Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe
A vibrant and fresh dish featuring perfectly seasoned and sautéed shrimp served over fluffy rice, topped with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, and fresh cilantro, all drizzled with a tangy and zesty cilantro lime sauce for a deliciously balanced meal.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Shrimp and Rice
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
Toppings
- 1 ripe avocado (diced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Cilantro Lime Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring all shrimp are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the cilantro lime sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, water, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Chill the sauce until ready to serve.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly into four bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked shrimp, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Finish with sauce: Drizzle the cilantro lime sauce generously over each bowl. Optionally, garnish with a lime wedge for extra zest.
- Serve: Serve the Zesty Shrimp & Avocado Rice Bowls immediately for the freshest flavors and enjoy!
Notes
- Use brown rice for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
- Shrimp can be substituted with cooked chicken or tofu for variation.
- Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- The cilantro lime sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If sour cream is unavailable, Greek yogurt offers a tangy, healthier alternative.
Keywords: shrimp rice bowl, avocado bowl, cilantro lime sauce, easy shrimp recipe, healthy dinner, Mexican inspired, quick meal, gluten free bowl