If you love bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a meal that comes together effortlessly, these Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are for you! Succulent, seasoned shrimp sit atop a fluffy bed of rice, paired with crisp, colorful veggies and drizzled with a creamy, fiery mayo sauce. The balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness makes every bite irresistibly delicious.
Not only is this dish quick and easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable. Swap out the veggies, adjust the spice level, or even switch up the protein to suit your preferences. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a last-minute dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Spicy Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For the Rice Bowl Base:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for added flavor)
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- Soy sauce or tamari for drizzling (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Spicy Mayo:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Adjust spiciness to your taste.
- Prepare the Rice:
- If not already cooked, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and mix in rice vinegar if desired.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
- Arrange shrimp, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, avocado, and green onions on top.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add soy sauce or tamari if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450-500 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo: A Flavorful, Quick, and Satisfying Meal
Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are the perfect combination of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and effortless cooking. This dish is quick to prepare, highly customizable, and packed with essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for both busy weeknights and meal prep.
With its Asian-inspired flavors, this bowl offers a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, creamy, and fresh elements. Succulent shrimp, seasoned with aromatic spices, rest on a fluffy bed of rice, accompanied by crunchy vegetables and topped with a creamy, fiery spicy mayo sauce. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast of textures, making it a meal that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the origins, nutritional benefits, cooking techniques, variations, and tips to help you perfect this dish.
Why Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo?
There are plenty of reasons why Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo should be a staple in your meal rotation:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those who need a fast yet flavorful meal. The shrimp cook in just minutes, the rice can be prepped ahead of time, and the toppings require minimal slicing and assembling.
2. Customizable to Your Preferences
One of the best things about this bowl is that you can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs. Prefer less spice? Reduce the sriracha in the mayo. Want to add more protein? Throw in some tofu or a boiled egg. You can even swap out the shrimp for grilled chicken, salmon, or a plant-based alternative.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep
If you love preparing meals in advance, this dish is a great choice. Simply store the components separately in airtight containers and assemble fresh bowls throughout the week. The spicy mayo can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for several days.
4. A Nutritious, Balanced Meal
With lean protein from shrimp, fiber from vegetables, and energy-packed rice, this bowl provides a well-rounded meal that keeps you satisfied. The healthy fats from avocado and the metabolism-boosting properties of spicy mayo make it even more beneficial.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
A well-crafted bowl dish should have a balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients, and this recipe checks all the boxes:
- Savory Shrimp – Marinated in smoked paprika, garlic, and other seasonings, the shrimp develop a deep, smoky flavor that pairs well with the mildness of the rice.
- Creamy Spicy Mayo – A blend of mayo, sriracha, and lime juice creates a silky, spicy sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
- Crunchy Vegetables – Carrots, cucumbers, and green onions provide freshness and a satisfying crunch.
- Fluffy Rice Base – The rice acts as the foundation, absorbing all the flavors from the shrimp and spicy mayo.
- Optional Garnishes – Sesame seeds, avocado, and soy sauce add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Every bite offers a contrast of warm and cool elements, softness and crunch, and spicy and mild flavors, making it incredibly enjoyable.
Best Rice to Use for This Recipe
Choosing the right type of rice is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Here are some great options:
- Jasmine Rice – Light, fluffy, and slightly fragrant, jasmine rice is a top choice for this dish.
- Brown Rice – A healthier alternative with more fiber, brown rice adds a slightly nutty flavor.
- Sushi Rice – If you love a slightly sticky texture, sushi rice works well in these bowls.
- Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great substitute.
Adding a tablespoon of rice vinegar to warm rice enhances its flavor and gives it a subtle tang that pairs well with the shrimp and spicy mayo.
How to Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
Shrimp is a delicate protein that cooks quickly, so here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp – If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely in the fridge or under cold running water before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking – Shrimp cook in just 2-3 minutes per side. When they turn pink and opaque, they’re done!
- Marinate for extra flavor – Letting the shrimp sit in the seasoning for 10-15 minutes before cooking enhances their taste.
- Sear over medium-high heat – This creates a slight char on the shrimp, adding depth of flavor.
Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily switch things up to create new flavors. Here are some creative variations:
1. Teriyaki Shrimp Bowls
Swap the spicy mayo for teriyaki sauce to create a sweet and savory version. Add some grilled pineapple chunks for a tropical touch.
2. Korean-Inspired Shrimp Bowls
Mix in kimchi, sesame oil, and a drizzle of gochujang sauce for a bold, spicy Korean twist.
3. Sushi-Style Bowls
Top with seaweed salad, pickled ginger, and furikake seasoning to create a deconstructed sushi bowl.
4. Mediterranean-Style Bowls
Replace the spicy mayo with tzatziki sauce and add olives, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes for a fresh Mediterranean feel.
5. Vegan Alternative
Swap out shrimp for crispy tofu or tempeh, and use vegan mayo for the sauce.
Health Benefits of This Dish
Not only is this dish incredibly flavorful, but it’s also packed with health benefits:
- Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, making it a great option for those looking to maintain lean muscle and stay full for longer.
- Spicy foods like sriracha can boost metabolism and promote digestion.
- Avocados provide healthy fats that support heart health.
- Brown rice offers fiber and essential nutrients for better digestion and energy levels.
- Fresh vegetables contribute important vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.
Conclusion
Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are more than just a delicious meal they’re a perfect balance of convenience, nutrition, and flavor. Whether you’re making a quick dinner, preparing meals in advance, or looking for a versatile dish to impress guests, this recipe is a winner.
With its customizable nature, you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. From swapping proteins to adding unique toppings, the possibilities are endless.
So, the next time you’re craving a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home, give these shrimp rice bowls a try! They’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your meal rotation.