Description
These Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls with Salsa feature juicy shrimp marinated in zesty chili and lime, paired with a fresh, vibrant salsa and served over nourishing grains and crunchy veggies. Ready in under 30 minutes, this wholesome, colorful dish offers bold flavors and balanced nutrition, perfect for quick dinners, entertaining, or customizable to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb medium or large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Salsa
- 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pinch of ground cumin (optional)
Grain Base
- 2 cups cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (optional)
Optional Toppings
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Extra cilantro leaves
- Chili flakes or toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp marinade: In a medium bowl, combine fresh lime juice, chili powder, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the peeled shrimp in the marinade and let them soak up the flavors for at least 10 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the salsa: Dice fresh tomatoes, finely chop red onions, jalapeños, and cilantro, then toss with lime juice, salt, and a pinch of cumin if desired. Let this salsa rest to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the grain base: Cook your preferred grain (brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice) according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and season lightly with salt and lime zest for extra brightness.
- Assemble the bowls: Start with a generous scoop of grains, top with cooked shrimp, then spoon over the fresh salsa. Add optional avocado slices and a sprinkle of extra cilantro or chili flakes for presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Don’t overcook shrimp; remove as soon as they turn pink to keep them juicy.
- Prepare salsa ahead of time to deepen flavor and save meal prep time.
- Mix crunchy and creamy toppings for enhanced texture and mouthfeel.
- Adjust chili powder and jalapeño quantities to customize spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: chili lime shrimp, shrimp bowls, salsa, quick dinner, gluten free, healthy meal, Mexican-inspired