Easy 30-Minute Shrimp and Rice Bowl
This Easy Shrimp and Rice Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Juicy shrimp are sauteed with garlic and olive oil, served over fluffy rice, and paired with fresh vegetables. It’s light, Mediterranean-inspired, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
Shrimp
300 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp lemon juice
Rice
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
½ tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
Vegetables
½ cup bell peppers, sliced
½ cup zucchini or broccoli, chopped
Optional: chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
Optional Sauce
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or tahini sauce
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the rice
Cook rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and drizzle with a little olive oil and pinch of salt.
2️⃣ Cook the vegetables
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté bell peppers and zucchini/broccoli for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the shrimp
In the same skillet, heat 1 tsp olive oil.
Add garlic and saute 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp is pink and opaque.
Drizzle with lemon juice.
4️⃣ Assemble the bowl
Divide rice into bowls.
Top with cooked vegetables and shrimp.
Optional: drizzle with Greek yogurt or tahini sauce and garnish with parsley or cilantro.
Tips & Variations
Extra protein: Add a soft-boiled egg or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist
Flavor boost: Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, or sumac over shrimp
Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice
Meal prep: Store shrimp, rice, and vegetables separately; assemble when ready to eat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw completely before cooking for best results.
Can I bake shrimp instead of sauteing?
Yes—roast at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes until pink.
Can I add a sauce?
Yes—garlic yogurt sauce, tahini, or a light vinaigrette works well.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: ~6% DV