Spicy Shrimp And Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe

Sizzling Spicy Shrimp And Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe For Dinner

Culinary adventures with a spicy shrimp and avocado rice bowl spark excitement in my kitchen whenever I want something quick and delicious.

Summer flavors dance across this colorful plate, promising an explosion of taste.

Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly to create a meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Succulent shrimp bring a perfect protein punch while creamy avocado adds smooth richness to each bite.

Chili-infused seasonings deliver a warming kick that makes this bowl seriously irresistible.

Light yet satisfying, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Dive into this bowl and let your taste buds celebrate a perfect balance of heat and freshness.

Why Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl Rocks

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold, zesty flavors from paprika, red pepper flakes, and sriracha mayo that transform a simple rice bowl into a taste explosion.
  • Quick Kitchen Win: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complex techniques.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Flexible recipe allows easy swaps or additions like extra veggies, different proteins, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines protein-rich shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and complex carbohydrates from rice, creating a balanced and satisfying meal in one bowl.

Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl

For the Base:
  • Rice: A fluffy and tender foundation that provides a satisfying backdrop for the spicy shrimp and creamy avocado.
For the Protein:
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that delivers a delightful smoky and spicy flavor when seasoned and grilled.
For the Fresh Components:
  • Avocado: A creamy and rich fruit that adds smooth texture and healthy fats to the rice bowl.
For the Seasonings and Spices:
  • Olive Oil, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a robust and zesty coating for the shrimp.
For the Sauce Components:
  • Mayonnaise, Sriracha Sauce, Lime Juice, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: A tangy and spicy mixture that adds a creamy and vibrant finishing touch to the rice bowl.
For the Water and Salt:
  • Water, Salt: Essential elements for cooking the rice to perfection.

How to Make Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl

Step 1: Boil and Simmer Rice

Fill a medium saucepan with water and sprinkle in salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.

Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until all water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.

Step 2: Season Shrimp with Zesty Spices

In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp with:
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with the spicy marinade.

Step 3: Sear Shrimp to Perfection

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight char.

The shrimp should be opaque and slightly curled.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sriracha Mayo

In a small bowl, blend together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Lime juice
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Build Vibrant Rice Bowls

Divide warm rice among serving bowls. Top with seared shrimp and fan out fresh avocado slices.

Drizzle generously with the spicy sriracha mayo. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors.

Tips to Balance Heat and Creaminess in This Bowl

  • Swap white rice with brown or cauliflower rice for a healthier, lower-carb alternative.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes and sriracha sauce to suit personal heat tolerance.
  • Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor and tenderness.
  • Use fresh lime juice for a brighter, more vibrant sauce compared to bottled versions.
  • Opt for wild-caught shrimp to support sustainable seafood practices and potentially get better flavor.

Variations for Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl

  • Veggie Protein Bowl: Replace shrimp with grilled tofu or tempeh, seasoned with same spices for a vegetarian protein option.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Swap sriracha mayo with tzatziki sauce, use quinoa instead of rice, add cucumber and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, keeping all other ingredients and spices the same for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Tropical Seafood Edition: Use coconut rice as base, replace shrimp with grilled mahi-mahi, add mango salsa instead of avocado for a Caribbean-style bowl.

What Complements Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Bowl

  • Pair Zesty Citrus White Wine: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the spicy shrimp's bold flavors and cut through the creamy avocado.
  • Refresh with Tropical Cocktail: Mix a cucumber-jalapeño margarita that echoes the dish's spicy notes while providing a cooling counterbalance to the heat.
  • Balance with Light Beer: Choose a Mexican-style lager like Modelo or Corona, which offers a crisp, clean taste that harmonizes with the shrimp's spiciness and rich mayo sauce.
  • Enhance with Sparkling Water Mocktail: Create a lime-mint spritzer with fresh herbs and sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a refreshing contrast.

Best Way to Store Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Bowl

Store leftover shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for 2-3 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy texture.

Place rice and shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water on rice to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Warm rice in a skillet with a splash of water over medium heat. Separately heat shrimp in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil to maintain crispiness. Combine and serve hot.

Skip freezing this dish, as avocado and cooked shrimp lose texture and quality when thawed, potentially becoming mushy and less appetizing.

FAQs

  • How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on your red pepper flakes and sriracha sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference for a personalized spice experience.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely, pat dry with paper towels, and ensure they’re well-drained before seasoning and cooking to prevent excess moisture.

  • What if I don't have paprika?

You can substitute with chili powder or cayenne pepper for a similar flavor profile. Each will slightly change the taste, so adjust according to your preference.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free mayonnaise and check that your spices are certified gluten-free. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spicy Shrimp And Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe

Spicy Shrimp And Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl brings coastal Mexican flavors to your dinner table with bold, fresh ingredients. Perfectly balanced spices, succulent shrimp, and creamy avocado create a quick, satisfying meal that will become your new favorite weeknight comfort dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Bases and Produce:

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1 3/4 cups water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare fragrant rice by bringing salted water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan, then gently add rice and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed.
  2. Create a zesty marinade by whisking olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, then thoroughly coat the shrimp in the seasoning mixture.
  3. Heat a skillet or grill to medium-high temperature and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they turn slightly charred and achieve a vibrant pink color with crispy edges.
  4. Craft a creamy sriracha mayo by blending mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Construct the rice bowl by spreading warm rice as a base, arranging seared shrimp on top, and strategically placing ripe avocado slices around the protein.
  6. Finish the dish by generously drizzling the spicy sriracha mayo over the bowl, creating an eye-catching and flavor-packed presentation ready to be enjoyed immediately.

Notes

  • Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that prevent clumping.
  • Choose long-grain white rice or brown rice for better texture and nutritional variety in the bowl.
  • Marinate shrimp for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
  • Pat shrimp dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Adjust spice levels by reducing red pepper flakes for mild preferences or adding extra for heat lovers.
  • Use fresh lime juice for brighter, more vibrant sauce flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
  • Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich sauce option.
  • Add fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for extra freshness and color contrast.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 414 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 523 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 161 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star