Shrimp Grain Bowl (Printable)
Succulent shrimp over nutty grains with crisp vegetables and a zesty honey-lime dressing for a balanced meal.
# What You Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 14 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 clove garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Grains
07 - 7 oz cooked brown rice (quinoa, farro, or mixed grains may be substituted)
→ Vegetables & Toppings
08 - 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
09 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 1 avocado, sliced
12 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
→ Dressing
14 - 3 tbsp olive oil
15 - 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
16 - 1 tbsp honey
17 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
18 - 1/2 tsp salt
19 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
# Directions:
01 - In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified. Set aside.
02 - In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and become opaque throughout. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - Divide the cooked grains evenly among four bowls. Arrange the shredded red cabbage, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado over the grains in each bowl.
05 - Place the cooked shrimp over each assembled bowl. Drizzle generously with the prepared dressing and finish with thinly sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The smoky paprika shrimp paired with that honey lime dressing creates a flavor combination that will have you licking the bowl.
- Everything cooks in under 35 minutes, which makes it a realistic weeknight dinner rather than a weekend project.
02 -
- Overcrowding the skillet will steam the shrimp instead of searing them, so cook in two batches if necessary.
- Letting the dressing sit for even five minutes deepens the flavor as the mustard and honey meld with the lime.
03 -
- Dry the shrimp thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning so the paprika adheres and the sear is golden rather than soggy.
- Prep all the vegetables and dressing before you even turn on the stove, because once the shrimp start cooking everything moves fast.