This quick and easy shrimp bowl combines sautéed shrimp with rice and a ton of veggies. My favorite part is just how quick and healthy it is!

I’ve been making dinner bowls for years because they’re all-in-one meals. You choose whichever protein you want, pair it over rice, and round it out with veggies, fruit, and a fun sauce. This shrimp bowl is probably the one I make most often because it’s fast. The shrimp cooks in minutes and absorbs whatever flavor I add.

I start by sauteing the shrimp, which takes about 6 minutes tops. Then is the fun part: the assembly. You start with a base of rice, add the shrimp, and round out the bowls with fun, colorful fruits and vegetables. I like using edamame for extra protein and avocado for healthy fats, and any other veggies I have lying around. While you can enjoy it as is, I love drizzling some spicy mayo over the top: it has the perfect balance of spice and heat that makes this bowl seriously crave-worthy. All up, if you’ve got some rice prepped, this takes less than 15 minutes.

Table of Contents

1. Arman’s recipe highlights
2. Key Ingredients and Tips
3. How to make shrimp rice bowls
4. Swaps and substitutions
5. Storage instructions
6. More dinner bowl recipes to try
7. Shrimp Bowl Recipe (Recipe Card)

Key Ingredients and Tips

Here’s what goes into shrimp bowls, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.

• Sauteed shrimp. I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp since they’re the juiciest and easiest to cook. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined. If you want to use frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the fridge. I season them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, and saute them in olive oil.
• Cooked rice. I typically use instant pot sushi rice or basmati rice, but use whatever you have on hand. If I don’t have rice prepped, I often just use a package of minute or microwave rice. We don’t judge here.
• Avocado. I like how the avocado’s creamy, rich texture pairs well with the seasonings in the shrimp.
• Edamame. For protein and a nutty flavor. Make sure they’re out of the pods. 
• Spinach and tomato. To bulk up the rice bowls and make a well-rounded dish. Feel free to use lettuce or mixed salad greens instead.
• Fresh lime, cilantro, and spicy mayo. To garnish. My partner usually drizzles eel sauce over the top.

How to make shrimp rice bowls

Step 1- Prep the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Add the seasonings and toss to combine. 

Step 2- Cook the shrimp. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl. Remove them from the skillet and set aside. 

TIP: Don’t overcook the shrimp. Shrimp have a tendency to overcook the second you look away, so make sure to cook them for only 2-3 minutes per side and remove them from the heat as soon as they become opaque and start to curl.

Step 3- Assemble. Between four serving bowls, evenly distribute the rice and top with the shrimp. Add the avocado, tomatoes, edamame, and spinach. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, fresh cilantro, and spicy mayo.

Swaps and substitutions

• Other ways to use shrimp. I’ve made this with my air fryer shrimp or baked shrimp before. Grilled shrimp would also be delicious.
• Make it low-carb. If I’m watching my carbs or just want the bowls a little lighter, I like to swap the rice for cauliflower fried rice. 
• Switch the base. If you’d rather omit the rice, you can use quinoa, farro, or couscous, or swap the grains altogether for mixed greens. 
• Switch the sauce. For an Asian twist, I sometimes drizzle eel or katsu sauce on top (for that sweet and spicy combo). Regular mayo or a light vinaigrette dressing would also work well.

Storage instructions

To store: Store any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I recommend keeping the shrimp and rice separate.

To reheat: Microwave the rice and shrimp in 30-second intervals until fully reheated. 

More dinner bowl recipes to try

Salmon Bowls

Tuna Poke Bowl

Salmon Poke Bowl

Steak Bowl

Taco Bowl

Greek Chicken Bowls