Shrimp Rice Bowls with Zesty Sauce and Fresh Toppings for a Flavor-Packed Meal

Benefits and Advantages of shrimp rice bowls

  • Ease of preparation: Shrimp rice bowls are quick to make, often ready within 20 minutes using minimal ingredients. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
  • Health benefits: The combination of lean protein from shrimp and energy-providing jasmine rice offers a balanced meal. Vegetables included add essential vitamins and minerals, helping support overall wellness.
  • Versatility: Shrimp rice bowls can be adapted to meet various dietary preferences, allowing easy substitutions for gluten-free, low-calorie, or vegan options without losing the core savory and fresh flavors.
  • Distinctive flavor: Juicy shrimp paired with fluffy seasoned rice and fresh vegetable toppings creates a dynamic and memorable taste profile that stands apart from standard rice dishes.
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Essential Ingredients for shrimp rice bowls

  • 7 frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined recommended) – serves as a lean, high-quality protein with seafood flavor
  • 1/2 cup jasmine rice (cooked) – fragrant and fluffy rice base providing carbohydrates
  • 1/4 cup pickled onions – adds tangy, slightly sweet crunch (see tips for quick pickling below)
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots – contributes sweetness, color, and texture
  • 1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced – adds freshness and crunch
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped – imparts herbal brightness
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – offers mild fresh flavor and garnish
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil – used for sautéing shrimp and adding healthy fats
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper – seasoning to enhance taste

Spicy Mayo Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise – creamy base for sauce
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste) – provides spicy heat
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon – brightens and balances sauce
  • 1 tsp honey – adds subtle sweetness
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt – seasoning for sauce

Optional Mix-ins and Toppings to Customize Your Bowl:

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced – for extra heat
  • 1 cup shelled edamame (steamed) – adds plant-based protein and texture
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions – mild onion flavor
  • Toasted sesame seeds – for crunch and visual appeal
  • Extra fresh lime juice – to enhance brightness
  • Avocado slices – creamy, rich texture
  • Fire-roasted corn (about 1/2 cup) – smoky sweetness
  • Extra chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

For more fresh and flavorful recipes, check out our Marry Me Chicken Pasta for another easy meal option.

Learn about the Health Benefits of Jasmine Rice and Nutritional Value of Shrimp. For pickling tips, visit How to Make Pickled Onions.


Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your shrimp rice bowls

Protein and Main Component Alternatives:
For those preferring different proteins or with dietary restrictions, swap shrimp with grilled chicken, firm tofu, tempeh, or cooked chickpeas. These substitutes maintain protein content and cater to vegetarian or vegan diets.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications:
Add seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, or carrots for variety and extra nutrients. Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a sweeter and gluten-free alternative. Adjust seasonings with fresh herbs like cilantro or spices such as chili flakes to tailor flavors to your preference. These adjustments allow for seasonal flexibility and meet diverse dietary needs without compromising the shrimp rice bowl’s essence.

How to Prepare the Perfect shrimp rice bowls: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Prepare ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp. Cook jasmine rice according to package directions. Chop vegetables like pickled onions, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced cucumber.
  2. Sauté aromatics and shrimp: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add grated ginger and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Cook shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. For alternatives, cook other proteins similarly.
  4. Cook vegetables: Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same pan, stir-fry mixed vegetables until crisp-tender (around 4 to 5 minutes).
  5. Combine flavors: Return shrimp to pan, add soy sauce, and gently toss to combine flavors.
  6. Assemble bowls: Place cooked jasmine rice at the base of each bowl. Top with shrimp and vegetable mixture.
  7. Garnish and serve: Optionally add sesame seeds, chopped green onions, avocado slices, or spicy mayo. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Mastering shrimp rice bowls: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking tips: Marinate shrimp briefly in lemon juice and garlic before cooking to boost flavor. Use high heat for a quick sear, keeping shrimp tender and juicy.

Flavor twists: Try seasoning blends like Cajun spices, Thai curry paste, or smoked paprika for unique profiles. Fresh herbs such as basil or mint add fresh aroma and complexity.

Presentation: Serve shrimp rice bowls in shallow dishes, arranging colorful vegetables attractively. Drizzle a light sauce or extra spicy mayo over the top for a more inviting appearance.

