If you’re craving a vibrant, full-flavored meal that’s as satisfying as it is quick to prepare, you’re going to love this Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe. Perfectly seasoned shrimp meet fluffy jasmine rice and an irresistible creamy spicy mayo that ties every element together beautifully. This dish balances fresh veggies, tender shrimp, and a luscious sauce for an explosion of taste and texture you’ll want to make again and again. It feels indulgent without any fuss, making it an ideal dinner whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of this recipe lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. From succulent shrimp to crisp veggies and a rich spicy mayo, every item contributes essential flavor, color, and texture, making this bowl an irresistible combination.
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star protein, juicy and quick-cooking for perfect tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the shrimp cook evenly and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds comforting aromatic depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a warm, smoky hint that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out all the subtle flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle peppery kick to balance the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (optional): Adds umami and a touch of savory complexity.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the signature spicy mayo sauce.
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha: Brings vibrant heat—adjust to your spice level preference.
- 1 teaspoon lime juice or rice vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy zing to lift the sauce’s flavors.
- Pinch of sugar (optional): Balances the heat and acidity in the spicy mayo perfectly.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice: A fluffy, comforting base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds crunch and a burst of natural sweetness.
- 1 cup cucumber (sliced or julienned): Refreshing and crisp texture to balance the richness.
- 1 avocado (sliced): Creamy, buttery goodness that complements the spicy shrimp beautifully.
- 2 green onions (chopped): Adds mild oniony freshness and color.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasty little bursts of nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Fresh cilantro or lime wedges (for garnish): Provides a lively finish that elevates every bite.
How to Make Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spicy Mayo
Start by mixing together the mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. This spicy mayo is the soul of the dish—it adds creaminess with a lively kick. Tweak the amount of sriracha depending on how fiery you like it, then pop it in the fridge to meld the flavors while you prepare the rest of the bowl.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and soy sauce if you decided to use it. This simple seasoning enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness and gives a nuanced savory depth that’s impossible to resist.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side — just until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook, or they’ll lose that perfect tender bite. Once cooked, remove them promptly from heat so they stay juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Now comes the fun part. Start by scooping fluffy rice into the base of each bowl. Layer on the cooked shrimp, then add shredded carrots, fresh cucumber slices, creamy avocado, and a sprinkling of chopped green onions. Each ingredient contributes its own texture and freshness, layering beautifully in every bite.
Step 5: Finish with Spicy Mayo and Garnishes
Drizzle the prepared spicy mayo generously over the bowls, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze just before eating. This finishing touch makes every mouthful pop with fresh, vibrant flavor and irresistible creaminess.
How to Serve Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your shrimp rice bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime juice. The herbs add brightness and a pop of color that make the dish look as delightful as it tastes. Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top bring a lovely nutty flavor and subtle crunch.
Side Dishes
Although this meal is perfectly balanced on its own, pairing it with miso soup or a light seaweed salad can complete the experience. Pickled vegetables or edamame beans also complement the flavor profile and add extra variety and nutrition to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these bowls in vibrant stoneware or bamboo bowls to enhance the visual appeal. You might also experiment with swapping out jasmine rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Adding colorful pickled veggies or crispy fried shallots can bring additional texture and excitement to the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the spicy mayo refrigerated as well in its own container. This ensures everything stays fresh and flavors remain vibrant when you’re ready to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp tastes best fresh, you can freeze the cooked rice and shrimp together if needed. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp and rice in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating as shrimp can become rubbery. Add fresh veggies, avocado, and spicy mayo after reheating for vibrant freshness and creamy spice that won’t get lost.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before seasoning and cooking to get the best texture and flavor.
How spicy is the spicy mayo, and can I adjust it?
The spicy mayo has a balanced heat that complements rather than overwhelms the dish. You can easily adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your personal spice tolerance.
Can I substitute the rice with something else?
Yes! Quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives if you prefer a grain-free or lower-carb version, and they pair well with all the other flavors in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The ingredients hold up well for a couple of days, making it a great choice for preparing lunches or quick dinners ahead of time.
What other vegetables can I add to the bowl?
Feel free to add pickled cucumbers, shredded cabbage, edamame, or even snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition. It’s a very versatile dish!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about this Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe that makes it a standout in any home cook’s repertoire. It’s quick, colorful, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. I can’t recommend it enough as a delicious weeknight dinner or casual lunch that feels special yet is incredibly easy to pull together. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite bowl!
Print
Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
These Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo combine succulent, pan-seared shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice. Enhanced with fresh veggies like shredded carrots, cucumber, and avocado, they’re a quick, flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (optional)
For the Spicy Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice or rice vinegar
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber (sliced or julienned)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro or lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust the spice level to your preference, then refrigerate until ready to use.
- Season the Shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and soy sauce if using, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly into serving bowls. Top each with the cooked shrimp, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, avocado slices, and chopped green onions.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Drizzle the prepared spicy mayo over the top of each bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Customize your bowls by adding pickled vegetables, edamame, or cabbage for extra crunch and variety.
- For a low-carb alternative, swap the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Shrimp can be substituted with grilled tofu or chicken for different protein options, though this will change the nutrition profile.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the mayo to suit your preferred spice level.
