(Savory Seafood Comfort Bowl with Garlic Butter Flavor)
This Southern Garlic Shrimp & Salmon over Rice is a delicious seafood dinner packed with tender salmon, juicy shrimp, buttery garlic seasoning, and fluffy rice. Inspired by Southern coastal flavors, this dish is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal or special dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salmon & Shrimp:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth or seafood broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley 🌿
- Green onions
- Lemon wedges 🍋
- Cajun butter sauce
- Hot sauce
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat.
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Add:
- Rice
- Broth
- Salt
- Pepper
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer:
18–20 minutes
until rice is tender.
Fluff with a fork.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Pat salmon dry.
Season with:
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cajun seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear salmon:
4–5 minutes per side
until golden and cooked through.
Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Make Garlic Shrimp
In the same skillet add:
- Butter
- Garlic
Cook for 30 seconds.
Add shrimp.
Season with:
- Cajun seasoning
- Pepper
- Lemon juice
Cook:
2–3 minutes per side
until shrimp are pink and tender.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Add rice to plates or bowls.
Top with:
- Salmon fillet
- Garlic shrimp
- Garlic butter sauce
Finish with:
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon juice
Serve warm!
Extra Tips & Secrets ✨
✅ Do not overcook shrimp — they become tough quickly.
✅ Sear salmon skin-side down first if using skin-on fillets.
✅ Use seafood broth for deeper flavor.
✅ Add extra garlic butter before serving for restaurant-style flavor.
Delicious Variations
🌶️ Cajun Shrimp & Salmon Bowl
Add:
- Extra Cajun seasoning
- Bell peppers
- Andouille sausage
🧀 Creamy Garlic Seafood Bowl
Add:
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Spinach
🍋 Lemon Herb Seafood Rice
Add:
- Fresh dill
- Lemon zest
- Parsley
🌽 Southern Low Country Style
Add:
- Corn
- Sausage
- Old Bay seasoning
🌶️ Green Chile Seafood Bowl
Add:
- Roasted green chiles
- Jalapeños
- Pepper Jack cheese
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
🥗 Coleslaw
🌽 Corn on the cob
🥦 Roasted vegetables
🥖 Garlic bread
🍋 Lemon wedges
🥒 Pickled vegetables
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store seafood and rice separately for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Warm gently to avoid drying out the salmon and shrimp.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate)
Per serving:
- Calories: 550–700 kcal
- Protein: 45–55 g
- Carbohydrates: 45–55 g
- Fat: 25–35 g
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q: What rice works best?
A: Long-grain white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice all work well.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or extra Cajun seasoning.
Q: Can I grill the salmon?
A: Absolutely! Grilled salmon adds a delicious smoky flavor.
Q: Can I meal prep this recipe?
A: Yes, store portions in airtight containers and reheat gently.
Social Media Caption Ideas ❤️
Option 1:
“Made this Southern Garlic Shrimp & Salmon over Rice and it was incredible! 🍤🐟✨ Juicy seafood, garlic butter flavor, and perfectly seasoned rice make this a dinner everyone will love.”
Option 2:
“Seafood comfort food at its best! 😍 Garlic shrimp, tender salmon, and flavorful rice come together for the perfect Southern-inspired meal.”
Option 3:
“A restaurant-style seafood dinner made right at home! 🍤🔥 This garlic shrimp and salmon bowl is rich, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.”
🍤🐟🍚 Southern Garlic Shrimp & Salmon over Rice is the perfect blend of coastal Southern flavors — buttery, garlicky, comforting, and packed with delicious seafood goodness! ❤️