Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl

Looking for a vibrant, nourishing, and flavor-packed meal? This Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl is the perfect blend of heat, creaminess, and wholesome goodness. Juicy, spicy shrimp sit atop a bed of fluffy rice, paired with creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty drizzle. It’s a restaurant-worthy dish you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, fresh ingredients.
Flavor Explosion – A beautiful combo of spicy, creamy, tangy, and umami in every bite.
Healthy & Filling – Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich veggies.
Customizable – Easily adaptable to your taste or what you have on hand.
Great for Meal Prep – Perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Rice Base:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (warm or room temperature)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice (optional, for added flavor)

For the Toppings:

• 1 ripe avocado, sliced or cubed
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage or mixed slaw
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup sliced cucumber or radish
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

For the Spicy Drizzle (optional but recommended):

• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or mayo
• 1 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce
• 1 tsp lime juice
• ½ tsp honey or maple syrup

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Skillet or grill pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Small bowl for sauce
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Cook the Shrimp

1. In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
2. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Drizzle (Optional)
5. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
6. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness to your preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
7. Divide the cooked rice between two to three serving bowls.
8. Top each bowl with equal portions of cooked shrimp, avocado slices, red cabbage, carrots, cucumber or radish, and cilantro.
9. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
10. Drizzle the spicy sauce over the top or serve on the side.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
11. Add a wedge of lime to each bowl for squeezing.
12. Serve immediately while shrimp is warm and rice is fluffy.

Tips for the Best Rice Bowl Experience
Use Fresh Shrimp – They cook quickly and taste best when fresh or properly thawed.
Don’t Overcook – Shrimp cook fast; once they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done.
Customize the Heat – Adjust cayenne and sriracha based on your spice level preference.
Add Crunch – Cabbage, cucumber, or radish add texture and freshness.
Flavor the Rice – A splash of lime juice or vinegar enhances the rice’s flavor without overpowering.

Serving Suggestions
Side of Tortilla Chips – Great for scooping up the last bits.
Chilled Green Tea – A cool, mild drink that complements the heat.
Fruit Salsa – Mango or pineapple salsa makes a fun side.
Edamame – Lightly salted pods are a great appetizer or side dish.
Seaweed Salad – For a sushi-inspired spin on your rice bowl.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Avoid storing assembled bowls to keep ingredients fresh and textures intact.

Reheating:
Shrimp: Gently reheat in a skillet or microwave for 30–60 seconds—don’t overcook.
Rice: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to restore fluffiness.
Vegetables & Sauce: Keep cold and add after reheating the warm elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

2. What’s a good rice substitute?
Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice all work well in this recipe.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free yogurt or mayo for the spicy drizzle, or skip it entirely.

4. Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Absolutely. Skewer them or use a grill basket and cook for 2–3 minutes per side over medium heat.

Final Thoughts
This Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl is everything you want in a single dish—bold flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying crunch. It’s a healthy, energizing meal that comes together quickly and keeps things exciting bite after bite.

Make it for a fast weeknight dinner, a flavorful lunch prep, or even your next casual dinner party. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 520mg

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