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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - Juice and zest of 2 fresh limes - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Diced red onion - Sliced jalapeño When I create a cilantro lime shrimp bowl, I start with fresh, high-quality shrimp. The shrimp should be large, peeled, and deveined. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up the marinade's flavors. I often choose quinoa or brown rice as a base. Both provide a nice texture and balance the dish. For the marinade, I use extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh lime juice. The lime juice adds a bright and zesty flavor. I also add lime zest for an extra punch. Ground cumin and smoked paprika give the shrimp depth and warmth. A sprinkle of salt and fresh black pepper rounds it all out. I love to garnish my bowl with diced red onion and sliced jalapeño. They add color and a little spice, making the dish even more exciting. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a flavorful and fresh delight! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This mix will make a bright and zesty marinade. It will enhance the shrimp's flavor and give your bowl a fresh taste. Next, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade. Make sure all the shrimp get coated nicely. Let them rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This step allows the shrimp to soak up all the great flavors. While the shrimp marinates, cook your quinoa or brown rice. Follow the package instructions until it is fluffy and tender. This base will hold all the delicious toppings in your bowl. Now, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp will turn a vibrant pink and become opaque when done. This shows they are fully cooked and ready to enjoy. Once your shrimp are cooked, take a large serving bowl. Start with a layer of quinoa or brown rice at the bottom. Then, add the cooked shrimp on top. Next, arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and corn for a mix of color and taste. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. For extra flavor, add diced red onion and sliced jalapeño if you like a spicy kick. Enjoy your beautiful, flavorful bowl! To make the cilantro lime shrimp bowl even better, try adding lime zest. This gives a bright taste. You can also mix in minced garlic. It adds depth and a warm flavor. Adjust the amounts to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment! Cooking shrimp just right is key. Overcooked shrimp become tough. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque. This shows they are done and tender. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Fresh lime wedges add a fun touch. Squeeze them over the shrimp bowl for extra zing. More cilantro makes everything taste fresh. You can also add diced red onion or sliced jalapeño for more flavor. These small details can really elevate your dish! Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes enhances their flavor significantly, so don’t rush this step! Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking; they only need about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh lime juice and herbs will elevate this dish, giving it a bright, vibrant taste that dried or bottled alternatives can't match. Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add other toppings like black beans, diced bell peppers, or even a dollop of sour cream to personalize your shrimp bowl! {{image_4}} You can switch grains in your bowl. Brown rice adds a nutty taste. If you want low carbs, try cauliflower rice. Both options keep the meal light and tasty. Adding veggies makes your dish even better. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. Spinach adds color and nutrition. Black beans offer protein and fiber. Mix and match to create your perfect bowl. If shrimp isn't your thing, swap it out! Chicken is a great choice and cooks fast. Tofu gives a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. Salmon adds richness and is packed with omega-3s. Each protein option gives a new twist to your bowl. To keep your cilantro lime shrimp bowl fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the shrimp and grains in an airtight container. Use them within three days for the best taste. If you leave them longer, they may lose flavor and texture. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat them easily. For the microwave, place the shrimp and grains on a plate. Heat for one minute, check, and heat more if needed. For the skillet, warm a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and grains, stirring until heated through. This way, you keep the flavors intact. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Freeze the shrimp and grains separately. This keeps each part fresh. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions to enjoy your meal again. Shrimp cook quickly. Look for a few signs. First, they change color. Raw shrimp are gray. Fully cooked shrimp turn pink. Second, they become firm. They should feel springy, not mushy. Finally, cooked shrimp curl into a C shape. If they curl tightly, they are overcooked. Aim for a slight curve for the best texture. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Marinate the shrimp up to two hours before cooking. This adds flavor and makes cooking easier later. Cook your grains in advance, too. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just heat them in the microwave or on the stove. This bowl pairs well with many sides. Try a fresh garden salad or steamed broccoli for a light touch. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for crunch. For drinks, a cold glass of limeade works great. If you want something stronger, try a crisp white wine. This blog post guides you through a tasty cilantro lime shrimp bowl. You learned about the main ingredients, from shrimp to avocado. The marinade brings vibrant flavors that enhance every bite. Step-by-step instructions help you cook with ease. Tips show you how to elevate taste and texture. Variations provide creative options to suit your needs. Finally, smart storage solutions keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy your cooking, and make this dish your own!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Bowl

A vibrant and flavorful shrimp bowl featuring marinated shrimp, quinoa or brown rice, fresh vegetables, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 juices fresh limes
  • 1 zest lime
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 0.5 cup corn, fresh off the cob or canned, drained
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, stems removed
  • optional diced red onion and sliced jalapeño for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the ingredients are well combined to form a flavorful marinade.
  • Carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, tossing them gently to ensure that each shrimp is thoroughly coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, letting the flavors meld.
  • As the shrimp marinates, cook your quinoa or brown rice by following the instructions on the package until it's tender and fluffy. Set aside.
  • Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it's hot. Add the marinated shrimp, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink and become opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
  • Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat, allowing the shrimp to rest briefly.
  • In a large serving bowl, create a base layer with the cooked quinoa or brown rice, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  • Artfully arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the quinoa, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and sweet corn for a burst of color and flavor.
  • Finish your dish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a refreshing touch. If you desire an extra kick, consider garnishing with diced red onion and jalapeño slices for added depth and spice.

Notes

For a heartier option, substitute quinoa with brown rice.
Keyword cilantro, healthy, lime, quinoa, shrimp