Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl

Escape to the islands with this vibrant and refreshing Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl! Juicy shrimp, fluffy rice, and a medley of sweet and savory tropical flavors come together in a colorful bowl that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s the perfect blend of citrusy, spicy, and satisfying—ideal for weeknight dinners or summer-inspired lunches.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh & Flavorful – Bursting with tropical ingredients like pineapple, lime, and coconut.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup.
Balanced & Nourishing – Packed with protein, veggies, and grains.
Customizable – Adjust the spice, switch the rice, or swap the protein.
Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili flakes or cayenne (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Tropical Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• ½ cup mango, diced
• ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt, to taste

For the Coconut Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk (full fat or light)
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced avocado
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Extra lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro or mint leaves

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Coconut Rice

1. In a saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes.
3. Once liquid is absorbed, remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Tropical Salsa
4. In a bowl, combine diced pineapple, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
5. Mix well and set aside to let flavors meld.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Add shrimp, chili flakes, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
9. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bowls
10. Spoon coconut rice into bowls as the base.
11. Top with a generous scoop of tropical salsa.
12. Add sautéed shrimp, avocado slices, and any desired toppings.
13. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh herbs.

Tips for the Best Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl
Use Fresh Pineapple – Fresh adds more flavor and texture than canned.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – They only need a few minutes; watch for pink, curled edges.
Add Crunch – Try shredded cabbage, cucumber, or toasted nuts for texture.
Make It Ahead – The salsa and rice can be prepped in advance for quick assembly.
Spice It Up – Add hot sauce or a splash of sriracha for extra kick.

Serving Suggestions
Tortilla Chips – Scoop up leftover salsa or add crunch to the bowl.
Grilled Plantains – A sweet and savory side that complements tropical flavors.
Coconut Water or Lime Spritzer – A refreshing drink pairing.
Tropical Fruit Salad – Balance the spice with extra sweetness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store each component separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing: The textures of the salsa and shrimp don’t freeze well.

Reheating:

• Rice: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen.
• Shrimp: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking.
• Salsa: Best served fresh or chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for the best sear.
2. What if I don’t have coconut milk?
   Use all water for plain rice or add a dash of coconut extract for flavor.
3. Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead?
   Absolutely. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
4. Is this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
   Yes, as written, it’s naturally both dairy-free and gluten-free.
5. Can I make this vegan?
   Swap shrimp for tofu, tempeh, or grilled veggies for a plant-based bowl.

Final Thoughts

This Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl brings sunshine to your plate with every bite. Juicy shrimp, creamy coconut rice, and vibrant salsa combine for a flavor explosion that’s light yet satisfying. Whether you’re dreaming of the beach or just need a quick dinner with flair, this bowl is a tropical treasure.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your bowl turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 560mg

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