The Fiesta Shrimp Rice Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish packed with zesty shrimp, fluffy rice, and a medley of fresh toppings. With bold Mexican-inspired flavors, this dish is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. It’s colorful, customizable, and sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Bursting with flavor – Zesty, smoky, and slightly spicy.
- Healthy and balanced – A great mix of protein, veggies, and grains.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings and adjust the spice level.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Shrimp:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
For the Rice Bowl:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, finely diced
- Avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Jalapeño, sliced (optional for spice)
For the Dressing:
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Lime juice
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Marinate the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss shrimp in the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Rice Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice into bowls.
- Top with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cooked shrimp.
- Drizzle with the dressing and garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeño.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Bowl: Add extra jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Grilled Shrimp Bowl: Grill shrimp instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or lettuce.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or crumbled cotija cheese on top.
- Mango Salsa Addition: Add diced mango for a sweet contrast.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the rice and shrimp in a skillet or microwave before assembling.
- Not recommended for freezing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.
What type of rice works best?
Cilantro-lime rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice are all great options.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Store the shrimp, rice, and toppings separately and assemble when ready to eat.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free yogurt or avocado dressing instead of Greek yogurt.
What other proteins can I use?
Grilled chicken, tofu, or steak are great alternatives.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but heat them briefly in a skillet to absorb the seasoning.
What toppings pair well with this bowl?
Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pickled onions add extra flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, including any seasonings.
How do I keep avocado from browning?
Squeeze extra lime juice over it and store it in an airtight container.
Can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the shrimp for grilled tofu, chickpeas, or extra black beans.
Conclusion
The Fiesta Shrimp Rice Bowl is a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal that’s full of fresh flavors. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this dish is packed with protein, veggies, and zesty goodness. Try it today and customize it to your taste!
PrintFiesta Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe
This Fiesta Shrimp Rice Bowl is a vibrant and delicious dish featuring juicy shrimp, seasoned rice, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a perfect weeknight meal or meal prep option!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Juice of ½ lime
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
Cook the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
-
Prepare the Rice:
- Mix cooked rice with salt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, and salt.
-
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the rice among bowls.
- Top with black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and cooked shrimp.
- Drizzle with the lime dressing and sprinkle with cotija cheese if using.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges, and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or grilled fish for variety.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Add pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of chipotle sauce for extra spice.