Bursting with vibrant flavors, these Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are absolutely delightful! They deliver a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will transform your weeknight dinner routine. What I adore most about these bowls is how they combine simplicity with incredible satisfaction – making them my go-to choice when I need a quick yet nourishing meal during busy weekdays!
What You’ll Need for These Amazing Shrimp Rice Bowls
Shrimp: I keep frozen shrimp as a pantry staple! The ones from Trader Joe’s (particularly their Argentinian variety) are absolutely perfect for this recipe. Keeping a bag in your freezer means you’re always prepared for a quick protein boost.
Shredded Carrots: These colorful strands add both crunch and sweetness. I recommend buying pre-shredded carrots to save time – they’re perfect for adding to various dishes throughout the week.
Cucumber: Nothing beats the refreshing crispness of fresh cucumber slices. They bring a hydrating element that balances the rich flavors in this bowl.
Pickled Onions: These are truly a game-changer! I make a batch weekly because they elevate virtually any dish with their tangy-sweet punch. The vibrant pink color adds visual appeal too!
Jasmine Rice: For ultimate convenience, I use frozen jasmine rice. The fragrant, fluffy texture creates the perfect foundation for our bowl, but feel free to substitute with your preferred rice variety.
Fresh Herbs: The combination of cilantro and parsley brings brightness and dimension. Don’t be afraid to experiment with green onions or basil for different flavor profiles!
Olive Oil: Choose a good quality olive oil for sautéing your shrimp – it really makes a difference in the final flavor.
Sea Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings are all you need to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
For that Irresistible Spicy Mayo:
- Avocado Oil Mayo
- Sriracha
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Honey
- Sea Salt
The spicy mayo brings everything together with its creamy heat – trust me, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!
How to Prep These Bowls Ahead of Time
One of the best features of these Shrimp Rice Bowls is their meal-prep potential! Set aside 30 minutes at the start of your week to prepare components, and you’ll thank yourself later. Here’s my strategy:
First, cook a big batch of jasmine rice and store it in airtight containers. Next, slice your cucumbers and store them in water to maintain freshness. Prepare a jar of those gorgeous pickled onions (recipe below), and mix up the spicy mayo sauce to keep in the refrigerator.
I recommend cooking the shrimp fresh when you’re ready to eat – they only take minutes to prepare and taste best when freshly sautéed. However, if you’re in a serious time crunch, pre-cooked shrimp will work in a pinch.
With these components ready to go, assembling your bowl takes just 5 minutes – quicker than ordering takeout!
The Nutritional Benefits of Jasmine Rice
Many people underestimate the nutritional value of jasmine rice! This aromatic grain offers more than just delicious flavor – it’s packed with essential phytonutrients that support your immune system and overall wellbeing. It’s also an excellent source of folic acid, particularly important for cell development.
Both white and brown jasmine rice varieties provide dietary fiber, though brown jasmine contains more. This fiber supports digestive health and helps you feel satisfied longer. The subtle floral aroma of jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the other components in these bowls, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
How to Make Quick Pickled Onions
These pickled onions are the secret weapon in my kitchen! Start by slicing a red onion into thin half-moons. Place these in a clean mason jar. Next, bring 6oz of water to a boil, and add 1 tablespoon each of salt and sugar to your jar with the onions.
Pour the hot water over the onions, then fill the remaining space with white vinegar. Secure the lid and give it a gentle shake to ensure all onions are submerged. Store in your refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to two weeks, becoming more flavorful with each passing day!
Alternative Sauce Options
While the spicy mayo is my favorite finishing touch for these bowls, there are other delicious alternatives! For a dairy-free option, try a simple drizzle of sriracha. The chili onion crunch from Trader Joe’s also makes an excellent spicy topping that adds textural interest.
For a lighter option, a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt works beautifully too!
If You Enjoy This Recipe, Try These Other Delicious Options:
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Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
Description
These Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are perfect for quick weeknight dinners or satisfying lunches! The creamy, spicy sauce adds the perfect finishing touch to this balanced bowl filled with simple ingredients that can be prepped ahead of time for ultimate convenience.
Ingredients
For the Bowl:
- 7 frozen shrimp
- 1/2 cup jasmine rice
- 1/4 cup pickled onions
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt and pepper, to taste
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/4 cup avocado oil mayo
- 1 1/2 tbsp sriracha
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and fully cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Prepare jasmine rice according to package instructions. For ultimate convenience, use frozen rice that only needs reheating!
- In a small bowl, combine mayo, sriracha, honey, lemon juice, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside.
- Assemble your bowl by placing jasmine rice as the base, then arranging the shredded carrots, cucumber slices, pickled onions, and sautéed shrimp on top.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and parsley for bright flavor and color.
- Drizzle generously with your homemade spicy mayo sauce.
- Enjoy immediately while the shrimp is still warm!
Notes
- Frozen Argentinian shrimp from Trader Joe’s works beautifully in this recipe.
- For a time-saving hack, use frozen jasmine rice that can be microwaved in minutes.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for meal prepping or family dinners.