Description
Zesty Shrimp and Rice Delight Bowls are a vibrant, flavorful meal combining spicy, citrus-marinated shrimp with fluffy rice and fresh veggies, all drizzled with a tangy, homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick and satisfying 25-minute dinner that brings a burst of bright and zesty flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice
- 1 cup white rice (or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
- 2 cups water or broth (for cooking rice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Zesty Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add the rice, garlic powder, and salt. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, depending on the rice type, until tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, lime juice, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Remove from heat.
- Make the Zesty Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among 4 bowls and top each with the cooked shrimp.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top each bowl with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the zesty dressing over the bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus burst.
Notes
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for variety or dietary preferences.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level or omit if you prefer less heat.
- Cooking times for rice can vary depending on the type; follow package instructions if using alternatives.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor in both shrimp marinade and dressing.
- For a vegan version, substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or chickpeas and omit honey or replace with maple syrup.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
