Shrimp rice bowls with spicy mayo offer a deliciously simple meal that radiates vibrant flavors and textures. You can easily customize this dish, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or even casual gatherings. Featuring tender shrimp, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a zesty spicy mayo, this dish brings together a variety of ingredients that create a satisfying experience in every bite.
Why We Love This Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
One of the best things about shrimp rice bowls with spicy mayo is their versatility. You can tailor them to suit your taste, swapping in different vegetables, grains, or sauces. The combination of juicy shrimp and creamy spicy mayo elevates the dish, ensuring each mouthful bursts with flavor. The presentation also adds to their appeal; the vibrant colors of fresh ingredients and the sauce create a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Beyond their taste and appearance, shrimp rice bowls are quick and easy to prepare. You can have a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes them perfect for busy evenings when you still want to create something delicious and healthy. They also provide a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and plenty of nutrients from the vegetables.
Ingredients for Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or other hot sauce)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the shrimp, tossing to coat.
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice to create the spicy mayo.
To assemble your bowls, divide the rice among serving dishes. Top with the shrimp, cucumber, carrots, and avocado. Drizzle with spicy mayo, and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired.
How to Serve Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
Serving shrimp rice bowls is about enjoying the balance of flavors and textures that each ingredient contributes. Once you’ve assembled your bowls, arrange them on a serving platter for a beautiful presentation. You can allow guests to customize their bowls further by setting out additional toppings like sliced radishes, pickled vegetables, or extra spicy mayo. This allows everyone to adjust the dish to their liking, adding a fun, interactive element to the meal.
Shrimp rice bowls pair wonderfully with refreshing beverages like iced tea or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime. For a complete dining experience, consider offering a light appetizer such as edamame or seaweed salad before the main dish. And don’t forget about dessert! A light fruit sorbet can provide a sweet finish without feeling heavy after the savory shrimp rice bowl.
Expert Tips for Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
To elevate your shrimp rice bowls, pay attention to your shrimp’s quality. Fresh shrimp enhances flavor; however, frozen shrimp also works well. Just ensure to thaw them correctly before cooking. Additionally, consider marinating the shrimp for 30 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a deeper flavor profile. When cooking the veggies, aim for crunchiness rather than softness to add texture contrasts to the bowls. Sauté them just until vibrant and tender.
For your spicy mayo, you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha to match your taste preferences. If you prefer a creamier sauce, increase the mayonnaise amount. Remember, garnishing your dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds is not only visually appealing, but it also enhances the flavor, adding a pop of freshness and crunch.
Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment with different kinds of rice or grains. Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice can turn this meal into a nutritious, low-carb option.
How to Store Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
You can store leftover shrimp rice bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the best quality, store the components separately. Keep the rice in one container, the shrimp in another, and the fresh vegetables in a third to maintain their textures. When reheating, warm the rice and shrimp in a microwave, while it’s best to enjoy the vegetables cold or at room temperature for the best flavor and crunch. If you have leftover spicy mayo, keep it in an airtight container; it should last up to a week in the refrigerator.
Variations of Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
Feel free to get creative with your shrimp rice bowls! You can change the protein by swapping shrimp for chicken, tofu, or scallops. If you want to incorporate different flavors, try using a teriyaki or curry sauce instead of spicy mayo. You can also play around with the grains, opting for brown rice, quinoa, or even couscous for a different taste.
Vegetables are another great area for variation. Consider adding bell peppers, snap peas, or radishes for added crunch and flavor. You can toss in fresh herbs like basil or mint to bring another layer of freshness to the dish. Plant-based eaters can replace mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or even a nut-based sauce to keep the creaminess while adhering to dietary preferences.
Changing the garnishes can also make a difference. Consider using crushed nuts, different seeds, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick. Each combination you try can yield an exciting new take on this versatile dish.
FAQ about Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
What kind of shrimp should I use for shrimp rice bowls with spicy mayo?
Use fresh or frozen shrimp that is peeled and deveined for convenience.
Can I make shrimp rice bowls with spicy mayo ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep shrimp rice bowls and store the components separately in the fridge. Assemble them when ready to eat.
How spicy is the spicy mayo in shrimp rice bowls?
The spiciness largely depends on how much sriracha you add. Adjust it to your taste for a milder or hotter flavor.
Are shrimp rice bowls healthy?
Yes, shrimp rice bowls are healthy, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients from the vegetables.
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice in shrimp rice bowls with spicy mayo?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds fiber and nutrients to the dish and can be a great alternative.
Is it possible to make shrimp rice bowls with spicy mayo vegan?
You can replace shrimp with marinated tofu or other plant-based proteins and use vegan mayonnaise to make the dish vegan-friendly.