The Ultimate Shrimp Rice Bowl with Spicy Mayo: A Flavor-Packed Meal

Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are the perfect combination of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and satisfying textures. This dish brings together tender, seasoned shrimp, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and a creamy spicy mayo drizzle to create a balanced, delicious meal that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to prepare.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience without the hassle. With its customizable nature, you can adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

1. A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite

This dish is layered with different flavors—smoky, garlicky shrimp; fluffy, slightly tangy rice; and creamy, spicy mayo that ties everything together. The fresh vegetables provide a cool contrast to the heat of the sauce, creating a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness.

2. Quick and Easy to Prepare

You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep. The shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, while the rice and toppings can be prepped ahead of time for an even faster assembly.

3. Customizable to Suit Any Diet

This recipe is easily adaptable. You can swap out the rice for a low-carb alternative like cauliflower rice, replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or salmon, or adjust the spice level to your preference.

4. A Healthier Alternative to Takeout

If you love the flavors of a spicy sushi roll or a poke bowl, this dish gives you all the same satisfaction with healthier ingredients. The shrimp is a lean source of protein, and the fresh vegetables provide a boost of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Mayo

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust spice levels by adding more sriracha if desired.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

1. If not already prepared, cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and mix in rice vinegar for extra flavor (optional).

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
2. Arrange shrimp, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, avocado, and green onions on top.
3. Drizzle spicy mayo over the ingredients.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add a drizzle of soy sauce or tamari if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while the shrimp is warm. Enjoy the bold flavors and refreshing crunch of this vibrant bowl.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 15g

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Rice Bowl

1. Use Fresh Shrimp for Maximum Flavor

While frozen shrimp works, fresh shrimp will always taste better. If using frozen, make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to get a perfect sear.

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cooks quickly—about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery instead of tender and juicy. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat.

3. Adjust the Spiciness to Your Taste

The spicy mayo is where you can really control the heat level. Start with less sriracha and add more as needed. If you love extra heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce can take it up a notch.

4. Elevate the Rice with Simple Additions

A splash of rice vinegar, lime juice, or sesame oil in the rice adds subtle but game-changing flavor. If you have time, lightly toasting the cooked rice in a pan before serving gives it a delicious, nutty aroma.

5. Customize with Your Favorite Toppings

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. You can mix and match toppings based on what you love or what you have in the fridge. Some great additions include:

• Edamame for extra protein
• Pickled red onions for a tangy bite
• Mango or pineapple for a touch of sweetness
• Kimchi for a bold, fermented flavor
• Crunchy peanuts or cashews for added texture

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Shrimp?

Absolutely! This dish works well with chicken, tofu, salmon, or even beef. The seasonings and spicy mayo pair beautifully with any protein you choose.

2. How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb?

If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, replace the rice with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or shredded cabbage for a fresh, low-carb alternative.

3. What Type of Rice Works Best?

Jasmine rice is light and aromatic, while brown rice offers a heartier, fiber-rich base. Sushi rice can also be used if you prefer a stickier texture. For a healthier twist, try quinoa or wild rice.

4. How Do I Store Leftovers?

For the best results, store the shrimp, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble fresh bowls when ready to eat. If reheating, warm the rice and shrimp gently in a pan or microwave to avoid drying them out.

5. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! This dish is great for meal prep. Cook the rice and shrimp ahead of time, chop the vegetables, and store everything separately. Assemble the bowls just before serving.

6. How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy?

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the sriracha in the mayo or substitute it with Greek yogurt mixed with a little honey and lime juice for a creamy, tangy alternative.

7. What If I Don’t Have Sriracha?

You can substitute sriracha with hot sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), chili garlic sauce, or even a bit of cayenne pepper mixed into the mayo.

8. Can I Grill the Shrimp Instead of Cooking on the Stove?

Yes! Grilled shrimp adds a smoky, charred flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Simply skewer the shrimp, brush with oil and seasoning, and grill for 2 minutes per side.

Creative Variations to Try

1. Teriyaki Shrimp Rice Bowl

Swap the spicy mayo for a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce and top with sesame seeds and green onions for an Asian-inspired twist.

2. Hawaiian-Style Shrimp Bowl

Add grilled pineapple, coconut rice, and macadamia nuts for a tropical, Hawaiian-inspired flavor.

3. Keto-Friendly Shrimp Bowl

Serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice or a bed of fresh greens with an avocado-based dressing instead of spicy mayo.

4. Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl

Replace the mayo with tzatziki sauce and add toppings like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives for a Mediterranean twist.

5. Sushi-Inspired Shrimp Bowl

Turn this into a deconstructed sushi bowl by adding nori (seaweed), pickled ginger, and wasabi alongside the shrimp and rice.

Conclusion

The Shrimp Rice Bowl with Spicy Mayo is a dish that checks all the boxes—it’s flavorful, quick to prepare, customizable, and packed with both nutrition and indulgence. With its tender shrimp, spicy yet creamy sauce, and fresh, crunchy toppings, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a gathering, this dish is bound to impress. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, making it a go-to recipe you’ll return to time and time again.

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe, make it your own, and enjoy every bite. Let the bold flavors, creamy textures, and satisfying crunch elevate your mealtime experience!

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