Description
Mexican-inspired shrimp burrito bowls bring zesty Caribbean flavors to dinner tables with minimal effort. Fresh cilantro-lime rice, grilled spicy shrimp, and colorful toppings make this quick meal a delightful culinary adventure for weeknight dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
Base and Beans:
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 (15-ounce/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Toppings and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes (juice)
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or cotija)
- ¼ cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo
- ½ avocado
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp marinade by combining olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice in a mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly coat the shrimp with the spice mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned and aromatic.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a hot cooking surface for optimal searing.
- Carefully place the marinated shrimp into the skillet, allowing them to cook without overcrowding the pan.
- Sear the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a vibrant pink color and translucent appearance that indicates perfect doneness.
- Once cooked, immediately remove the shrimp from the heat to prevent overcooking and maintain their tender texture.
- Let the shrimp rest momentarily, allowing their juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.
- Prepare the remaining bowl components, ensuring a balanced and colorful presentation with rice, beans, fresh vegetables, and optional toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
- Arrange the seared, spice-infused shrimp atop the prepared ingredients, creating a visually appealing and flavorful burrito bowl.
Notes
- Pick jumbo or large shrimp for a meatier texture and more satisfying bite in your burrito bowl.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, well-caramelized exterior when cooking.
- Adjust spice blend according to personal heat preference by increasing or reducing chili powder and black pepper amounts.
- Use fresh lime juice for brighter, zestier flavor compared to bottled versions, which can taste slightly flat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg