Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dinner that has become a staple in my kitchen – the Shrimp Burrito Bowl! I adore this dish for so many reasons. First off, it’s bursting with vibrant flavors, and the best part? It’s super quick and easy to whip up. There’s something undeniably satisfying about a bowl filled with colorful ingredients, and when you dig in, every bite is a delightful explosion of taste.
Whenever I make these bowls, I’m transported back to a beach vacation I took a while ago, where I first tried a similar dish at a little beach shack. The juxtaposition of fresh shrimp and zesty toppings was heavenly! Now, whenever I prepare my Shrimp Burrito Bowls, I feel that same beachy vibe, and I love sharing them with friends and family. They can’t believe something this tasty can come together in such a short time! So, are you ready to dive into making this delicious bowl? Let’s go!
What’s in Shrimp Burrito Bowl?
Let’s break down these ingredients because they truly make this dish sing!
Shrimp: The star of the show! I prefer using large shrimp for this recipe, but feel free to go with your favorite size. Just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating!
Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil keeps everything moist while adding a rich flavor to the shrimp.
Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, and Smoked Paprika: It’s all about that spice blend! These seasonings come together to create a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile you’ll love.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget to add a little salt and pepper for that true flavor enhancement!
Cooked Quinoa or Rice: This serves as the hearty base of your bowl. Quinoa is a great gluten-free option if you’re looking for some added nutrition.
Black Beans: These protein-packed beans add creaminess and a lovely texture to the bowl.
Corn: Whether fresh or frozen, corn adds a sweet crunch that brightens everything up.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these little gems add freshness and a pop of color.
Avocado: Because what’s a bowl without creamy avocado? If you can find ripe ones, you’re in for a treat!
Lime: A squeeze of lime elevates all the flavors and adds that citrus zing that we crave.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: These are optional, but they drizzle on top adds a creamy element that ties the whole dish together.
Chopped Green Onions and Fresh Cilantro: Final touches that brighten the bowl and add aromatic freshness.
Is Shrimp Burrito Bowl Good for You?
Absolutely! This Shrimp Burrito Bowl is not just scrumptious but also loaded with health benefits.
Shrimp: A great source of lean protein, low in calories, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, shrimp is a fantastic ingredient for a healthy meal.
Quinoa: This whole grain is a protein powerhouse and is naturally gluten-free. Plus, it’s high in fiber which is a bonus for digestion!
Black Beans: Packed with protein and fiber, black beans help you feel full longer and contribute to heart health.
Corn: Besides its delightful sweetness, corn provides essential vitamins, like vitamins B and C, along with dietary fiber.
So while I’m not saying you should eat these bowls every day, they can definitely be a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!
What You’ll Need
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 2 tablespoons sour cream or yogurt (optional)
– Chopped green onions, for garnish
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Makes 4 generous servings.
How to Make Shrimp Burrito Bowl?
1. In a bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly and let marinate for about 15 minutes.
2. While the shrimp is marinating, cook your quinoa or rice according to package instructions, and then set it aside.
3. If using, heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the corn, stirring until heated through. Remove from heat.
4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the marinated shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
5. To assemble the burrito bowl, start with a base of quinoa or rice in each serving bowl.
6. Top the quinoa or rice with cooked shrimp, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
7. Drizzle with sour cream or yogurt, if desired, and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.
8. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowl, and enjoy your delicious Shrimp Burrito Bowl!
Tips and Twists for Your Bowl
Okay, I can’t help but give you a few of my favorite variations and hacks!
– If you want to spice it up a bit more, feel free to toss in some jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for some extra heat!
– For a vegetarian spin, swap the shrimp with grilled veggies or sautéed tofu. It’ll be just as satisfying!
– Play around with toppings! Crumbled feta or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can add a delicious twist.
– You can also make it a meal prep wonder! Cook everything ahead of time and store in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.
I can’t wait for you to try out this delightful Shrimp Burrito Bowl! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, and I’m here to tell you, once you make it, you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. So give it a go, and let me know how your bowls turn out. Happy cooking!
