If you are craving a meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, the Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This dish brings together perfectly cooked jasmine rice with tender shrimp tossed in a lively chili garlic sauce, balanced by creamy avocado and juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s not only a feast for the palate but also a colorful bowl that feels as good as it tastes. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this recipe offers an exciting combination of spicy, tangy, and fresh elements in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each component plays a specific role, from the fragrant jasmine rice providing a soft base, to the spicy and tangy shrimp giving the bowl its signature kick, and the avocado lending a creamy contrast. Here’s everything you’ll want to have on hand before you start cooking:
- 1 cup jasmine rice: Its natural aroma and fluffy texture make it the perfect foundation for the bowl.
- 2 cups water: Essential for cooking the rice perfectly tender and light.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to the shrimp when sautéed.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up bold flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings a savory depth and umami to the shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce: Offers just the right amount of heat and a touch of garlicky goodness.
- 2 teaspoons lime juice: Brightens every bite with a fresh, citrusy zing.
- 1 ripe avocado, diced: Creamy and smooth, it complements the spiciness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Provides a fragrant herbaceous note to elevate the dish.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: For a nutty crunch and final touch of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Fluffy Jasmine Rice
Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water gently until the water runs clear. This little step removes excess starch so your rice will fluff up beautifully instead of becoming sticky. Next, bring two cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan, add the rice, cover, and lower the heat to simmer. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork so each grain is distinct and set it aside, keeping it warm for assembly.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer, seasoning each side lightly with salt and pepper. Because shrimp cook quickly, give them 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and curl up slightly, signaling they are perfectly done. Don’t overcook—juicy shrimp are the secret to this dish’s appeal.
Step 3: Add Flavor with Sauce
Once the shrimp are mostly cooked, stir in the soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and lime juice right into the skillet. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly in this spicy, tangy mixture and let it cook for another minute so the flavors meld. Remove the skillet from heat, and get ready to bring the whole bowl together.
Step 4: Assemble Your Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe
Dish out the warm jasmine rice into bowls to create a comfy base. Then, layer on the spicy shrimp with their vibrant sauce. Scatter diced avocado, juicy halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh cilantro on top, creating colorful contrasts and layers of flavor. To finish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over everything and squeeze a little extra lime juice if you like an extra zing. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this bowl is half the fun and elevates it to restaurant-quality in seconds. Fresh cilantro not only looks gorgeous but adds a fragrant bite. Toasted sesame seeds contribute a nutty crunch that complements the creaminess of avocado. You can also add thinly sliced green onions or a few extra lime wedges on the side for guests to customize their flavor boosts.
Side Dishes
Although this dish is hearty on its own, pairing it with a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad or a light miso soup can create a well-rounded meal. For a bit of extra freshness, pickled vegetables like daikon radish or carrots add a sharp contrast to the rich shrimp and creamy avocado.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress with your presentation? Serve this bowl in colorful deep dishes to make the ingredients pop visually. You might also consider layering components separately so everyone can mix their bites just the way they like. For casual sharing, present the components on a platter allowing for build-your-own bowls—it’s interactive and always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe, store the rice and shrimp in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 2 days. Keep the avocado and fresh toppings separate if possible, as avocado can discolor and lose its freshness when stored too long.
Freezing
While cooked shrimp and rice freeze well individually, the inclusion of avocado, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro means this dish is not ideal for freezing as a whole. For best results, freeze just the cooked shrimp in a sealed container or bag and prepare fresh bowls when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the rice and shrimp together in a skillet over medium heat or microwave briefly until heated through. Avoid overheating shrimp as they become rubbery. Add fresh avocado and other toppings after reheating to keep their texture and flavor vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
How spicy is the chili garlic sauce in this dish?
The chili garlic sauce adds a moderate level of heat with a nice garlic punch, but you can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or substitute with a milder sauce if needed.
Is jasmine rice necessary, or can I use another type of rice?
Jasmine rice is recommended for its fluffy texture and fragrance, but you can substitute with basmati or even brown rice; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make it vegetarian, swap shrimp for firm tofu or chickpeas and ensure your sauces are vegan-friendly. The creamy avocado will still add richness and texture.
What can I do if I don’t have chili garlic sauce on hand?
You can substitute with sriracha or a mix of chili flakes and minced garlic to replicate the heat and flavor components.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe combines bold, fresh ingredients in a way that’s both comforting and exciting—a perfect dish to make any day special. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again. Give it a try, and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
This Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Rice Bowl combines tender juicy shrimp cooked in a flavorful chili garlic and soy sauce glaze, served over fluffy jasmine rice and topped with creamy diced avocado, fresh cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds. A perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors makes this bowl a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
Toppings
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy rice.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Heat the Oil and Cook Shrimp: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet.
- Season and Cook Shrimp: Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and are cooked through.
- Add Sauce to Shrimp: Stir in soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and lime juice. Cook for another minute making sure shrimp are well-coated. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide cooked rice into serving bowls. Top each with spicy shrimp, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and add an extra squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice is key for fluffy texture; don’t skip this step.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor.
- To toast sesame seeds, dry roast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
