Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal Awaits!
Remember those nights when you crave something fresh, flavorful, and truly satisfying, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? We’ve all been there! The good news is, finding that perfect balance of healthy, delicious, and easy is easier than you think. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, incredible textures, and a kick of flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it’s packed with flavor. The spices really make the shrimp taste amazing. It’s also very healthy with whole grains, lean protein, and good fats from avocado. You can make it quickly on a busy weeknight. Plus, you can change it up to fit what you like, and it looks great too!
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado
Making this bowl is simple. You cook your grain, season and cook the shrimp, then prepare your fresh toppings. Finally, you put it all together in a bowl and add any dressing you like.
Ingredients of : Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado
For the Spicy Shrimp:
* Shrimp (fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined)
* Olive oil
* Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* Salt and black pepper
* Fresh lime juice
For the Grain Base:
* Your choice of cooked grain: Quinoa, brown rice, farro, or couscous.
* Water or vegetable broth
For the Fresh Toppings:
* Ripe avocados
* Cherry tomatoes (halved)
* Red onion (thinly sliced)
* Fresh cilantro (chopped)
* Corn (fresh or frozen, thawed)
* Black beans (rinsed and drained)
Optional Dressing:
* Lime vinaigrette or a simple Greek yogurt-based sauce
Directions of : Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado
Step 1: Prepare Your Grain
Cook your chosen grain based on package directions.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry. Toss shrimp with olive oil and all dry spices. Cook shrimp in a hot pan until pink and opaque. Finish shrimp with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Step 3: Prep Your Toppings
Dice avocado. Halve cherry tomatoes. Slice red onion. Chop cilantro. Rinse corn and black beans.
Step 4: Assemble Your Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado
Start with a base of cooked grain. Arrange spicy shrimp on top. Add a colorful array of fresh toppings. Drizzle with optional dressing.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado
This bowl is great for many occasions. You can make it for lunch and pack the parts separately to assemble later. It works well for a family dinner where everyone can build their own bowl. For a lighter meal, serve it with a simple green salad on the side.
How to Store Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado
Store cooked grain and shrimp separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Store prepped toppings in separate airtight containers. To keep avocado fresh, toss diced avocado with a little lime juice and store it in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.
Tips to Make Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado
Shrimp Don’t Overcook! Cook shrimp only until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough.
Batch Cooking Grains: Cook a large batch of grain at the start of the week. This saves time for future meals.
Avocado Ripeness: Choose avocados that feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. Store unripe avocados at room temperature until ripe. Refrigerate ripe avocados to extend their freshness.
Variation
Spice Level Adjustment: Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or less for a milder flavor.
Protein Swaps: You can use grilled chicken, tofu, or extra black beans for a different protein.
Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, shredded carrots, or roasted sweet potatoes to your bowl.
Herb Substitutions: Use parsley or green onions instead of cilantro.
Dressing Alternatives: Try a creamy avocado dressing or a different type of vinaigrette.
Make Ahead Tips: Prepare components like cooked grain and chopped vegetables ahead of time for quick assembly.
FAQs
Can I make the spicy shrimp ahead of time for this Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado?
Yes, you can cook the shrimp a day in advance. For the best texture, we recommend cooking it fresh. Reheat gently or enjoy chilled in your Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado.
What’s the best way to keep the avocado fresh in my Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado if prepping for lunch?
To prevent browning, toss diced avocado with a little lime juice and store it in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for the protein in a Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado?
Absolutely! Instead of shrimp, you can use seasoned and roasted chickpeas, grilled halloumi, or extra black beans to make a delicious vegetarian grain bowl.
Classic Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Skillet
- Bowl
- Paper towel
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Fork
Ingredients
For the Spicy Shrimp
- 1 lb Shrimp fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 pinch Cayenne pepper optional
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Fresh lime juice
For the Grain Base
- 1 cup Quinoa uncooked
- 2 cups Water or vegetable broth
For the Fresh Toppings
- 2 medium Ripe avocados
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.5 Red onion small, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 cup Corn fresh or frozen, thawed
- 1 can Black beans 15 oz, rinsed and drained
Optional Dressing
- 2 tbsp Lime vinaigrette
Instructions
Prepare Your Grain
- Cook quinoa according to package directions in 2 cups of water or broth, simmering for 15-20 minutes until absorbed; fluff with a fork.
Season and Cook the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry, then toss with olive oil and spices. Cook in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque, then remove and squeeze fresh lime juice over them.
Prep Your Toppings
- Dice avocados, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, chop cilantro, and rinse corn and black beans.
Assemble Your Spicy Shrimp Grain Bowl with Avocado
- Divide cooked quinoa among bowls, top with shrimp, then arrange avocado, tomatoes, onion, corn, and black beans around the shrimp. Garnish with cilantro.
Drizzle with Dressing (Optional)
- Optionally, drizzle each bowl with lime vinaigrette or preferred dressing just before serving.