Name: Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup white rice (or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice); 2 cups water or broth (for cooking rice); 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced (optional, for heat); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon lime juice; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Looking for a fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious meal? This Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is here to deliver! With perfectly seasoned shrimp, a savory rice base, and a tangy pineapple salsa, this dish is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. It’s one of those meals that just feels like a celebration in a bowl—and trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!

Imagine sinking your fork into tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and a pop of sweetness from juicy pineapple, all topped with a zesty salsa. The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a meal that’s not only satisfying but light and refreshing at the same time. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner or need something impressive for a get-together, this shrimp and rice bowl has you covered.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa

Bright & Flavorful: The pineapple salsa brings a burst of fresh, tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory shrimp and rice. It’s like a tropical vacation in a bowl!

Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is a breeze to put together. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome, flavorful meal ready to go.

Customizable: While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily swap out the shrimp for chicken, tofu, or another protein. You can even adjust the heat level in the salsa with more or less jalapeño depending on your preference.

Healthy & Fresh: The combination of shrimp, veggies, and pineapple keeps this dish light yet filling, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a balanced meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep: This bowl is great for meal prepping since the components (shrimp, rice, and salsa) store well in the fridge for a few days. You can enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack!

Ingredients

Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this bowl of deliciousness:

For the Shrimp & Rice:

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined. Shrimp is quick to cook and takes on flavor beautifully. You’ll want medium to large shrimp for this recipe.

Rice: Long-grain white rice or brown rice. The rice serves as the perfect base for the shrimp and salsa.
Olive Oil: Used for cooking the shrimp and rice. It adds richness and helps to sauté the shrimp to perfection.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced, for that delicious savory base to cook the shrimp.

Lime: Fresh lime juice to brighten up the shrimp and add a touch of acidity to balance out the dish.
Cilantro: Chopped cilantro for garnish and extra flavor. Fresh herbs bring a burst of freshness.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.

For the Pineapple Salsa:

Pineapple: Fresh pineapple, diced. The sweet and juicy pineapple is the star of the salsa, adding a tropical sweetness.
Red Onion: Diced red onion for a little bite and color. The sweetness of the onion pairs beautifully with the pineapple.
Jalapeño: Minced jalapeño (adjust according to your spice tolerance). Adds just the right amount of heat to balance the sweetness of the pineapple.

Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro, to tie everything together and add that bright, herby flavor.
Lime: Fresh lime juice to squeeze over the salsa. The acidity really elevates the salsa and brings all the flavors together.
Salt & Pepper: To season the salsa to taste.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how you’ll bring this flavorful bowl together!

Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by cooking your rice. If you’re using white rice, follow the instructions on the package to cook it. For brown rice, it may take a bit longer. Set the rice aside once it’s done.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Salsa
While the rice is cooking, make the pineapple salsa. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced pineapple, red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir gently and set aside to let the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through. Once done, squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp for extra zing.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
To assemble, place a generous scoop of rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with the sautéed shrimp and spoon over the fresh pineapple salsa. Garnish with additional cilantro and a lime wedge if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the bowls immediately and enjoy this fresh and flavorful meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa

This vibrant shrimp and rice bowl is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can make it even more special with some delicious sides:

Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for extra texture and a little more flavor.
Green Salad: Pair it with a light salad for a refreshing side dish. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette would work perfectly.
Guacamole: Serve with a side of homemade guacamole for a creamy, rich addition to the meal.

Grilled Vegetables: Grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the fresh and zesty shrimp bowl perfectly.

Additional Tips

Rice Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Both are great alternatives that still work beautifully with the shrimp and salsa.
Heat Level: If you like things spicy, feel free to add more jalapeño to the salsa or drizzle some hot sauce over the shrimp.

Meal Prep: This bowl stores really well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just store the shrimp, rice, and salsa in separate containers to keep everything fresh.
Frozen Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw it properly before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Frozen shrimp works great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.

Q2: Can I use a different type of rice?
A2: Absolutely! You can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa for a different twist.

Q3: How can I make this dish spicier?
A3: Add extra jalapeño to the salsa or drizzle some hot sauce over the shrimp for more heat.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can make the rice and pineapple salsa ahead of time. Store the rice and salsa separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cook the shrimp when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
A5: Definitely! Chicken breast or thighs would be a great substitute for shrimp. Just be sure to cook the chicken all the way through.

Q6: Can I make this a vegan dish?
A6: Yes! Substitute the shrimp with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegan version of this bowl.

Q7: Can I add more veggies to the bowl?
A7: Yes! Feel free to add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or even avocado to the bowl for more texture and flavor.

Q8: Can I use a store-bought salsa instead of making my own?
A8: Sure! If you’re short on time, a store-bought pineapple salsa will work just fine. However, making your own gives it a fresh, personalized touch.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store any leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the shrimp and rice in the microwave, and keep the salsa fresh in the fridge.

Q10: What can I serve with this dish?
A10: This dish pairs well with tortilla chips, a green salad, or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

This Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is everything you want in a quick, flavorful meal: fresh, vibrant, and full of satisfying ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, a weekend gathering, or anytime you want a meal that feels light yet hearty. The combination of shrimp, rice, and that irresistible pineapple salsa is sure to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. Give it a try and treat yourself to a bowl full of tropical goodness today!