Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce
A vibrant dish combining juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty cilantro lime sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 500kcal
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Exuding an ocean-fresh sweetness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Adding rich flavor and moisture.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika Delivering a warm, smoky taste.
- 1 tsp garlic powder For a fragrant, savory backbone.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin Bringing an earthy warmth.
- 1/2 tsp chili powder For a hint of spice.
- 1 juice lime Brightening up the entire bowl with citrus zing.
- to taste salt and pepper Enhancing all flavors.
For the sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves For that fresh, herbaceous lift.
- 1 clove garlic Offering a hint of robust flavor.
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream Making the sauce creamy and luscious.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Complementing the other ingredients.
- 2 juices limes Amplifying the zesty flavor.
- to taste salt To fine-tune the sauce.
- 1-2 tbsp water To thin the sauce to your preference.
For assembly
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice The perfect bed for your toppings.
- 1 large avocado, sliced Adding an indulgent texture.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved For a pop of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion Bringing a savory crunch.
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained For protein and texture.
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned) Adding sweetness and color.
- to garnish fresh cilantro and lime wedges
Instructions
Marinate the Shrimp
- Combine shrimp with olive oil, spices, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Make sure every shrimp is coated with the flavors and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Cook the Rice
- Prepare jasmine or brown rice according to the package directions. Fluff it after cooking and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a blender, combine cilantro, garlic, avocado, yogurt, olive oil, and lime juice. Blend until smooth, adding salt to taste. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency with water.
Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the marinated shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top each bowl with cooked shrimp, fresh avocado slices, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, black beans, and corn.
Dress and Serve
- Drizzle the cilantro lime sauce generously over each bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the rice bowls for some heat. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be a major time-saver. Consider adding crumbled feta or cotija for a salty, tangy finish. You can also swap the rice for quinoa or farro for a nutritious twist.