Description
Mexican-inspired fiesta shrimp rice bowl delivers a zesty culinary adventure through fresh coastal flavors. Succulent seasoned shrimp nestled on fluffy rice create a perfect balance of spice and comfort you will savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (453.6 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ tsp salt for shrimp
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ lime juice for shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro lime rice)
- ½ tsp salt for rice
- 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 chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Marination: Coat shrimp thoroughly with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and lime juice, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned with the aromatic spice blend.
- Searing: Heat skillet to high temperature and cook marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and reserve.
- Rice Preparation: Combine cooked rice with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt, creating a light and fragrant base with vibrant herbal notes.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk Greek yogurt with lime juice, garlic powder, and optional hot sauce until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Bowl Assembly: Layer herb-infused rice as a foundation, then strategically arrange black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and sliced avocado to create a colorful vegetable medley.
- Finishing Touches: Position spice-rubbed shrimp atop the vegetable layer, generously drizzle yogurt dressing, sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges for a vibrant, zesty presentation.
Notes
- Optimize Shrimp Marination: Let shrimp sit in spice blend for 15-20 minutes before cooking to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize protein.
- Prevent Overcooking Shrimp: Watch cooking time carefully; 2-3 minutes per side prevents rubbery texture and maintains succulent, tender meat.
- Build Balanced Rice Layer: Create even ingredient distribution for consistent flavor in each bite, ensuring every spoonful contains multiple taste elements.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ingredients easily – use quinoa for gluten-free option, plant-based protein for vegan version, or adjust spice levels for personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg