Name: Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups cooked brown or white rice; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 limes, juiced and zested; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, diced; ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced; Salt and black pepper to taste

Hey y'all! If you love big, bold flavors and vibrant colors piled together in one bowl, you're going to adore this Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl recipe. It's zesty, fresh, ultra-satisfying, and loaded with juicy shrimp, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and a tangy lime kick – perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even impressing guests at a relaxed dinner. Ready to bring a splash of sunshine to your table? Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl

Ready in just 30 minutes—great for quick, nourishing meals.
Packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats for balanced nutrition.
Customizable with your favorite veggies, grains, or spicy add-ins.
Perfect for meal prep—makes delicious lunches or dinners all week long.
Refreshing, tangy, and bursting with zesty cilantro-lime flavor in every bite.

Ingredients for Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 teaspoons lime zest
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced cucumber
1 ripe avocado, diced
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
Optional: extra lime wedges and cilantro for serving

Directions: How to Make the Perfect Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 teaspoons lime zest, ½ cup chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon honey, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 10–15 minutes while you prep the veggies and rice.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cilantro-Lime Bowl Ingredients

Cook 2 cups of jasmine or basmati rice according to package instructions if you haven’t already.
While the rice cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, dice the avocado, and thinly slice ½ cup of red onion.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and sauté for 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl

Divide the warm rice among four bowls.
Top with sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.
Drizzle with extra lime juice and sprinkle more cilantro if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Notes: Tips for the Best Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl

For the freshest flavor, use wild-caught shrimp and freshly-squeezed lime juice. Learn more about choosing sustainable shrimp here.
If you want your rice extra zesty, stir in extra lime zest and cilantro just before serving.
Use a cast-iron skillet for better browning and flavor on the shrimp. Here’s why it matters.

Variations: Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl Twists

Grain Swap: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro for a different base.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
Vegan Version: Replace shrimp with roasted chickpeas or marinated tofu.

Required Equipment for Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowls

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Large skillet or cast-iron pan
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Citrus zester

Storage Instructions: Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl

Store cooled shrimp, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep avocado and cilantro separate until ready to serve. To reheat, gently warm shrimp and rice in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl

Serve with a light, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or lime crema for extra creaminess.
Pair with tortilla chips and fresh salsa for a fun, festive touch.

Pro Tips for Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl Success

Don’t over-marinate the shrimp—15 minutes is plenty or they’ll turn mushy (here's why).
Let the skillet get nice and hot for that perfect sear and caramelization on your shrimp.
For meal prep, assemble bowls without avocado and add fresh before eating to avoid browning.

FAQ: Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Bowl

Can I use frozen shrimp?: Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight or quickly under cold water; pat dry before marinating.
Can I make this bowl ahead of time?: Absolutely—store all components separately and assemble just before serving for the freshest results.
How can I make my bowl even healthier?: Swap white rice for brown rice, cauliflower rice, or add extra greens and veggies for more nutrition. For more nutritional information, check out NutritionFacts.org.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Serves: 4 bowls