Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl

Fresh, vibrant, and full of bold flavor, this Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl brings island vibes straight to your dinner table. Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection and served over fluffy rice with sweet pineapple, creamy avocado, and a zesty coconut-lime dressing. It’s a perfect mix of savory, sweet, and tangy in every bite—a quick, colorful meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Island-Inspired Flavor – A tropical fusion of sweet, savory, and citrusy.
Fast & Fresh – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Protein-Packed – Juicy shrimp and whole-grain rice fuel your body.
Customizable – Swap toppings and make it your own.
Meal Prep Friendly – Great for make-ahead lunches and dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Coconut-Lime Sauce:

• ¼ cup coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ½ cup shredded red cabbage
• ¼ cup chopped cucumber
• ¼ cup sliced red onion (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Coconut-Lime Sauce
4. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
5. Chill until ready to drizzle.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
6. Divide cooked rice between serving bowls.
7. Top each with shrimp, pineapple, avocado, cabbage, cucumber, and red onion.
8. Drizzle with coconut-lime sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish
9. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy immediately while fresh and vibrant.

Tips for the Best Tropical Shrimp Bowls
Use Fresh Shrimp – They cook quickly and taste the sweetest.
Don’t Overcook – Shrimp only need a couple minutes per side.
Add Heat – Toss in sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Try Different Grains – Swap rice for quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice.
Make it a Wrap – Turn it into a tropical shrimp wrap using lettuce or tortillas.

Serving Suggestions
Side of Plantain Chips – For a crispy, tropical crunch.
Mango Salsa – Pairs beautifully with the shrimp.
Chilled Coconut Water – Completes the island feel.
Crisp Green Salad – For a refreshing contrast.
Grilled Corn – Adds a smoky-sweet element.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days (keep sauce and avocado separate for best texture).

Reheating:

• Microwave: Reheat shrimp and rice in short bursts until warm. Add fresh toppings after heating.
• Skillet: Reheat shrimp gently over medium-low heat with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
   It already is! Just be sure to use dairy-free add-ins.
3. What fruit can I use besides pineapple?
   Mango, papaya, or even diced peaches are great alternatives.
4. Can I grill the shrimp?
   Absolutely! Skewered or in a grill basket, they cook quickly and add a smoky flavor.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes—substitute shrimp with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas.

Final Thoughts

This Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl is sunshine in a bowl—quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor. From the sweet pineapple to the savory shrimp and creamy coconut dressing, it’s a complete meal that feels light yet deeply satisfying. Whether for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this vibrant dish will transport your taste buds straight to the tropics.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your tropical creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: Island-Inspired / Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Sodium: 470mg

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