If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly yet feels like something special, these Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe are exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly seared shrimp bursting with smoky spices nestled atop fluffy jasmine or hearty brown rice, surrounded by fresh, crisp vegetables. Then, a generous drizzle of creamy, tangy-spicy mayo ties it all together for an irresistible bite every time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or welcoming friends over, this dish is a total winner that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple and easy to find, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and freshness that make this dish shine. From the succulent shrimp to the cool crunch of fresh veggies, every element contributes to a bowl you’ll want again and again.
- 1 lb medium shrimp: The star protein that cooks quickly and offers a tender, juicy bite.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the spicy mayo that balances heat and richness.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice: Provides a fluffy, fragrant foundation that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the shrimp to golden perfection without sticking.
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha: Adds the perfect kick in the spicy mayo, so adjust depending on your heat preference.
- Fresh vegetables (carrots, avocado, cucumber): Bring a refreshing crunch and creamy texture that lighten up the bowl.
- Smoked paprika and garlic powder: Seasonings that infuse the shrimp with depth and a smoky warmth.
- Salt and lime juice: Salt enhances all the flavors, while lime juice adds a bright, zesty finish to the spicy mayo.
How to Make Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. While the oil heats, season your medium shrimp generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and any additional spices you love. Once the skillet is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they turn perfectly pink and are opaque throughout. Cooking shrimp quickly at high heat locks in their juicy texture.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Mayo
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with sriracha and a good squeeze of fresh lime juice. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. This spicy mayo is the magic touch—it adds a cool, spicy element that ties the whole bowl together brilliantly. Feel free to adjust the sriracha amount depending on how fiery you want it!
Step 3: Assemble the Rice Bowls
Start by placing cooked jasmine or brown rice at the bottom of each bowl, creating a warm, comforting base. Then, layer on the beautifully cooked shrimp. Add fresh, sliced carrots, creamy avocado chunks, and crisp cucumber slices around the shrimp. The colorful veggies not only look inviting but provide varied textures that elevate every mouthful.
Step 4: Drizzle and Serve
Finally, drizzle the spicy mayo generously over the top of each assembled bowl. That creamy, tangy layer adds a luscious finish and a gentle kick of heat. Serve the bowls right away to enjoy the contrast of warm and cool ingredients at their best. It’s a delightful combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your shrimp rice bowls with freshly chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions to add an extra burst of color and fragrance. A few sesame seeds can also be a lovely crunch boost. These simple garnishes make the dish even more inviting and add subtle flavor layers without overpowering the main ingredients.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider serving your bowls with a light, crisp side salad or steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt. A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar and a touch of sugar can also offer a tangy counterpoint to the rich shrimp and spicy mayo. These sides keep the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp rice bowls in hollowed-out bell peppers or halved avocados for an eye-catching presentation. Another idea is to build mini bowls in small mason jars for easy portioning and a trendy look. Whether for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these creative presentations will impress your guests and elevate the dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe, store the components separately for the best texture. Keep the cooked shrimp and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator, while the fresh vegetables and spicy mayo are best kept chilled separately to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked shrimp and rice individually, but the fresh vegetables and spicy mayo do not freeze well. Thaw the shrimp and rice in the refrigerator overnight for the best results before reheating. Freezing saves time for busy days, letting you enjoy this dish anytime you crave it.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp and rice gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and juicy. Reassemble your bowl with fresh veggies and drizzle with fresh spicy mayo just before serving to preserve that bright, creamy flavor and satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
How spicy is this Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe?
The heat level is adjustable thanks to the sriracha in the spicy mayo. Start with 1 tablespoon and up it to 2 if you want a bolder kick. You can always add more on the side too!
What are some good alternatives to mayonnaise in the spicy sauce?
If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, Greek yogurt or vegan mayo work well and still maintain a creamy texture with a tangy flavor.
Can I prep this recipe for a meal prep week?
Definitely. Cook the shrimp and rice ahead of time and store them separately from the fresh veggies and sauce. Assemble the bowls just before eating to keep everything fresh and tasty.
What other vegetables can I add to the bowls?
Feel free to mix it up with bell peppers, snap peas, radishes, or even pickled vegetables for an added zing and crunch.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that this Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe is a keeper for your weeknight dinner rotation or your next casual get-together. It hits all the right notes — quick to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. So grab those ingredients and start cooking; these bowls are ready to become your new favorite meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
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Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American with Asian-inspired flavors
Description
This Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, seasoned shrimp are pan-seared to perfection and served over fluffy jasmine or brown rice, accompanied by fresh vegetables like carrots, avocado, and cucumber. The dish is elevated with a creamy, spicy mayo made from sriracha and lime juice, adding a delightful kick to every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this vibrant bowl blends simple ingredients for a nutritious and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb medium shrimp
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Other spices (such as black pepper or cayenne) to taste
Rice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
Spicy Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha, adjust to heat preference
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
Vegetables
- Fresh carrots, sliced or shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Fresh cucumber, sliced or diced
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to warm up to a shimmering state to prepare for cooking the shrimp evenly.
- Season and cook the shrimp: While the oil heats, season the shrimp with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and any additional preferred spices. Add the shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Prepare the spicy mayo: In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise with 1 to 2 tablespoons of sriracha, depending on preferred spice levels, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the rice bowls: Begin by placing 2 cups of cooked jasmine or brown rice as the base in each serving bowl. Layer the cooked shrimp over the rice, then add fresh vegetables like sliced carrots, avocado, and cucumber on top or on the side.
- Drizzle and serve: Generously drizzle the spicy mayo over the shrimp and vegetables. Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp warm with the fresh, creamy, and spicy flavors melding together.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- You can adjust the sriracha quantity in the spicy mayo to control the heat level.
- Fresh lime juice adds brightness, but lemon juice can be used as an alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp; they become rubbery when cooked beyond 4 minutes per side.
- Leftover rice can be used, just ensure it’s reheated and fluffy for best texture.
