If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, then look no further than the Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy shrimp with creamy avocado and crisp vegetables, all brought together by a luscious, spicy mayo drizzle that adds just the right amount of kick. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends, these rice bowls deliver a burst of fresh textures and bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is important, contributing to the balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so addictive and vibrant.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides the hearty, protein-packed centerpiece with a sweet and delicate flavor.
- 2 cups cooked rice: The comforting base that soaks up all the delicious sauces and juices.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Adds creamy richness and a buttery contrast that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced: Brings a refreshing crunch and subtle coolness to each bite.
- 1/4 cup carrots, julienned: Offers a sweet, crisp texture and a pop of bright color.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for the spicy mayo sauce that enhances the entire dish.
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce: Adds a fiery kick and depth of flavor in the spicy mayo.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds out the spicy mayo beautifully.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: A salty, umami drizzle that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (optional): A subtle garnish that adds texture and a hint of nuttiness.
How to Make Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat, then add your shrimp. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn perfectly pink and opaque. This step is essential because perfectly cooked shrimp remain juicy and tender, forming the flavorful heart of your rice bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce
While the shrimp are cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This spicy mayo is the signature flavor bomb of the dish, adding creamy heat that enhances every ingredient.
Step 3: Assemble the Rice Base
Divide the cooked rice equally between your serving bowls. Using freshly cooked, fluffy rice is key because it acts as a neutral but satisfying base that lets the bold shrimp and spicy mayo shine.
Step 4: Add Fresh Veggies and Shrimp
Top each bowl with the cooked shrimp, then arrange slices of avocado, cucumber, and julienned carrots on top. These fresh ingredients add important texture contrasts and vibrant colors that make your bowls visually irresistible.
Step 5: Drizzle Sauces
Pour the spicy mayo sauce and a little soy sauce over the bowls. The soy sauce adds a touch of savory umami that balances the creaminess and heat of the mayo, while also flavoring the rice beneath.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you like a little extra nuttiness and crunch. Now your Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe are ready to serve – dive in immediately to enjoy every delicious layer.
How to Serve Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions or cilantro can brighten the flavors even more, while a wedge of lime adds a zesty lift. These simple garnishes turn an already amazing bowl into a feast for the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a light seaweed salad or steamed edamame to keep the meal balanced and fresh. A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar also works wonderfully and complements the spicy mayo beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these shrimp rice bowls in casual lettuce wraps or over a bed of mixed greens for an extra veggie boost. You can also add a soft-boiled egg for richness or a sprinkle of crunchy fried shallots for texture—it’s all about making this dish your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers to keep their textures fresh. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best flavor and safety.
Freezing
While shrimp is best fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Avoid freezing the avocado and veggies as they lose their texture when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp and rice gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh avocado and veggies after reheating, and drizzle with freshly made spicy mayo for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking for even cooking and the best texture.
How spicy is the spicy mayo sauce?
The level of heat depends on how much sriracha you add. You can adjust the spice to your liking, adding more for extra kick or less for a milder flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Otherwise, regular soy sauce contains gluten, so opt for tamari or a gluten-free alternative.
Can I substitute the rice with another grain?
Definitely! Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even couscous work well as alternatives, providing different textures and flavors while keeping the dish wholesome.
What other proteins can I use besides shrimp?
Grilled chicken, tofu, or even seared scallops make fantastic substitutes if you want to change things up while keeping the spirit of the recipe intact.
Final Thoughts
This Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels special without any fuss. With its balanced flavors, fresh ingredients, and that irresistible spicy mayo, it’s a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new favorite!
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Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
These Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring tender skillet-cooked shrimp served over fluffy rice, topped with fresh avocado, cucumber, and carrots, and finished with a creamy, spicy mayo sauce for a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Rice
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cooked rice
Vegetables
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup carrots, julienned
Spicy Mayo Sauce
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Additional
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through, ensuring a juicy and tender texture.
- Prepare the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and well-integrated sauce.
- Assemble the bowls – base: Evenly divide the cooked rice between four bowls to build the foundation of the dish.
- Add fresh toppings: Arrange the cooked shrimp, sliced avocado, cucumber, and julienned carrots on top of the rice in each bowl for a fresh and colorful presentation.
- Drizzle sauces: Add a generous drizzle of the spicy mayo sauce and soy sauce over the ingredients in each bowl to enhance the flavor profile with creaminess and umami.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the bowls if desired for an added nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the shrimp rice bowls immediately while the shrimp is warm and the fresh toppings crisp for a delightful meal experience.
Notes
- Use medium or large shrimp for best texture and presence in the bowl.
- Cook rice ahead of time and keep it warm before assembling bowls for convenience.
- Adjust sriracha amount to control spice level according to your preference.
- Optional sesame seeds add a nice crunch but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
