Fiesta Shrimp Bowl
A Fiesta Shrimp Bowl is a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Juicy shrimp seasoned with bold spices, served over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, and topped with fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing.
This dish is easy to customize, healthy, and ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether you’re craving something refreshing or indulgent, this shrimp bowl will hit the spot!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs or a spatula
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients Overview
- Shrimp: The star of the dish, shrimp cooks quickly and soaks up bold flavors beautifully.
- Seasonings: A mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika delivers the perfect kick.
- Grains: Rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice provides a hearty base.
- Toppings: Fresh and colorful ingredients like tomatoes, corn, black beans, and avocado bring balance and texture.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl Base:
- 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Cook the Shrimp
- In a bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the olive oil and seasoning mix until fully coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice or quinoa between serving bowls.
- Top with cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado slices, and red onion.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
- Drizzle the lime dressing over each bowl.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Shrimp Alternatives: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted chickpeas for a different protein.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Meal Prep: Store all components separately and assemble bowls just before serving to maintain freshness.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair your Fiesta Shrimp Bowl with warm tortilla chips and salsa or a light side salad. A refreshing drink like a mango spritzer or lemonade complements the dish perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prep the shrimp, grains, and toppings separately. Store in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble when ready to eat.
What can I use instead of lime dressing?
A creamy chipotle sauce or cilantro-lime yogurt dressing would also pair wonderfully with this bowl.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure all ingredients, like seasonings and dressings, are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fiesta Shrimp Bowl as a standalone dish or with sides like roasted sweet potatoes or a simple green salad. It’s also fantastic wrapped in a tortilla for a shrimp burrito twist!
A Fiesta Shrimp Bowl
Equipment
- Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs or a spatula
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Season and Cook the Shrimp
- In a bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the olive oil and seasoning mix until fully coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Set aside.
- Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice or quinoa between serving bowls.
- Top with cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado slices, and red onion.
- Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
- Drizzle the lime dressing over each bowl.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
- Recipe Tips
- Shrimp Alternatives: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted chickpeas for a different protein.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Meal Prep: Store all components separately and assemble bowls just before serving to maintain freshness.
- What to Serve With This Recipe
- Pair your Fiesta Shrimp Bowl with warm tortilla chips and salsa or a light side salad. A refreshing drink like a mango spritzer or lemonade complements the dish perfectly.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, prep the shrimp, grains, and toppings separately. Store in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble when ready to eat.
- What can I use instead of lime dressing?
- A creamy chipotle sauce or cilantro-lime yogurt dressing would also pair wonderfully with this bowl.
- Is this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as you ensure all ingredients, like seasonings and dressings, are gluten-free.
- Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Fiesta Shrimp Bowl as a standalone dish or with sides like roasted sweet potatoes or a simple green salad. It’s also fantastic wrapped in a tortilla for a shrimp burrito twist!
