Name: Fiesta Shrimp Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups white rice, uncooked.; 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined.; 2 tablespoons olive oil.; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice.; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.; 1 teaspoon ground cumin.; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder.; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.; 1/2 teaspoon salt.; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper.; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped.; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced.; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, diced.; 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced.; 1 large ripe avocado, sliced.; 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted corn, drained.; Jalapeño ranch or cilantro ranch dressing for serving.

A close-up of a bowl of rice topped with sautéed shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a lime wedge. | recipesbyclare.com

My fiesta shrimp rice bowls bring instant vacation vibes to dinner time. Each bowl bursts with perfectly spiced shrimp fresh veggies and zesty flavors that make everyday meals feel special. The combination of textures and bright colors always brings smiles to my table.

A Bowl Full of Joy

I love how these bowls let everyone customize their perfect bite. The spicy shrimp and creamy avocado create magic together while the rainbow of vegetables adds fresh crunch. Best part? They come together in minutes making busy weeknights feel like a celebration.

What Goes In

For The Shrimp: A zingy blend of lime juice smoked paprika cumin chili garlic and olive oil makes them sing.
The Base: Light fluffy rice but quinoa works beautifully too.
Fresh Toppings: Sweet red onion juicy tomatoes spicy jalapeños buttery avocado and charred corn.
The Finish: My special jalapeño ranch brings everything together.

Let's Get Cooking

Prep Your Shrimp: Mix up that marinade coat the shrimp let them sit for just 15 minutes.
Rice Time: Get your rice going it'll be ready when everything else is.
Cook Those Shrimp: Quick sear in a hot pan until they turn pink and curl.
Build Your Bowl: Layer rice shrimp all those colorful toppings then drizzle with sauce.

A bowl of rice topped with grilled shrimp, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. | recipesbyclare.com

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I toss in black beans for extra protein or add sweet mango salsa. My friend swaps chicken for shrimp and it's just as delicious. The beauty of these bowls is how easily they adapt to what you love.

Perfect Shrimp Tips

I always look for that gentle C shape when cooking shrimp it means they're just right. Give them space in the pan they'll cook better that way. Fresh lime juice makes such a difference don't skip it.

Good For You Too

These bowls pack serious nutrition the shrimp brings lean protein avocados add healthy fats. All those colorful vegetables mean you're getting plenty of vitamins. It's feel good food that actually tastes amazing.

Serving Ideas

We love these with crispy tortilla strips on top or extra lime wedges on the side. Sometimes I mix up spicy margaritas to go with them. The whole spread feels like a party.

A bowl of rice topped with grilled shrimp, corn, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. | recipesbyclare.com

Save Some For Later

Keep your leftover shrimp and rice separate they'll stay fresher that way. A quick warmup in a pan brings the shrimp back to life. Just add a splash of water when reheating rice.

Prep Ahead Magic

I often cook extra rice and prep all my toppings on Sunday. The shrimp takes minutes to cook so these bowls come together fast on busy nights. Smart prep makes weeknight cooking so much easier.

Spice It Your Way

Some nights we keep it mild other times we add extra heat. Skip the jalapeños for the kids or add hot sauce for spice lovers. These bowls work for everyone's taste.

Rice Done Right

Fluff your rice with a fork it makes such a difference. I always squeeze fresh lime over the top it adds brightness to every bite. Good rice makes the whole bowl better.

A delicious bowl of shrimp served over rice with diced vegetables and avocado, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. | recipesbyclare.com

Know Your Numbers

Each bowl gives you everything you need protein healthy fats fresh vegetables. It's the kind of dinner that keeps you satisfied without weighing you down. Perfect fuel for busy days.

Quick Answers

Frozen shrimp work great just thaw them completely first. Toss your avocado chunks with lime juice they'll stay prettier longer. These little tricks make everything easier.

Pure Joy in a Bowl

These fiesta bowls bring so much happiness to our table. They're quick enough for weeknights special enough for company and always leave everyone satisfied. That's what I call dinner success.

A bowl of white rice topped with grilled shrimp, chopped cilantro, diced vegetables, avocado slices, and lemon wedges. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?: You can prep the ingredients separately and store them in the fridge. Cook the shrimp and assemble the bowl just before eating for the freshest taste.
→ How do I know when the shrimp is properly cooked?: Shrimp should form a loose 'C' shape when perfectly cooked and turn pink with slightly opaque flesh. Overcooked shrimp will curl into a tight 'O' shape and become rubbery.
→ What can I substitute for the rice?: You can use quinoa, brown rice, or lettuce for a low-carb option. Cauliflower rice also works great as a low-carb alternative that maintains the bowl's texture.
→ How spicy is this recipe?: The basic recipe is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper to the marinade or including extra jalapeños in your bowl.
→ Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?: While fresh shrimp is best, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just marinate them and warm them quickly in the pan to avoid overcooking. They'll still absorb the flavors of the marinade.

Conclusion

This vibrant shrimp rice bowl combines perfectly seasoned shrimp with fresh vegetables and rice, topped with a creamy dressing. Ready in 20 minutes, it's an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something quick but filling.

Fiesta Shrimp Rice Bowl