Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl

Escape to paradise with every bite of this Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl! Juicy shrimp are pan-seared to perfection and served over fluffy rice with a medley of tropical fruits, crunchy veggies, and a creamy coconut-lime drizzle. It’s light, vibrant, and bursting with sweet and savory island flavors—perfect for summer meals or whenever you need a tropical pick-me-up.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Fresh – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Sweet & Savory – Combines tropical fruits, savory shrimp, and tangy sauce.
Customizable – Swap proteins or toppings based on your favorites.
Nutritious & Balanced – A good mix of lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Meal Prep Friendly – Stores well and tastes great even after chilling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Tropical Rice Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 1 mango, peeled and diced
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup shredded red cabbage
• ¼ cup sliced cucumber or radish (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, sliced or diced

For the Coconut-Lime Drizzle:

• ¼ cup coconut milk (full-fat or lite)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or small blender
• Cutting board and knife
• Spoon for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Prepare your rice according to package instructions.
2. Fluff with a fork and set aside. Keep warm.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Coconut-Lime Drizzle

1. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, honey, and salt until smooth.
2. Alternatively, blend in a mini food processor for an ultra-creamy texture.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or lime juice as desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide the cooked rice evenly between 4 bowls.
2. Top with sautéed shrimp, pineapple, mango, bell pepper, red cabbage, avocado, cucumber or radish (if using), green onions, and cilantro.
3. Drizzle each bowl with the coconut-lime sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Garnish with extra lime wedges or a sprinkle of sesame seeds (optional).
2. Serve immediately while the shrimp are warm and the flavors are vibrant.

Tips for Success
Use Fresh, Ripe Fruit – For the best texture and tropical sweetness.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – They cook quickly and turn rubbery if left too long.
Chill the Sauce – For a refreshing contrast, keep the drizzle cold.
Add Crunch – Top with chopped cashews, macadamia nuts, or crispy plantains.
Go Grain-Free – Swap rice for cauliflower rice or leafy greens for a low-carb bowl.

Serving Suggestions
Serve With a Side of Lime Tortilla Chips – Perfect for scooping up extra toppings.
Pair With a Tropical Smoothie – Think mango, coconut, or pineapple blends.
Make It a Wrap – Use the ingredients in a tortilla for a portable tropical lunch.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Keep the shrimp and rice refrigerated and reheat gently before serving.
• Store the sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge; shake or stir before using.

Reheating:

• Reheat rice and shrimp in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water.
• Do not heat the fruits or sauce—add those fresh after warming the base.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
2. What’s a good substitute for coconut milk?
   Try Greek yogurt mixed with a little lime juice and honey for a tangy drizzle.
3. Can I add extra protein?
   Absolutely—grilled chicken or tofu also work great with these flavors.
4. Can I make it spicy?
   Add chopped jalapeños, sriracha to the sauce, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as all sauces and seasonings used are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
This Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl is a refreshing, colorful meal that makes healthy eating exciting. Bursting with island flavors and textures, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a meal prep-friendly option to keep your week delicious and stress-free. Light, nourishing, and downright beautiful in a bowl—this recipe is your ticket to a quick tropical escape.

Make it, share it, and let your taste buds travel. Don’t forget to leave a review or snap a photo and tag us!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American–Tropical Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 520mg

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