High Protein Shrimp Rice Bowl
Highlighted under: Fresh & Fit Meals
I absolutely love creating quick and nutritious meals, and this High Protein Shrimp Rice Bowl is one of my favorites! It’s packed with protein from the succulent shrimp and complemented by flavorful vegetables. The best part is how easily it comes together—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients brings everything to life. I often find myself reaching for this dish when I need something satisfying yet light, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do!
When I first set out to create this High Protein Shrimp Rice Bowl, I wanted to make something not only delicious but also healthy and quick. During my trials, I discovered that cooking the shrimp with a mix of garlic and ginger elevates the flavor profile tremendously. The aromatic spices mingle well with the shrimp, making each bite delightful. I usually pair it with brown rice for an added nutritional boost.
I also experimented with various veggies and found that adding a fresh crunch, like bell peppers and snap peas, gives the bowl a beautiful texture and color. This dish has become a staple in my home because it’s so versatile; you can customize it based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein to fuel your day
- Bursting with fresh flavors from aromatic herbs and spices
- Quick to prepare—great for a busy lifestyle
Ingredient Insights
The shrimp in this High Protein Shrimp Rice Bowl not only contributes a substantial amount of protein but also brings a delightful seafood flavor that complements the dish beautifully. When selecting shrimp, opt for medium or large peeled and deveined varieties to ensure a good balance of texture and taste. If fresh shrimp is not available, frozen shrimp can be used—just remember to thaw them properly in the refrigerator before cooking to avoid rubbery texture.
Brown rice is the perfect base for this meal, providing whole grains that add fiber and nutrients. It has a slightly nutty flavor which pairs well with the sweetness of the bell pepper and the crispness of the snap peas. For a quicker option, you may substitute brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative without compromising the dish's overall essence.
Cooking Technique Tips
When cooking the shrimp, ensure that your skillet is hot enough, around medium heat, to allow for a nice sear without overcooking. They should turn pink and opaque rather than tough and rubbery, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes when tossed occasionally. If you notice they’re cooking too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning the seasoning while achieving the perfect doneness.
Incorporating the vegetables should be done after the shrimp is cooked, as they only need a few minutes. You'll know they're ready when they’ve maintained their color and are tender but still crunchy. This adds great texture to the dish. If you have other vegetables on hand, feel free to get creative—zucchini, broccoli, or carrots can also work beautifully in this bowl!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Rice Bowl
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Vegetables
Stir in the diced bell pepper and snap peas, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
Combine with Rice
Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet, pouring in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix everything together and heat through for another 2 minutes.
Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. Enjoy your healthy and tasty meal!
Enjoy Your Meal!
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the bowl just before serving. You can also substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different taste.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This shrimp rice bowl is incredibly meal prep-friendly; you can easily make a batch and store it in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge. To maintain the best texture, store the shrimp and rice mixture separately from the vegetables, as they can become soggy when reheated. Just reheat the shrimp and rice in a microwave or skillet until warmed through, then add fresh vegetables right before serving.
For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. After cooking, let the shrimp rice bowl cool to room temperature before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer, but make sure to label them with the date for easy identification. When ready to eat, simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet for evenly distributed heat.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This High Protein Shrimp Rice Bowl provides a great foundation for customization. I love adding a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. To enhance the flavors, a squeeze of lime or lemon juice over the top just before serving can brighten up the entire dish and elevate the taste profile.
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, swap out shrimp for tofu or tempeh, following the same seasoning method for a similar depth of flavor. You can also adjust the spices and flavors by trying different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce, giving the meal a different twist each time you prepare it.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
→ What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to mix in any vegetables you like! Broccoli, zucchini, or carrots work beautifully.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
→ Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
High Protein Shrimp Rice Bowl
I absolutely love creating quick and nutritious meals, and this High Protein Shrimp Rice Bowl is one of my favorites! It’s packed with protein from the succulent shrimp and complemented by flavorful vegetables. The best part is how easily it comes together—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients brings everything to life. I often find myself reaching for this dish when I need something satisfying yet light, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do!
Created by: Delilah Spencer
Recipe Type: Fresh & Fit Meals
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
For the Shrimp Rice Bowl
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the diced bell pepper and snap peas, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender-crisp.
Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet, pouring in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix everything together and heat through for another 2 minutes.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. Enjoy your healthy and tasty meal!
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the bowl just before serving. You can also substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 28g