Name: Spicy Shrimp Rice Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 8–10 oz fresh raw shrimp (or thawed frozen shrimp); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1–2 tsp light sesame oil (or avocado oil); 1 ½ tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free or regular); 1 ½ tbsp sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha (plus extra for topping); 1 clove garlic (peeled, smashed, and minced); ½ tsp freshly grated ginger; ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (to taste); 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine); 1 English cucumber (thinly sliced); 1 cup shelled edamame (steamed); 1 jalapeño pepper (sliced); 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves; 1 cup shredded carrot; ¼ cup sliced green onion; Sriracha chili sauce (for toppings); Toasted sesame seeds (for topping); ¼ cup mayo; 2–3 tbsp sriracha chili sauce (to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a deliciously spicy, flavorful meal, these Spicy Shrimp Rice Bowls are the perfect choice. Combining succulent shrimp with fresh vegetables, spicy sriracha, and a creamy sriracha mayo sauce, these bowls are bursting with flavor in every bite. This dish brings together a beautiful balance of heat, tang, and freshness, making it a satisfying and vibrant meal any time of the week.

The shrimp is cooked to perfection with a savory and spicy glaze that includes soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and a kick from sriracha. It’s then paired with a bed of warm, fluffy rice, crunchy veggies like cucumber and shredded carrots, and tender edamame. The toppings, including fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and toasted sesame seeds, add extra layers of texture and flavor, making every spoonful a delightful experience.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is customizable, easy to prepare, and offers a healthy and satisfying meal option. Spice up your weeknight dinner routine with these Spicy Shrimp Rice Bowls, and enjoy a dish that’s as tasty as it is colorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Flavor

The combination of sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, and freshly grated ginger creates a vibrant, spicy glaze that coats the shrimp perfectly. This bold sauce makes the dish incredibly flavorful and keeps things exciting.

2. Customizable to Your Taste

Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha and red pepper flakes to match your personal preference. You can also swap out ingredients like shrimp for another protein or add more veggies to suit your tastes.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner. The shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, and the rice can be made ahead of time to save you even more time.

4. Healthy and Nutritious

Packed with lean shrimp, edamame, and fresh veggies, this dish is not only full of flavor but also a healthy option. It’s full of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.

5. Great for Meal Prep

These Spicy Shrimp Rice Bowls make a fantastic meal prep option. You can prepare the shrimp, rice, and vegetables ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to eat, making it perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp
Salt and pepper to taste
Light sesame oil or avocado oil
Low-sodium soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha (plus extra for topping)
Garlic (peeled, smashed, and minced)
Freshly grated ginger
Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)

For the Bowl:

Cooked rice
English cucumber (thinly sliced)
Shelled edamame (steamed)
Jalapeño pepper (sliced)
Fresh cilantro leaves
Shredded carrot
Sliced green onion

For the Toppings:

Sriracha chili sauce
Toasted sesame seeds

For the Sriracha Mayo:

Mayo
Sriracha chili sauce (to taste)

Variations

Protein Options: While shrimp is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with other proteins such as grilled chicken, tofu, or even beef for a different twist.
Vegetarian Version: Make this dish vegetarian by swapping the shrimp for roasted tofu or tempeh. Ensure the soy sauce is vegan for an entirely plant-based meal.
More Vegetables: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, avocado, or leafy greens like spinach for additional flavor and nutrients.
Rice Variations: While traditional white rice works great, you can also use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by seasoning the shrimp with salt and pepper. In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss the shrimp in the sauce mixture and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the sesame oil (or avocado oil) in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sriracha Mayo

In a small bowl, mix the mayo with sriracha sauce to your taste. Start with 2 tablespoons of sriracha and adjust based on your preferred spice level. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooked rice among 4 bowls. Arrange the sliced cucumber, edamame, jalapeño slices, shredded carrot, and green onions on top of the rice.

Step 5: Add the Shrimp

Top each bowl with the cooked shrimp and drizzle with the sriracha mayo. Add a squeeze of extra sriracha chili sauce on top if you like more heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off each bowl with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, spicy shrimp rice bowls.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Pre-cook the Rice: For faster meal prep, cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time when assembling the bowls.
Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with less sriracha and crushed red pepper flakes and gradually add more to achieve the perfect spice level.
Marinate the Shrimp: If you have more time, marinate the shrimp for longer than 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp more deeply.
Add Fresh Lime: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the top of the bowl right before serving adds a fresh, zesty kick that complements the dish perfectly.

How to Serve

These Spicy Shrimp Rice Bowls are a complete meal in a bowl, offering a great balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables. They can be served as a satisfying lunch or dinner. For an extra touch, serve with a side of crispy spring rolls or a light salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp, rice, and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sriracha mayo separate and store it in a small container.

Freezing

While it’s not ideal to freeze the shrimp and fresh vegetables, you can freeze the rice and edamame separately. Reheat the rice and vegetables before assembling the bowls.

Reheating

To reheat, place the shrimp and rice in a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Top with the fresh ingredients just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen shrimp in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

2. How do I make the rice ahead of time?

Cook the rice as usual and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.

3. Can I use a different sauce instead of sriracha?

Yes, you can substitute sriracha with any other chili sauce, like sambal oelek or a homemade spicy sauce.

4. Can I skip the mayo?

Yes, if you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip the mayo or substitute it with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.

6. How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Keep a close eye on the shrimp while cooking, as they cook very quickly. Remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

7. Can I use another oil instead of sesame oil?

Yes, avocado oil or olive oil can be used as substitutes for sesame oil in this recipe.

8. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, avocado, or edamame to customize the bowls to your liking.

9. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

10. How do I make the dish spicier?

Add more sriracha or sprinkle extra crushed red pepper flakes on top for additional heat.

Conclusion

These Spicy Shrimp Rice Bowls are a delightful and versatile meal that brings bold flavors, fresh vegetables, and protein together in a satisfying bowl. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both healthy and indulgent. Whether you’re craving something spicy for lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Customize the spice level to your preference, and enjoy a meal that’s both vibrant and full of flavor.