If you are craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, this Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, accented by creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and that irresistible zing of a spicy mayo drizzle. It’s an easy, colorful meal that feels special but comes together in just about 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for both taste and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients is all it takes to nail this dish. Each one adds something important: from the creamy texture of avocado to the spicy kick of the mayo, the fresh crunch of veggies, and the umami depth from soy sauce. Let’s take a closer look.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp cook quickly and bring a tender, sweet seafood flavor you’ll love.
- 2 cups cooked rice: A neutral, fluffy base to soak up all the saucy, spicy goodness.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Adds buttery creaminess and a vibrant green color to brighten the bowl.
- 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced: Crisp and refreshing, providing a nice contrast in textures.
- 1/4 cup carrots, julienned: Slightly sweet and crunchy, carrots add beautiful color and crunch.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: The creamy base of your spicy mayo sauce.
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce: Brings perfectly balanced heat and a little sweetness to the mayo.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty depth to the spicy mayo that elevates every bite.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Provides the essential salty umami punch to finish the bowls.
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (optional): For a subtle crunch and a lovely garnish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté your peeled and deveined shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want the shrimp to turn a pretty pink color and become firm to the touch without overcooking them. This is the star protein of the bowl, so getting this step just right means juicy, tender bites in every mouthful.
Step 2: Whip Up the Spicy Mayo
In a small bowl, simply mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined. This sauce is the magic touch that ties the whole bowl together with its creamy texture and spicy, nutty flavor. Don’t be shy with the sriracha if you love extra heat!
Step 3: Assemble the Rice Bowls
Divide the cooked rice evenly between your serving bowls. Then artfully layer on the shrimp, avocado slices, cucumber, and julienned carrots. This layering not only looks inviting but ensures every bite gives you contrasts of flavor and texture you’re craving.
Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish
Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over each bowl, followed by a splash of soy sauce for that savory boost. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you’re using them. They add a subtle crunch that makes every forkful feel extra special.
How to Serve Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your bowls with additional garnishes like chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors even more. A small handful of crunchy seaweed strips or pickled ginger can also make your presentation pop and add delicate layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides. Think steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt, a refreshing seaweed salad, or even a simple miso soup to round out your meal without stealing the spotlight from your shrimp rice bowls.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz up your presentation? Serve the shrimp and avocado on sushi rice in individual, transparent bowls so the colorful layers shine through. You can also use cute ramekins for the spicy mayo sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their heat level perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping ingredients separated keeps textures fresh and prevents sogginess, especially with avocado and saucy components. Use within 2 days for best quality.
Freezing
While the shrimp and rice freeze well, the fresh veggies and avocado don’t hold up as nicely. If you want to freeze, store the cooked shrimp and rice in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh vegetables when serving.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add fresh avocado, cucumbers, and carrots only after reheating to maintain their crispness and vibrant texture. Drizzle with fresh spicy mayo before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release too much water in the pan.
How spicy is the Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe?
The level of spice is easy to adjust with the sriracha in the mayo sauce. Start with the recommended amount and add more if you love a fiery kick or less if you prefer mild heat.
Can I substitute the rice with something else?
Yes! Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even mixed grains work wonderfully for a different twist but keep in mind the cooking times and texture will vary slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe is perfectly gluten-free. It’s always good to double-check your ingredients to be sure.
How long does it take to make the Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe?
The entire process takes about 20 minutes, making it a speedy and delicious option for busy days without compromising on flavor.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the satisfying combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients with a creamy, spicy sauce, and this Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo Recipe delivers that in spades. Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and beautifully balanced, it’s a dish you will want to make again and again. So go ahead — give it a whirl and enjoy a bowl that feels like a special treat any day of the week.
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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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Asian influence
Description
These Best Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo combine tender, perfectly cooked shrimp with fresh avocado, cucumber, and carrots atop a bed of fluffy rice. Finished with a creamy, spicy mayo and a hint of soy sauce, this quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch.
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 Ingredients
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the peeled and deveined shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Make the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
- Add toppings: Arrange the cooked shrimp, sliced avocado, cucumber slices, and julienned carrots generously on top of the rice in each bowl.
- Drizzle sauces: Drizzle each bowl with the spicy mayo sauce and soy sauce to taste.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the bowls if desired for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and flavorful shrimp rice bowls!
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked rice that is slightly cooled to prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute sriracha with another hot sauce based on your spice preference.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like edamame or green onions for extra nutrition.
