1 Irresistible Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl with Herb Sauce

I still remember the evening when this Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl recipe came to life in my kitchen. After returning from a coastal vacation where seafood was the star of every meal, I found myself craving those fresh ocean flavors but wanted something more substantial than just grilled shrimp on a plate. Digging through my pantry and fridge, I grabbed some rice, fresh herbs, and a few simple ingredients to craft a meal that’s now become a favorite among friends and family.

This Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl with Velvety Herb Sauce blends flavorful grilled shrimp, fragrant rice, nutrient-rich sautéed greens, and a creamy, tangy sauce that ties everything together in a delicious way. Whether you’re looking for a quick yet impressive dinner option or meal-prepping for busy weekdays, this versatile dish delivers on all fronts.

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution

Whether you’re looking for a quick yet impressive dinner option or meal-prepping for busy weekdays, this versatile dish Grilled Shrimp rice bowl delivers on all fronts.

The Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Herb Sauce strikes a smart balance of lean protein, wholesome grains, and fresh vegetables — offering both nourishment and flavor in every bite.

What You’ll Need to Make The Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl

Gather your kitchen essentials before you start cooking the best Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Herb Sauce to stay organized and efficient.

• Mixing bowls
• Grill pan or skillet
• Small saucepan or pot for the greens
• Whisk or fork for the sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

The Perfect Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl with Herb Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Rice:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice (about 2 cups)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

For the Creamy Herb Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sautéed Greens:

• 1 cup spinach or kale, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Shrimp

Be sure to gather all the necessary kitchen tools before getting started.
The bold taste of the shrimp comes from a well-balanced blend of spices and the cooking technique.
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly.
This flavorful blend adds a hint of smokiness and subtle spice that enhances the creamy herb sauce beautifully.
Place the shrimp into the bowl and stir gently to ensure each one is coated well with the marinade.
Let the shrimp marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in.
Letting the shrimp rest allows the flavors to penetrate without compromising their tender texture.

2. Cook the Rice

While your shrimp is marinating, you can prepare the rice simultaneously. The rice serves as a fluffy base for your Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Herb Sauce.

If you’re making rice from scratch, thoroughly rinse 1 cup of uncooked jasmine or basmati rice under cool running water until clear.
This step removes extra starch, helping the rice cook up fluffy and separate.
Refer to your rice packaging for instructions — typically, use one part rice to one and a half parts water.

Once the rice is ready, use a fork to fluff it and stir in a bit of butter while still warm, if desired.
Adding butter gives a smooth texture and helps prevent the rice from clumping.
For a time-saving alternative, quality pre-cooked rice works perfectly in this recipe.
Just heat it as directed on the package before adding it to your bowl.

3. Sauté the Greens

Adding leafy greens brings vibrant color and nutrients to the dish.
Warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—don’t let it brown.
Then add the chopped spinach or kale directly into the pan.
If using kale, you may need to cook it slightly longer than spinach – about 3-4 minutes versus 1-2 minutes for spinach.
The greens should be just wilted but still vibrant in color.
Add salt and pepper to taste before removing the greens from the heat.

4. Grill the Shrimp

The cooking technique is crucial for achieving perfectly tender shrimp with great flavor in this Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Herb Sauce.

Warm your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready.
Lay the shrimp flat in the pan, leaving room between each one so they sear nicely instead of steaming.
As they cook, look for the shrimp to become firm and fully opaque in about 2–3 minutes per side.
They should transition from translucent to pink with gentle browning on the surface.
A nicely cooked shrimp will have a soft ‘C’ shape; a tight ‘O’ usually means it’s overcooked.
Once done, transfer the shrimp to a clean plate and loosely cover with foil to preserve their warmth.

Grilling the Shrimp to Perfection

Properly cooked shrimp makes all the difference in this dish. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, which can cause the shrimp to steam rather than grill.

Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they’ve turned from translucent to opaque pink with slight char marks. The shrimp should form a “C” shape when perfectly cooked – if they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’ve likely been overcooked.

Transfer the grilled shrimp to a clean plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Creating the Signature Creamy Herb Sauce

This versatile sauce brings the whole dish together with its creamy texture and bright flavor profile. In a small bowl, combine your base of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt – the mayo version offers more richness, while Greek yogurt provides a lighter, tangier alternative with added protein.

