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Chili Lime Shrimp Bowl

Chili Lime Shrimp Bowl

The Chili Lime Shrimp Bowl is a fresh, vibrant meal bursting with zesty, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Featuring tender shrimp marinated in chili powder and lime juice, served over a base of fluffy rice or quinoa with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs, this quick and nutritious dish offers a perfect balance of brightness, heat, and satisfying textures. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, it’s a colorful, customizable bowl that delivers bold taste and wholesome ingredients in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Marinade

  • 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Base

  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa

Vegetables and Garnishes

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for spice
  • Optional: toasted pepitas or sliced almonds for crunch
  • Optional: lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. In a bowl, mix chili powder, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss shrimp in the marinade until fully coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
  3. Prepare the Base and Vegetables: Warm the cooked rice or quinoa. Chop bell peppers and shred red cabbage. Slice avocado and chop cilantro for garnish.
  4. Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, add a generous layer of rice or quinoa, top with the chopped vegetables, and arrange cooked shrimp on top. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten flavors. Add optional garnishes as desired.

Notes

  • Do not marinate shrimp longer than 15 minutes to avoid the lime juice cooking the shrimp prematurely.
  • Use medium-high heat to get a nice sear and avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking shrimp.
  • Fresh lime juice is preferred for the best bright and natural flavor.
  • Toast pepitas or sliced almonds to add texture and crunch.
  • Store shrimp and vegetables separately from rice in airtight containers for best texture when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili lime shrimp, shrimp bowl, quick shrimp recipe, gluten free shrimp, healthy shrimp bowl, Mexican shrimp bowl, rice bowl