat your rice bowls. The best method is to use a microwave. Place the rice and shrimp in a bowl and cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between each. This helps heat it evenly.
To avoid mushy rice, add a splash of water before reheating. If you prefer, you can also use a skillet. Heat it on low heat, stirring often until warmed through. This keeps the shrimp tender and the rice fluffy. Enjoy your meal!
FAQs
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
You can tell shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. The shrimp should curl slightly. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and rice, then store them separately. This helps keep the rice fluffy and the shrimp tender. When ready to eat, just reheat in a skillet. Add a splash of lemon juice for freshness.
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls?
You can serve many sides with this dish. A simple green salad complements the meal well. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. Garlic bread makes a nice addition too.
How can I make this recipe low-carb?
To reduce carbs, you can swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice. This keeps the dish light. You can also skip the rice altogether and serve the shrimp on a bed of greens. This way, you enjoy the flavors without the carbs.
In this blog post, we explored a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowl. We covered the main ingredients like shrimp, jasmine rice, and garlic. I shared steps on cooking the shrimp and combining great flavors. You found tips on cooking and presentation, plus variations for proteins and rice. Finally, we talked about storage and reheating.
This dish is easy to make and customizable to your taste. Enjoy trying it in your kitchen!


