Shrimp burrito bowls are a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal packed with juicy shrimp, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, avocado, and a zesty homemade sauce. This easy-to-make dish delivers all the bold flavors of a burrito without the tortilla, making it a perfect option for a light yet hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Healthy & Fresh – Loaded with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings for a personalized bowl.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Great for make-ahead lunches and dinners.
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
- Garlic, minced
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt & black pepper
- Lime juice
For the Burrito Bowls:
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Avocado, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Shredded cheese (optional)
For the Sauce:
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Lime juice
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Salt
Directions

Cook the Shrimp:
- Season the Shrimp – In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and lime juice.
- Sauté – Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix Ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Set aside.
Assemble the Burrito Bowls:
- Layer the Base – Start with a bed of rice.
- Add the Toppings – Arrange black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
- Top with Shrimp – Place the cooked shrimp over the bowl.
- Drizzle with Sauce – Finish with a generous drizzle of the creamy sauce.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and shredded cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Burrito Bowl – Add extra cayenne or drizzle with sriracha.
- Low-Carb Option – Swap rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce.
- Vegan Version – Replace shrimp with grilled tofu or extra beans.
- Grilled Shrimp Bowl – Grill shrimp instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Warm shrimp separately in a skillet over low heat for best texture.
- Make Ahead – Prep the rice, beans, and toppings ahead, then cook shrimp fresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely before cooking.
What type of rice works best?
Cilantro-lime rice adds great flavor, but brown or white rice works too.
Can I make these bowls spicy?
Yes! Add more chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
What other proteins can I use?
Grilled chicken, steak, or tofu are great alternatives.
Can I use store-bought sauce?
Absolutely! Chipotle mayo or avocado dressing pairs well.
How do I prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery?
Cook just until pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side.
What toppings go well with this bowl?
Pico de gallo, guacamole, or pickled onions add great flavor.
Can I use canned shrimp?
Fresh or frozen shrimp is best, but canned shrimp can work in a pinch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure all ingredients, including seasonings, are gluten-free.
Can I meal-prep these bowls?
Yes! Store ingredients separately and assemble before serving.
Conclusion
Shrimp burrito bowls are an easy, fresh, and flavorful meal that brings all the best parts of a burrito into a healthy, customizable bowl. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it today for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home!
PrintShrimp Burrito Bowls Recipe
These Shrimp Burrito Bowls are loaded with juicy, seasoned shrimp, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fresh toppings, and a creamy avocado dressing. A delicious, easy, and healthy meal in just 30 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Bowl
- 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 smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Cilantro-Lime Rice:
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Burrito Bowl Toppings:
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or cotija)
- ¼ cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo
For the Avocado Dressing (Optional):
- ½ avocado
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
Cook the Shrimp:
-
Season the Shrimp:
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
-
Sauté the Shrimp:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Rice:
- Mix the Cilantro-Lime Rice:
- Stir together warm rice, butter, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Make the Avocado Dressing (Optional):
- Blend the Dressing:
- In a blender or food processor, blend avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and water until smooth.
Assemble the Burrito Bowls:
-
Layer the Bowls:
- Divide cilantro-lime rice among serving bowls.
- Top with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cooked shrimp.
-
Drizzle & Serve:
- Drizzle with avocado dressing or sour cream.
- Garnish with cheese, salsa, and extra lime wedges.
Notes
- Want extra crunch? Add crushed tortilla chips.
- Make it spicy! Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Meal prep tip: Store components separately and assemble fresh.