If you are craving a vibrant meal that bursts with flavor, the Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Rice, Avocado, and Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together perfectly seasoned, fiery blackened shrimp, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all nestled on a bed of fragrant Jasmine rice. It is a colorful and delightful bowl that balances smoky spices with fresh, crisp vegetables, making it a wholesome and satisfying main course that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Rice, Avocado, and Vegetables Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, bringing a unique flavor, texture, and color that harmonize beautifully in the finished dish.
- Large shrimp (1 ½ pounds, peeled and deveined, tails ON): Using large shrimp ensures a juicy, meaty bite that holds up well to the bold spices.
- Red chili powder (1 tablespoon): Adds smoky heat that defines the blackened flavor.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness for perfect harmony.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Contributes a mild smoky note and vibrant color to the seasoning blend.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances savory depth without overpowering.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy warmth that rounds out the spice mix.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle herbal brightness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the shrimp cook evenly and adds a fruity richness.
- Chopped cilantro (2 tablespoons): A fresh garnish that lifts the entire dish.
- Lime wedges: Perfect for squeezing on top for a zesty finish.
- Cooked Jasmine rice (1 cup): The fragrant base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Medium avocado (1, sliced): Provides creamy texture and mild flavor to contrast the spice.
- Cherry tomatoes (½ cup, halved): Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Canned corn (½ cup, drained and washed): Sweet and slightly crunchy component for extra bite.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Rice, Avocado, and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with a kitchen towel. This step is crucial because dry shrimp will develop a better crust when cooked, ensuring that signature blackened texture and flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend
In a bowl or on a plate, mix together the red chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This vibrant seasoning blend is what brings all the exciting flavors together for the Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Rice, Avocado, and Vegetables Recipe.
Step 3: Coat and Marinate the Shrimp
Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the shrimp, making sure every piece is coated well. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes. This allows the shrimp to soak up the aromatic spices which will make every bite irresistibly flavorful.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the shrimp in batches, giving them 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re perfectly blackened and curled up nicely. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan so they cook evenly and get that beautiful char.
Step 5: Garnish the Shrimp
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a platter. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh herbal kick and serve with lime wedges on the side, adding tangy brightness to the spicy, smoky shrimp.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowl
Now for the fun part! Arrange a scoop of the fragrant Jasmine rice at the base of your bowl, then layer on creamy avocado slices, halved cherry tomatoes, drained corn, and a generous portion of the blackened shrimp. This final assembly is as colorful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Rice, Avocado, and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro and lime wedges are musts for serving. The cilantro lifts the smoky shrimp flavors, while a squeeze of lime adds a refreshing brightness that balances the richness of the avocado and smoky spices.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a complete meal, but if you want to make it even heartier, try pairing it with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread to mop up any juices. A light cucumber or mango salsa would also complement the shrimp perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Rice, Avocado, and Vegetables Recipe family-style, letting everyone build their own bowls. Alternatively, use small mason jars or bowls for individual servings that look gorgeous and are perfect for meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover shrimp and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess. The shrimp stays tasty for up to two days when properly stored.
Freezing
While the shrimp and rice are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture, you can freeze leftover blackened shrimp for up to one month. Make sure to freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container to avoid clumping.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out, or warm up rice and vegetables in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or a squeeze of lime juice while reheating can help revive flavors and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning; this step ensures the spices stick well and the shrimp blacken properly in the pan.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Rice, Avocado, and Vegetables Recipe has a moderate level of heat thanks to the chili powder, but the creamy avocado and sweet corn help balance the spiciness, making it approachable for most palates.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine rice is ideal here due to its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, which soaks up the bold flavors perfectly, but you can also use basmati or brown rice if you prefer a nuttier or heartier base.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While shrimp is the star, you can easily swap it for smoked tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms seasoned with the same spice blend for a delicious vegetarian version of this bowl.
How long does the shrimp need to marinate?
At least 20 minutes is recommended to allow the spices to penetrate, but if you’re short on time, even a 10-minute rest can still impart good flavor before cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Rice, Avocado, and Vegetables Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something quick yet bursting with flavor. The smoky spices, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies come together in a way that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with those you love!
Print
Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Rice, Avocado, and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This flavorful Blackened Shrimp recipe features perfectly spiced and seared shrimp served over a bed of jasmine rice with fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, and corn. The shrimp are coated with a smoky, slightly sweet spice blend and quickly cooked in a skillet, making it a quick and delicious meal ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Spice Mix
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails ON)
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnishes and Sides
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (to garnish)
- Lime wedges (to garnish)
- 1 cup cooked Jasmine rice
- 1 medium avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup canned corn (drained and washed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, allowing the spices to adhere better, and set them aside.
- Mix the Spice Blend: In a bowl or on a plate, combine red chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper, thoroughly mixing to create a uniform spice blend.
- Coat and Marinate Shrimp: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure each shrimp is well coated. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil. Cook the shrimp in batches, placing them in the skillet and searing for 2-3 minutes on one side until blackened, then flipping and cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fully cooked and opaque.
- Garnish the Shrimp: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving platter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for freshness. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
- Assemble the Bowl: Arrange the cooked jasmine rice in bowls, then top with slices of avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, drained corn, and the blackened shrimp. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry to ensure a good sear and blackening effect.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and brown sugar to your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to avoid steaming the shrimp; cook in batches for best results.
- Jasmine rice can be replaced with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that all seasoning ingredients, especially the chili powder and paprika, contain no additives with gluten.
