This Cilantro Lime Shrimp Bowl is fresh and zesty! It features juicy shrimp, bright cilantro, and a splash of lime, all mixed together for a tasty meal.
Honestly, this bowl is like a party in your mouth—it’s that good! I love serving it over rice or quinoa for a filling dish that’s super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Using large shrimp is key, but feel free to substitute with bay shrimp or even grilled chicken if you prefer. Frozen shrimp work well too; just thaw and drain before cooking.
Rice: I like using white rice for this dish, but brown rice or quinoa are great alternatives for extra nutrients. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is fantastic and doesn’t change the flavor much.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is essential for that bright flavor. If you’re not a fan or allergies are a concern, parsley can be a good substitute, although it will change the flavor slightly.
Dressing: I usually go with Greek yogurt for creaminess, but sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt can also be used. For a lighter dressing, you might want to use just the lime juice and olive oil.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp takes a careful touch, but it’s simple! The goal is to achieve tender shrimp without overcooking them. Here’s how:
- Let the shrimp marinate briefly with spices for better flavor.
- Heat the skillet on medium-high before adding shrimp; this helps them sear nicely.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—watch closely!
If they start curling up tightly, it’s a sign they are overcooked, so keep an eye on them. Perfectly cooked shrimp are juicy and flavorful!
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or chopped romaine
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges, for garnish
For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water, to thin as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bowl takes about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the shrimp, and another 10 minutes assembling the bowls and making the dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp is well coated. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove them from the heat to avoid overcooking.
3. Make the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
Start building your bowls! Divide the cooked rice, black beans, diced red onion, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro among serving bowls. Arrange them nicely for a colorful presentation.
5. Add the Shrimp and Dressing:
Top each bowl with the cooked shrimp. Drizzle generously with the cilantro lime dressing to bring all the flavors together.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off with lime wedges on the side for extra zest! Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Cilantro Lime Shrimp Bowl immediately—it’s sure to be a hit!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Prep This Bowl in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the shrimp, dressing, and even the rice ahead of time. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat the shrimp and rice, and assemble the bowl!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness. Reheat the shrimp and rice gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What Can I Substitute for Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, fresh parsley makes a good alternative, though it has a different flavor profile. You can also skip the herbs and simply focus on the other fresh ingredients!
