These Blackened Shrimp Bowls are everything you want in an easy and flavorful dinner. The Cajun seasoned shrimp bring just the right amount of smoky heat and when you pair them with fluffy cilantro rice and all the fresh toppings, this meal is unforgettable. Avocado, pico de gallo, black beans, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top tie it all together.
The best part about this recipe? You can totally make these your own. Add some sour cream to cool things down, pile on extra beans for more protein or throw in whatever toppings you’ve got in the fridge. And since the shrimp cook in just a few minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but quick. We also love to meal prep these for lunches during the week!
Whether it’s a dinner for the family or a fun DIY meal with friends, these Blackened Shrimp Bowls are always a win. They are simple, fresh and totally satisfying!
If you are looking for more shrimp recipes, check out our: Blackened Shrimp Pasta, Lemon Pepper Shrimp or Pappardelle & Zucchini Ribbons with Shrimp.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick: The shrimp cook up in just 2-3 minutes per side, while the rice simmers hands-free in 20 minutes. With minimal chopping for the cilantro and toppings like pico de gallo and avocado that require little prep, this dish comes together fast.
- Customizable: This recipe gives you a base of cilantro rice and blackened shrimp, but the toppings are totally up to you. Add sour cream for creaminess, black beans for extra protein or switch it up with roasted veggies, shredded lettuce or even mango for a sweet twist.
- Flavorful: The Cajun seasoning delivers a smoky, spicy kick to the shrimp, while the buttery cilantro rice adds freshness. Combine that with creamy avocado, zesty lime and the tang of pico de gallo, and you’ve got a bowl full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for these shrimp rice bowls:
- Rice: Use well rinsed white rice.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Salt
- Cilantro: If you don't link cilantro, you can use Italian parsley instead.
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined fresh shrimp for the best texture and ease.
- Cajun seasoning: Use store-bought cajun seasoning (also called blackened seasoning) or easily make your own.
- Olive oil: Use olive oil for cooking on high heat, and save your good quality extra virgin olive oil for salad dressings or dipping for bread.
- Avocado: Fresh cut avocado is delicious in these bowls.
- Black beans: Canned black beans, drained and rinsed, are perfect in shrimp bowls.
- Pico de Gallo: You can make homemade pico or buy store bought.
- Sour cream: Use sour cream or greek yogurt for a fresh and creamy tang.
- Lime: Fresh lime juice gives the perfect amount of acid to this dish.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Let's make this dinner recipe together!
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, butter, and salt. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Keep the lid on until ready to serve.
- Step 2: Place the peeled and deveined raw shrimp in a large bowl, add the Cajun seasoning and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and fully cooked.
- Step 4: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 5: Stir the chopped cilantro into the cooked rice for added flavor.
- Step 6: Divide the cilantro rice into bowls. Top each bowl with cooked shrimp, avocado slices, black beans, and pico de gallo. Add a dollop of sour cream and a wedge of lime to each bowl. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this shrimp bowl recipe:
- Prep ahead: Rinse and chop ingredients like cilantro, avocado, and any additional toppings ahead of time to make assembly faster. You can also cook the rice and shrimp earlier in the day and reheat it when ready to serve.
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly to prevent it from getting sticky. This removes excess starch and helps it cook up light and fluffy.
- Adjust the spice level: Use less Cajun seasoning if you prefer a milder dish.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this healthy meal. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Saucepan: A medium sized saucepan to make the rice.
- Large skillet: You'll want a high quality large skillet with high sides.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this quick meal.
- Shrimp: If you plan to use frozen shrimp, be sure they are properly thawed first.
- Rice: Other rice varieties (like brown rice or jasmine rice) can be substituted, but cooking times and water ratios will vary.
- Cilantro: If you aren’t a fan of cilantro try parsley or green onion.
- Olive oil: Feel free to use a different neutral cooking oil like avocado oil.
- Additions: Get creative with your toppings. Some additional ingredients that would be delicious are: roasted corn, shredded lettuce, red onion or diced bell peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can definitely use frozen shrimp for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To do this, place the shrimp in the fridge for a few hours or run them under cold water until they're fully defrosted. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any extra moisture which helps them sear perfectly and get that nice blackened texture.
You can make parts of this recipe ahead of time, like cooking the rice and prepping the toppings, which can be stored in the fridge. For the shrimp, season them in advance and cook just before serving for the best texture. This makes the final assembly quick and easy when you're ready to enjoy the dish.
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make a quick homemade blend with common spices! Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and a bit of salt and black pepper. Adjust the amounts based on your preferred spice level, and you’ll have a similar flavor to Cajun seasoning. This homemade blend can be a great substitute for the store-bought version!
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this shrimp recipe:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
What to Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this recipe:
Blackened Shrimp Bowls with Cilantro Rice
Ingredients
For the rice:
- 1 cup white rice well rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Toppings:
- Avocado
- Black Beans
- Pico de Gallo
- Sour Cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Combine rice, water, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Cover and heat over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, until water is absorbed. Keep lid on the rice until ready to serve.
- Combine shrimp and cajun seasoning in a large bowl. Toss until combined.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
- Stir cilantro into the rice and divide into bowls. Top with desired toppings and serve.
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