Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl

Bring the beach to your kitchen with this fresh and vibrant Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl! Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a sweet and zesty glaze, then layered over fluffy rice with pineapple, creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and a hint of lime. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy in every bite—a healthy and colorful meal that feels like a mini vacation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh & Flavorful – Tropical fruits, citrus, and shrimp shine in every bite.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes for a fuss-free dinner.
Nutrient-Rich – Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Customizable – Great for bowl-building and topping to your taste.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead for lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Juice of ½ lime
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)

For the Rice Bowls:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving

Optional Toppings:

• Toasted coconut flakes
• Sliced jalapeño
• Sriracha or chili garlic sauce
• Sesame seeds

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Sharp knife and cutting board
Citrus juicer (optional)
Rice cooker or pot

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice
Prepare rice according to package instructions.
Fluff and set aside, keeping warm.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss shrimp with garlic, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, paprika, and chili flakes (if using).
Let sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the bowl ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the Veggies & Toppings
Dice avocado and pineapple, shred cabbage and carrots, and slice red bell pepper and green onions.
Set aside all toppings for assembly.

Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Pour any extra marinade into the pan and cook for 1 more minute to slightly caramelize.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
In individual bowls, layer a scoop of rice.
Top with shrimp, pineapple, avocado, cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper.
Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and any desired toppings like toasted coconut or sesame seeds.

Step 6: Serve with Lime
Squeeze fresh lime over the top for a bright, tropical finish.
Serve immediately and enjoy warm or chilled.

Tips for the Best Tropical Shrimp Bowls
Use Fresh Shrimp – For the best texture and flavor, use fresh or properly thawed shrimp.
Balance Flavors – Include something sweet (pineapple), creamy (avocado), and tangy (lime).
Keep It Colorful – The more vibrant veggies, the better the presentation.
Make It Spicy – Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce if you love heat.
Chill for Later – These bowls are great cold for next-day lunches.

Serving Suggestions
As a Main Dish – Perfect for lunch or dinner on warm days.
With a Side of Plantains – Add fried or baked plantains for a Caribbean twist.
Over Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb version.
With a Mango Smoothie – A refreshing drink pairing.
Taco Style – Serve over tortillas for tropical shrimp tacos.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store components separately for up to 3 days.
Keep avocado uncut or add fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating:
Shrimp: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave for 30–45 seconds.
Rice: Reheat with a splash of water to loosen up.

Best Served Cold or Fresh:
These bowls are delicious cold—ideal for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Yes! Skewer and grill for 2–3 minutes per side for smoky flavor.

2. What can I use instead of shrimp?
Chicken, tofu, or salmon are all great substitutes.

3. Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes—just drain well and pat dry before adding.

4. What’s the best rice to use?
Jasmine or basmati rice for aroma, or brown rice for more fiber.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep all components and assemble just before serving.

Final Thoughts
This Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl is sunshine in a bowl—fresh, colorful, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe delivers a satisfying balance of sweet, savory, and zesty in every bite. It’s a healthy, hearty, and joyful meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Try it tonight and treat yourself to a tropical escape—no passport required!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Tropical / Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 540mg

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