If you’re dreaming of a meal that’s bursting with color, bright flavors, and just the right amount of spice, this Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Juicy, seasoned shrimp, fluffy cilantro lime rice, creamy avocado, and fresh toppings come together in a single bowl that feels like an instant vacation. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or you’re out to impress some friends, this bowl makes it all feel effortless. It’s healthy, gluten-free, loaded with veggies, and packed with zesty personality!

Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how each ingredient brings its own magic touch, but the list stays refreshingly simple. From the seasoned shrimp to the zesty rice and colorful toppings, every element builds vibrant flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): Juicy, sweet, and plump—shrimp is the star that soaks up all those wonderful spices!
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps coat the shrimp in flavor and keeps them tender during cooking.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds smoky warmth and that beautiful color to the shrimp.
Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Earthy and aromatic, cumin deepens the southwest vibe.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A little garlic punch without peeling or mincing—easy win!
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): For subtle heat and that pretty, rosy finish on the shrimp.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Don’t skip these classic seasonings—they heighten every flavor in the bowl.
Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Fluffy, comforting, and the perfect canvas for all that cilantro lime pop.
Water (2 cups): Simple, essential, helps the rice reach tender perfection.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps each rice grain stay separate and plush.
Lime (juice and zest of 1): Zest delivers concentrated aroma, juice brings all that tangy zip.
Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Nothing says fresh like cilantro—herbaceous and bright!
Black beans (1 cup, canned, rinsed and drained): A hearty plant protein that makes the bowl comforting and filling.
Corn kernels (1 cup, fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet bursts of yellow for a satisfying crunch and color.
Avocado (1, sliced): Creamy and rich, avocado ties every bite together.
Red onion (1/4 cup, diced): A little crisp edge and color, plus just a whisper of heat.
Lime wedges & extra cilantro (optional): For a garnish that lets everyone season to their own taste.

How to Make Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice

Get things started by making a batch of fragrant cilantro lime rice! Bring water and butter to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the rice, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for around 15 minutes. Once the rice is tender and fluffy, remove it from the heat. Fluff it with a fork, then mix in your lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro. This step is what makes this Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe so irresistibly fresh and aromatic.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp

While your rice is soaking up all those flavors, toss your shrimp in olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every shrimp is glistening with spice! Heat up a skillet over medium-high, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook—shrimp goes from perfect to rubbery in a flash!

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

While the shrimp sizzle, take a moment to get your toppings ready. Rinse and drain the black beans, slice up that perfectly ripe avocado, and dice a bit of red onion. If you’re using canned or frozen corn, make sure it’s thawed and patted dry. All of these will top off your bowl with pops of flavor, color, and crunch.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl

Now for the fun part: assembly! Start with a generous base of cilantro lime rice in each bowl. Top with a handful of those golden, spiced shrimp, then scatter across the black beans, corn, sliced avocado, and red onion. You can go for neat rows or a more “thrown together” look—either way, it’s going to look stunning.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

For the final flourish, sprinkle over extra chopped cilantro and tuck in a couple of lime wedges. If you like, a drizzle of chipotle mayo or a dollop of sour cream brings another layer of flavor. That’s it—your Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges are classic. But don’t stop there—try sprinkling on some crumbled queso fresco for a salty kick, or thinly sliced jalapeños if you’re craving extra heat. Microgreens or diced tomatoes add more color and a garden-fresh touch.

Side Dishes

While this bowl really stands up on its own, a small side of tortilla chips and salsa goes beautifully for crunch and dipping. If you want to round out dinner, consider a bowl of simple tomato soup, or a light, citrusy slaw. A chilled agua fresca or sparkling limeade finishes everything on a cheerful note.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, set up a “build-your-own” bowl bar with all the toppings and let everyone customize their Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe. Layer the ingredients in mason jars for a portable picnic, or plate everything buffet-style for family feasts. For an elegant dinner, use shallow, wide bowls and artfully arrange the shrimp and colorful toppings in rows—the colors make it feel restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shrimp bowls keep surprisingly well for lunch the next day! Store the individual components—rice, shrimp, beans, veggies—in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps flavors bold and textures just right until you’re ready for another bowl.

Freezing

While cooked shrimp and rice can be frozen, the fresh veggies and avocado don’t love the cold. If you want to freeze parts of your Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe, just pack up the cooked rice and shrimp in freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and add the fresh toppings after reheating.

Reheating

Rice and shrimp both reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to keep things moist. Just warm until heated through—shrimp heats fast, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Add the cold toppings after everything is warm for the perfect contrast of temperatures and textures.

FAQs

Can I make this Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe with frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking. This prevents excess moisture in your skillet and helps the spices cling more evenly.

Is it possible to use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead?

Yes, feel free to swap in brown rice for a heartier, nuttier flavor, or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and remember: the cilantro, lime, and zest work beautifully on any base.

Can I add other toppings to this bowl?

Of course! This Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe is endlessly customizable. Try shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced radishes, roasted bell peppers, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce. The more color and crunch, the merrier.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and their tails naturally curl into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so remove them from the heat as soon as they’re uniformly pink on both sides.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s one of my favorite meal prep recipes! Prepare and store the components separately, then assemble fresh bowls through the week. The flavors meld and get even tastier after a day in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, give this Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe a try. It’s fresh, comforting, and loaded with flavor—plus, it’s a total showstopper in the looks department! Dive in and enjoy every zesty, vibrant bite. I can’t wait for you to make it your own!

Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines juicy shrimp with zesty cilantro lime rice and a variety of toppings. It’s a perfect meal for a quick and healthy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
Juice and zest of 1 lime
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Additional Toppings:

1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 avocado (sliced)
1/4 cup diced red onion
Lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro.
Cook the Shrimp: Toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of cilantro lime rice, then top with shrimp, black beans, corn, avocado, and red onion. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

You can add a drizzle of chipotle mayo or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
For a lower-carb version, use cauliflower rice.
This bowl is also great with grilled shrimp or even chicken.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired