This Spicy Shrimp Bowl is a vibrant medley of bold blackened shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and fresh pico de gallo. Served over a bed of fluffy rice and drizzled with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing, it’s a wholesome and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Flavorful: The combination of spices, fresh produce, and creamy dressing creates a delightful taste experience.
Meal Prep Friendly: Components can be prepared in advance for convenient assembly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Shrimp:
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1–2 teaspoons blackening seasoning (to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Bowl:
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or grilled)
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup pico de gallo
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges for serving
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Chef Nat
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Bowls Are The New Plates
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For the Cilantro-Lime Dressing:
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 small garlic clove
Salt and pepper to taste
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Directions
Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with blackening seasoning until evenly coated.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each with black beans, corn, sliced avocado, pico de gallo, and cooked shrimp. Drizzle with cilantro-lime dressing. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 2
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Sailor Bailey
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Variations
Grain Base: Substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens for a low-carb option.
Protein Options: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or tempeh to suit dietary preferences.
Additional Toppings: Enhance the bowl with shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added heat.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based yogurt for the dressing and replace shrimp with grilled vegetables or legumes.
Bowls Are The New Plates
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the rice and shrimp in the microwave until warmed through. Assemble the bowl with fresh toppings and dressing just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
What is blackening seasoning?
Blackening seasoning is a blend of spices including paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, used to add bold flavor to proteins.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Absolutely. The cilantro-lime dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free, this recipe is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of blackening seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-cooking?
Yes, grilling the shrimp adds a smoky flavor. Cook on a preheated grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
What other vegetables can I add to the bowl?
Consider adding sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or roasted sweet potatoes for additional flavor and nutrition.
Can I use canned corn and beans?
Yes, canned corn and beans are convenient options. Be sure to drain and rinse them before use.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Add the avocado just before serving and drizzle with lime juice to slow oxidation.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, prepare and store the components separately, then assemble the bowl when ready to eat for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
The Spicy Shrimp Bowl is a delightful combination of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Its versatility allows for easy customization to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this bowl is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Spicy Shrimp Bowl – Light, Zesty & Satisfying!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Spicy Shrimp Bowl is a vibrant and satisfying meal loaded with blackened shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet corn, black beans, and fresh pico de gallo—all layered over rice or greens for a bold, zesty bite every time. Healthy, easy, and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Shrimp Prep:
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12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1-2 tsp blackening seasoning (to taste)
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1 tbsp olive oil
Bowl Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked rice or mixed greens
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1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
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1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
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1 avocado, diced
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1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo or chopped tomatoes
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
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Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
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In a bowl, toss shrimp with blackening seasoning and olive oil until evenly coated.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Set aside.
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In a serving bowl, layer rice or greens as the base.
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Arrange black beans, corn, avocado, and pico de gallo around the bowl.
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Top with blackened shrimp.
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Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Add a drizzle of chipotle mayo or a squeeze of lime crema for extra flavor.
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Make it low-carb by using cauliflower rice or greens as the base.
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Use pre-cooked shrimp to speed things up even more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Bowl
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwestern, Mexican-Inspired
