If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal, look no further than these Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Avocado Sauce. This dish perfectly balances the succulent flavors of garlic and herbs with the silky texture of creamy avocado sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, these rice bowls are sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Plus, they are packed with protein, healthy fats, and vibrant veggies that make them not only tasty but also nourishing.
Imagine sinking your fork into fluffy jasmine rice topped with juicy shrimp, enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices, all drizzled with a luscious avocado sauce. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice levels. Whether you’re a busy professional or a stay-at-home parent, this dish will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore these Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Avocado Sauce. Here are just a few:
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With a total cook time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from shrimp and healthy fats from avocado, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of garlic, herbs, and lemon juice brings a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite vegetables or substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different take.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These rice bowls store well in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the ingredients create a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors will leave you craving more. Plus, the creamy avocado sauce adds a delightful richness that ties everything together, making each bite memorable.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Not only is this dish delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits. The shrimp provide an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, known to improve heart health and keep you feeling full. Jasmine rice, a fragrant and slightly sticky variety, complements the shrimp beautifully while providing carbohydrates for energy.
Moreover, cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives found in many pre-packaged meals. This Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Avocado Sauce recipe is a perfect example of how cooking at home can be both healthy and satisfying. The fresh ingredients not only taste better but also offer more nutrients compared to takeout options.
Additionally, making this dish can be a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. Involve your kids in the preparation process, whether it’s rinsing the rice, mixing the sauce, or assembling the bowls. Cooking together can create lasting memories and instill healthy eating habits. Plus, it can be delightful to see them enjoy the fruits of their labor!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Avocado Sauce:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt, to taste
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, as needed for consistency
For Toppings:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Recommended Tools and Utensils
To make the process easier, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Medium saucepan for cooking rice
- Large skillet for sautéing shrimp
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife for chopping
- Blender or food processor for the creamy avocado sauce
- Serving bowls for assembling the dish
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the preparation of your Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Avocado Sauce. Follow these steps for a flawless execution:
1. Cook the Rice:
- Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and vegetable broth (or water). Add a pinch of salt for flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- After cooking, remove the rice from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the rice to steam and fluff up perfectly.
2. Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the creamy avocado sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, followed by the oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Just before removing from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and stir to combine. This adds a zesty brightness that complements the dish beautifully.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
- To assemble your rice bowls, divide the fluffy cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the garlic herb shrimp.
- Drizzle the creamy avocado sauce over the shrimp and rice, ensuring that each bite gets a taste of that luscious sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
5. Serve:
Your Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Avocado Sauce are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve warm and watch as everyone digs in with delight.
FAQs
What can I substitute for shrimp in this recipe?
You can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I meal prep Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Bowls?
Absolutely! These rice bowls store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado sauce separate to maintain its freshness.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to add sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or even a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Avocado slices also make a delicious addition.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the vegetable broth used is also gluten-free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Avocado Sauce are not only flavorful but also quick and easy to prepare. With a delightful mix of textures and tastes, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking! We hope you give this recipe a try and savor the deliciousness it offers. If you enjoyed making this dish or have any questions, please leave a comment below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family or pin it for later!
For more delicious recipes, check out this Pinterest page. For more delightful dishes, you might also like Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Bowls or Crispy Sesame Chicken Strips.

Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 Lemon, juiced
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 2 cups Vegetable broth or water
- 1 Ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
- to taste Lemon wedges For serving
- optional Red pepper flakes For garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and vegetable broth (or water). Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and stir to combine.
- Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with the garlic herb shrimp. Drizzle the creamy avocado sauce over the shrimp and rice. Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Enjoy your Garlic Herb Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Avocado Sauce warm!