Fiesta Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe

The Fiesta Shrimp Rice Bowl is a vibrant, flavorful meal that brings bold Southwestern flair to your plate. Juicy shrimp are seasoned to perfection and served over rice with colorful veggies, black beans, and zesty toppings. It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bowl is loaded with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients, making it both nutritious and delicious. It’s easy to customize, ideal for meal prep, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving something light yet filling or looking for a weeknight dinner with a punch of flavor, this recipe delivers.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Cooked brown rice (or white rice)
• Canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
• Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Avocado (sliced or diced)
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper

Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapeños, hot sauce

directions

1. Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
3. Prep the Bowl Ingredients: While shrimp cooks, warm the black beans and corn. Slice the avocado, tomatoes, and onion.
4. Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of cooked rice. Top with shrimp, beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and onion.
5. Garnish: Finish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and any additional toppings you like.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap shrimp for grilled chicken, steak, or tofu.
• Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of brown rice.
• Add bell peppers, shredded lettuce, or radishes for extra crunch.
• Try chipotle mayo or cilantro-lime crema as a topping.
• Make it a wrap by rolling it all up in a tortilla.

storage/reheating

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat rice, beans, and shrimp in the microwave or a skillet. Fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro should be added just before serving. This bowl is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of shrimp and fresh produce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook quickly on medium-high heat—shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat from chili powder. You can adjust spice level with hot sauce or extra spices.

Can I prep this in advance?

Absolutely—cook the rice, beans, and shrimp ahead. Assemble when ready to eat.

What’s a good substitute for avocado?

Try guacamole, sour cream, or even a squeeze of lime for creaminess and balance.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the optional cheese or sour cream.

What type of rice works best?

Brown rice is hearty and nutritious, but white rice or cilantro-lime rice also work great.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients and toppings are gluten-free.

Can I grill the shrimp?

Definitely—grilled shrimp adds a delicious smoky flavor to the bowl.

How can I make it low-carb?

Use cauliflower rice and skip beans or corn for a lower-carb version.

Conclusion

The Fiesta Shrimp Rice Bowl is a delicious, colorful, and satisfying dish that’s packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead, this bowl gives you restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Healthy, hearty, and endlessly customizable, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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