Description
These Fajita Shrimp Rice Bowls are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution, combining zesty seasoned shrimp with tender sautéed peppers and onions. Finished with a punchy cilantro lime vinaigrette, creamy avocado, and tangy cotija cheese, it’s a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
The Shrimp & Veggies
- 1 1/2 lbs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 bell peppers (or 12 mini peppers), sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Spice Blend: 2 tbsp fajita seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
The Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup salsa verde
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 teaspoons spicy honey
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
The Bowl Base & Toppings
- 3–4 cups cooked rice
- 3 cups grilled corn kernels
- 2 cups black beans, warmed
- 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- Garnish: Avocado, green onion, and fresh cilantro
Instructions
Sear the Shrimp: In a skillet, sear shrimp with oil and seasonings for 2–3 mins per side. In the last 2 mins, stir in butter, garlic, thyme, and chili flakes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Veggies: Sauté onions in the same skillet for 5 mins. Add peppers and cook another 5 mins until tender-crisp.
Prepare Vinaigrette: Whisk olive oil, salsa verde, lime juice, spicy honey, and cilantro until emulsified.
Assemble: Layer rice, veggies, shrimp, corn, beans, and avocado in bowls.
Finish: Drizzle with vinaigrette and top with cotija cheese, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Skillet Fond: Don’t clean the pan! The leftover bits infuse the veggies with flavor.
Shrimp Shape: Look for a ‘C’ shape for perfect doneness. A tight ‘O’ means they are overcooked.
Cheese Swap: Feta is a great substitute for Cotija.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
Keywords: fajita shrimp bowl, shrimp rice bowl, healthy mexican dinner, cilantro lime vinaigrette, 30 minute meals, meal prep shrimp bowls, salsa verde dressing