Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo: A Flavorful Meal Upgrade

Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are the perfect way to elevate a weeknight dinner into a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. Packed with succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, fluffy rice, and a creamy, spicy mayo, this dish combines flavor, texture, and nutrition in every bite. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and customizable to your pantry or seasonal produce.

This recipe balances sweet, savory, and spicy elements, creating a bold and satisfying flavor profile. From the lightly seasoned, pan-seared shrimp to the rich, tangy spicy mayo, each component complements the other, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dinner experience.

Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining, these bowls are visually appealing, nutrient-dense, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes
• High in protein with tender shrimp
• Balanced with fresh vegetables and grains
• Creamy, spicy mayo adds a flavor punch
• Fully customizable to dietary preferences
• Great for meal prep or on-the-go lunches

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4 bowls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 450 per serving

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp, deveined and peeled
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh minced garlic works too)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika for milder flavor)

For the Rice Base

• 2 cups rice (white, brown, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)

For the Spicy Mayo

• 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh preferred)

For the Veggies

• 2 cups assorted vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, radishes, avocado, green onions)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Non-stick skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Having a non-stick skillet ensures even cooking of the shrimp and prevents sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Spicy Mayo

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside for later. This can be made ahead for quicker assembly.

2. Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook shrimp 3–4 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and cooked through.

3. Prepare the Rice

Cook 2 cups rice according to package instructions. If using leftover rice, reheat with a splash of water to keep it fluffy. Divide the rice among four serving bowls.

4. Assemble the Bowls

Top each bowl of rice with cooked shrimp. Arrange sliced vegetables around the shrimp to create a colorful and balanced presentation.

5. Drizzle and Garnish

Drizzle each bowl with the prepared spicy mayo. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken, tofu, or tempeh for variety.
• Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Adjust Sriracha to control the heat of the spicy mayo.
• Add pickled vegetables for extra tang.
• Make ahead: Prepare the spicy mayo and cook the shrimp in advance, then assemble bowls when ready to eat.

Flavor Profile & Texture

These bowls deliver a satisfying mix of flavors and textures:

• Shrimp: tender, savory, lightly sweet and smoky from paprika and honey.
• Rice: soft, fluffy base that soaks up sauce.
• Veggies: crisp, fresh, and bright, balancing the richness of shrimp and mayo.
• Spicy Mayo: creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy, elevating the dish.
• Garnishes: sesame seeds add crunch, cilantro adds fresh herbal notes.

Every bite has a balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats with layers of flavor.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving:

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 600mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g
• Vitamin A: 2000IU
• Vitamin C: 15mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 2mg

This recipe provides a high-protein, balanced meal suitable for dinner or lunch.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare spicy mayo in advance and store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
• Cook shrimp ahead and reheat in a skillet or microwave just before assembling bowls.
• Keep vegetables raw or lightly blanched for freshness.
• Assemble bowls just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best results.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Substitute shrimp with tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. Replace soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free.

Can I make this less spicy?

Reduce Sriracha in the spicy mayo or omit red pepper flakes.

Can this be stored?

Assemble components separately. Store shrimp, rice, and veggies in airtight containers up to 3 days. Add spicy mayo fresh to prevent sogginess.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep	10 minutes
Cook	20 minutes
Total	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shrimp rice bowls as a standalone meal or pair with miso soup or steamed edamame for a more complete Asian-inspired dinner. Garnish with lime wedges for added brightness.

Recipe Variations

1. Add avocado slices for creaminess and healthy fats.
2. Include pickled carrots or daikon for tang and crunch.
3. Sprinkle crushed peanuts for texture and nutty flavor.
4. Mix in cooked corn or edamame for extra vegetables and protein.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly and are high in protein, low in calories, and rich in minerals like selenium and iodine. Choose fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp for best texture.

Spicy Mayo

Combines creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors. Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise reduces fat content while keeping creaminess. Adjust Sriracha to taste.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Heat skillet properly before adding shrimp for a quick sear.
• Pat shrimp dry to prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
• Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and coating with seasoning.
• Assemble bowls attractively for visual appeal.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerate cooked shrimp, rice, and vegetables in separate containers for up to 3 days. Freeze shrimp cooked and seasoned without spicy mayo for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet and add spicy mayo fresh.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	4 g

Dietary Notes: High-protein, nutrient-dense, can be adapted to gluten-free and vegetarian diets.

Expanded Conclusion

Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo transform simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender, savory shrimp, fresh vegetables, fluffy rice, and creamy, spicy mayo creates a balanced, satisfying, and visually stunning dish.

Quick to prepare, adaptable, and perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners, these bowls deliver restaurant-quality taste with home-kitchen convenience. Add them to your weekly rotation and enjoy a bright, flavorful, protein-packed meal that delights every palate.

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