Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo

Introduction

Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and visually stunning meal. Picture this: tender, succulent shrimp coated in a savory marinade, resting on a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, paired with a rainbow of fresh vegetables, and topped with a drizzle of spicy mayo that ties it all together. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a treat but is deceptively simple to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests, these bowls hit all the right notes—savory, spicy, creamy, and fresh.

I first stumbled upon this idea during a weeknight scramble to create something new and exciting with shrimp. What started as an experiment quickly became a household favorite. My family loves customizing their bowls with different vegetables and toppings—sometimes avocado slices, pickled radishes, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch. The spicy mayo adds just enough heat to make every bite irresistible, and the beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is to whatever you have on hand.

The preparation is a breeze. While the rice cooks, you can whip up the shrimp and prep the veggies. In under 30 minutes, you have a meal that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re a fan of Asian-inspired flavors or just love shrimp, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite. Plus, the combination of textures—from the soft rice to the juicy shrimp and crisp veggies—makes these bowls feel like a complete and balanced meal.

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping for busy days
• Light yet satisfying lunches
• A healthy twist on takeout favorites
• Entertaining with a build-your-own-bowl setup

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo

Here’s why Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo will win you over:

• Burst of Flavor: Juicy shrimp seasoned to perfection, paired with spicy mayo, creates a harmonious blend of heat and creaminess.
• Customizable: You can mix and match toppings, veggies, and even the base to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic schedules.
• Nutritious and Balanced: With lean protein from shrimp, fiber from veggies, and energy-packed carbs, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble bowls during the week for a hassle-free meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 bowls
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo:

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)

Spicy Mayo:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

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)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: A lean protein option that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Sriracha: Adds a fiery kick to the mayo, balancing the dish with its heat and tang.
• Rice Vinegar: A touch of rice vinegar enhances the flavor of the rice, making it more vibrant and aromatic.
• Fresh Veggies: Carrots, cucumber, and avocado add a refreshing crunch and creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo:

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Season 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.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Spicy Mayo:

3. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness.

Prepare the Rice:

4. Cook the Rice: If not already prepared, cook your rice according to package instructions. Once done, fluff with a fork and mix in rice vinegar if desired.

Assemble the Bowls:

5. Build the Base: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls.
6. Add Toppings: Arrange shrimp, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, avocado, and green onions on top of the rice.
7. Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon spicy mayo over the bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add a drizzle of soy sauce or tamari if desired.

How to Serve Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo

Here are some creative serving ideas for your Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo:

• As Individual Bowls: Perfect for personal meals or meal prepping, ensuring everyone gets their own delicious portion.
• In a Large Platter: Arrange the rice and toppings in a large serving dish, allowing guests to build their own bowls.
• With Extra Sauce: Serve additional spicy mayo or soy sauce on the side for guests to customize their bowls.
• Taco Bowl Style: Swap the rice for shredded lettuce and serve in taco bowls for a crunchy twist.
• For Lunchboxes: Pack the ingredients separately in lunch containers for a fresh, ready-to-eat meal at work or school.

Additional Tips for Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo

Here are some tips to make the best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo:

1. Cook Shrimp Last Minute: Shrimp cooks quickly and tastes best when freshly cooked, so prepare it right before serving.
2. Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the spiciness of the mayo by adjusting the amount of sriracha. Add a pinch of sugar for balance if it’s too spicy.
3. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
4. Rice Options: Swap jasmine or brown rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb or protein-rich alternative.
5. Double the Sauce: Make extra spicy mayo to use as a dipping sauce or to drizzle over other dishes.
6. Marinate the Shrimp: For added flavor, let the shrimp sit in the seasoning mixture for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
7. Crispy Veggies: Add lightly sautéed or roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety.
8. Storage: Store leftovers in separate containers to keep the rice, shrimp, and toppings fresh and ready for quick assembly.

Recipe Variations for Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo

Here are 10 creative variations for Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo:

1. Teriyaki Shrimp Bowls: Replace the spicy mayo with teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
2. Korean-Inspired Bowls: Add kimchi, sesame oil, and gochujang for a bold Korean twist.
3. Mexican-Style Bowls: Use cilantro lime rice, black beans, and corn, topped with a dollop of guacamole.
4. Sushi Bowls: Add seaweed salad, pickled ginger, and a sprinkle of furikake seasoning for a sushi-inspired meal.
5. Citrus Shrimp Bowls: Marinate the shrimp in orange or lime juice for a tangy citrus flavor.
6. Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowls: Sauté shrimp in garlic butter for a rich, indulgent flavor.
7. Pineapple Shrimp Bowls: Add grilled pineapple chunks for a sweet and tropical twist.
8. Spicy Cajun Bowls: Season the shrimp with Cajun spices and add andouille sausage for a Southern flair.
9. Mediterranean Bowls: Swap the spicy mayo for tzatziki and add olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
10. Vegan Option: Substitute shrimp with tofu or tempeh and use vegan mayo for a plant-based version.

Freezing and Storage for Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo

• Freezing: Shrimp freezes well. Cooked shrimp can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. However, the other components are best prepared fresh.
• Storage: Store shrimp, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.

Special Equipment for Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo

Here are some tools to make preparing your Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo even easier:

1. Skillet: A nonstick skillet for cooking shrimp quickly and evenly.
2. Rice Cooker: Perfect for cooking fluffy rice effortlessly.
3. Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing fresh vegetables like cucumbers and avocados.
4. Whisk: For mixing the spicy mayo to a smooth consistency.
5. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board for prepping shrimp and veggies.
6. Mixing Bowls: Use small and medium bowls for seasoning shrimp and mixing the sauce.
7. Serving Bowls: Deep, wide bowls make the presentation of the rice bowls more appealing.
8. Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning and sauce measurements.
9. Silicone Spatula: For scraping every bit of sauce or seasoning mixture.
10. Storage Containers: Ideal for keeping prepped components fresh until assembly.

FAQ Section for Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
2. What’s the best rice to use?
   Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even sushi rice work well. Adjust to your preference or dietary needs.
3. Can I make this low-carb?
   Swap the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that’s equally satisfying.
4. How spicy is the mayo?
   The spice level depends on the amount of sriracha you use. Start with less and adjust to taste.
5. Can I prep this in advance?
   Yes! Cook the rice and shrimp ahead of time, and store all components separately to assemble later.

Print

Conclusion

Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. This vibrant dish combines tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and refreshing toppings, all tied together with a creamy spicy mayo drizzle. It’s not just delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste.

Whether you’re in need of a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a fun meal-prep idea, these bowls are guaranteed to please. Quick and easy to prepare, they offer a burst of flavors and textures that will surely become a family favorite.

So why not dive into this colorful and flavorful recipe today? I can’t wait to see how your Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations! Feel free to leave a comment or share your thoughts. Happy cooking!