Whisk in fresh lemon juice, chili flakes, garlic paste, and finely chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amount of chili flakes based on your preferred level of heat. The sauce should have a smooth consistency and a balanced flavor – creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and herbaceous.

For the best flavor development, allow the sauce to rest for a few minutes before serving, giving the ingredients time to meld together.

Assembling Your Rice Bowls

Now comes the fun part – bringing all the components together. Divide the cooked rice among four serving bowls, creating a foundation for your other ingredients.

Arrange the grilled shrimp atop the rice, positioning them around the perimeter of the bowl for visual appeal. Place a portion of the sautéed greens alongside the shrimp, creating a colorful contrast.

Drizzle the creamy herb sauce generously over each bowl, allowing it to coat some of the shrimp and rice. For those who appreciate extra sauce, serve the remainder in a small dish on the side.

For a finishing touch, garnish your Grilled Shrimp rice bowl with additional fresh parsley and a light sprinkle of chili flakes if desired. This final flourish enhances both the flavor and presentation of your masterpiece.

Various ways to present this dish

Tips and Variations

Customize Your Heat Level

Not everyone enjoys the same level of spiciness. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili flakes in the sauce. Conversely, for heat enthusiasts, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade or increase the chili flakes in the sauce. You might also consider offering hot sauce on the side to allow individual diners to adjust according to their preferences.

Experiment with Herbs

While parsley works beautifully in this recipe, don’t be afraid to explore other fresh herbs. Dill creates a Mediterranean-inspired flavor, cilantro offers a Southwestern twist, and chives provide a mild onion note. A combination of herbs can create complex flavor profiles tailored to your taste preferences.

Boost the Vegetable Content

Transform this dish into an even more nutritious meal by incorporating additional vegetables. Try adding sliced avocado for healthy fats and creaminess, corn salsa for sweetness and texture, diced cucumber for freshness, or shredded carrots for color and crunch. These additions not only enhance the nutritional profile but also create a more visually appealing presentation.

Alternative Grain Options

While jasmine or basmati rice provides an excellent foundation, feel free to substitute with other grains. Brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and additional fiber, quinoa provides a protein boost, or cauliflower rice creates a lower-carb alternative. Each option creates a unique eating experience while maintaining the integrity of the dish.

Protein Variations

Though this recipe features shrimp, the versatile nature of rice bowls allows for easy protein substitutions. Grilled chicken works wonderfully with the same marinade, simply adjusting the cooking time accordingly. For plant-based options, consider marinated and grilled firm tofu or tempeh.

Dairy-Free Adaptations

For those avoiding dairy, ensure any mayonnaise used is dairy-free. Alternatively, create a dairy-free creamy sauce using blended avocado with lemon juice and herbs, or make a cashew-based cream by soaking raw cashews and blending them with water, lemon juice, and seasonings.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe lends itself well to meal preparation. Cook the rice up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The shrimp can be marinated earlier in the day (refrigerate and use within a few hours). Prepare the sauce up to two days ahead, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The greens are best sautéed just before serving, though they can be prepped and stored raw until needed.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Herb Sauce contains approximately:

• Calories: 425-450 (varies based on sauce choice)
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g

Please note that these values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.

This Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Herb recipe is naturally gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free ingredients and fits well into a balanced diet featuring lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Herb warm for a satisfying lunch or dinner. For a more substantial meal, pair with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors in the main dish.

These Grilled Shrimp rice bowls make an impressive yet easy option for casual entertaining. Consider setting up a “bowl bar” with the base components and additional toppings, allowing guests to customize their creations.

Your Turn to Create

Have you tried this Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowl recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Did you make any exciting variations or additions that took it to the next level? Perhaps you swapped out the protein or experimented with different herbs in the sauce?

What are your favorite additions to rice bowls? I’m always looking for inspiration and new combinations to try in my kitchen.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider sharing it with friends and family on your social media platforms. Tag me in your creations – I’m always thrilled to see how these recipes come to life in your kitchen!

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Happy cooking!