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Healthy Mexican Shrimp Rice Bowls - Bright, Fresh, and Weeknight Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
  • Rice: 2 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
  • Spice Mix: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, pinch of black pepper
  • Lime: Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons, divided
  • Black beans: 1 cup cooked (or 1/2 can, drained and rinsed)
  • Corn: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned; if canned, drain well)
  • Bell pepper: 1 red or yellow, diced
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Red onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
  • Avocado: 1, diced
  • Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Optional add-ons: Greek yogurt or light sour cream, salsa or pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, cotija or a light sprinkle of shredded cheese
  • Optional greens: Shredded romaine or baby spinach

Method
 

  1. Cook your base: Prepare brown rice according to package directions if you haven’t already. Fluff with a fork and keep warm. For extra flavor, stir in a squeeze of lime and a tablespoon of chopped cilantro.
  2. Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Season the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half of the lime zest, and the spice mix until evenly coated.
  4. Prep the veggies: Chop bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Rinse and drain black beans. If using corn, warm it in a skillet or microwave for a minute to bring out sweetness.
  5. Sear the shrimp: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil if needed. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until just opaque and lightly browned. Remove from heat and squeeze over half the lime juice.
  6. Build the bowls: Add rice to each bowl. Top with black beans, corn, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and a handful of greens if using. Add shrimp and avocado.
  7. Finish with flavor: Drizzle the remaining lime juice over the bowls. Sprinkle with the rest of the lime zest and cilantro. Add salsa, Greek yogurt, or a few pickled jalapeños if you like heat.
  8. Taste and adjust: Add a pinch of salt, a crack of pepper, or another squeeze of lime to brighten everything up.