Make-ahead: Cook and store shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers. Combine quickly at mealtime to maintain freshness, making these bowls perfect for busy weekdays.

How to Store shrimp rice bowls: Best Practices

  • Refrigeration: Keep shrimp rice bowls in airtight containers and consume within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness.
  • Freezing: Freeze shrimp and rice separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a microwave or stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking of shrimp.
  • Meal prep: Portion bowls individually for convenient grab-and-go meals, ensuring balanced nutrition throughout the week.
shrimp rice bowls

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About shrimp rice bowls

What ingredients do I need to make shrimp rice bowls at home?

To make shrimp rice bowls, you’ll need shrimp (fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined), jasmine rice (brown or white), shredded carrots, cucumber slices, pickled onions, fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. For added flavor, prepare a spicy mayo sauce using avocado oil mayo, sriracha, lemon juice, honey, and sea salt, or choose simpler alternatives like sriracha or chili onion crunch.

How do I know when shrimp is cooked properly for rice bowls?

Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually within 5-6 minutes. It’s fully cooked when it changes color to opaque pink and curls into a loose “C” shape. Avoid overcooking as shrimp will become tough and rubbery. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on size and whether they are fresh or frozen.

Can I prepare shrimp rice bowls in advance for meal prep?

Yes, you can meal prep shrimp rice bowls by cooking the rice and chopping vegetables ahead of time. Store pickled onions and spicy mayo sauce in separate containers in the fridge. Cooking shrimp fresh the day you plan to eat is best for texture, but cooked shrimp can be refrigerated for up to two days and reheated gently.

What is the best way to thaw frozen shrimp safely?

The safest way to thaw frozen shrimp is by placing them in the refrigerator on a plate or paper towel overnight. If you need faster thawing, seal the shrimp in a plastic bag and submerge it in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.

How can I make homemade pickled onions for shrimp rice bowls?

To make pickled onions, thinly slice red onions and place them in a jar. Boil 6 ounces of water and mix in 1 tablespoon each of salt and sugar. Pour this brine over the onions, then add white vinegar until the jar is full. Seal and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Pickled onions can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

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shrimp rice bowls


  • Author: Isabella Hayes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

🍤 Shrimp Rice Bowls with Zesty Sauce offer a balanced and flavorful meal packed with lean protein and fresh, crunchy vegetables.
🌿 This quick and versatile dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, with customizable toppings and a spicy mayo kick.


Ingredients

Scale

7 frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined recommended)

1/2 cup jasmine rice (cooked)

1/4 cup pickled onions

1/4 cup shredded carrots

1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 1/2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tsp honey

1/4 tsp sea salt

1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup shelled edamame (steamed)

1/4 cup sliced green onions

Toasted sesame seeds

Extra fresh lime juice

Avocado slices

Fire-roasted corn (about 1/2 cup)

Extra chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish


Instructions

1-Prepare ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp. Cook jasmine rice according to package directions. Chop vegetables like pickled onions, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced cucumber.

2-Sauté aromatics and shrimp: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add grated ginger and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

3-Cook shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. For alternatives, cook other proteins similarly.

4-Cook vegetables: Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same pan, stir-fry mixed vegetables until crisp-tender (around 4 to 5 minutes).

5-Combine flavors: Return shrimp to pan, add soy sauce, and gently toss to combine flavors.

6-Assemble bowls: Place cooked jasmine rice at the base of each bowl. Top with shrimp and vegetable mixture.

7-Garnish and serve: Optionally add sesame seeds, chopped green onions, avocado slices, or spicy mayo. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

❄️ Use frozen peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience; thaw in cold water for best results.
🔪 Prepare vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and onions ahead to speed up assembly.
🧅 Make quick pickled onions by soaking sliced red onions in a hot brine for extra tang and texture.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: Shrimp Rice Bowls, Spicy Mayo Shrimp, Healthy Rice Bowl, Fresh Veggie Bowl

1 thought on “Shrimp Rice Bowls with Zesty Sauce and Fresh Toppings for a Flavor-Packed Meal”

  1. I tried this recipe for dinner last night, and it was a hit with my family! 🦐🍚 I added a squeeze of lime juice just before serving, and it added a lovely fresh twist. Can’t wait to make it again!

    Reply

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