Irresistible Blackened Shrimp Bowls for Easy Weeknight Wins

Let me set the scene: it’s a busy weeknight, you’re craving something warm, bold, and healthy—but not boring. Sound familiar? That’s where my Blackened Shrimp Bowls come in. Packed with protein, fiery spices, vibrant veggies, and a pop of citrusy zing, this dish is everything you want in a bowl—and then some.

I built this recipe for flavor chasers, meal preppers, and folks who want real food that works as hard as they do. Whether you’re coming home from the gym, juggling family dinner, or just want to impress yourself with a 30-minute masterpiece, this bowl delivers.

Why Chef Tommy Swears by This Bowl

Shrimp are lean, fast-cooking, and rich in omega-3s—a total powerhouse. Blackening spices turn up the heat and flavor without needing deep frying or heavy sauces. Add in the customizable bowl base—rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa—and you’ve got a dinner that’s as flexible as it is flavorful.

This bowl is part of my “Clean Comfort” collection here on BiggyRecipes. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up, fuels you up, and fits into just about any healthy lifestyle plan. It’s gluten-free, naturally low-carb (especially with cauliflower rice), and rich in protein to help you recover post-workout or stay energized during a busy day.

Ingredients You’ll Need to cook Blackened Shrimp Bowls

Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Clean-Up: Easy!

For the Blackened Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust based on heat preference)
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• Juice of ½ lime

For the Bowl Base

• 2 cups cooked brown rice, white rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced or cubed
• 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, canned, or thawed from frozen)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving

Healthy Swaps + Add-Ons

• Low-Carb Swap: Use cauliflower rice
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Try cashew cream drizzle
• Veggie Boost: Add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach
• Bulk it Up: Add a hard-boiled egg or chickpeas for extra protein
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle with crushed tortilla strips or roasted pepitas

Let’s Cook: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, spices, and lime juice. Toss until every shrimp is fully coated. Let them marinate while you prep the bowl base—5 to 10 minutes is all you need.

Step 2: Sear It Hot

Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high. Once hot, place shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until they’re pink and slightly charred. Don’t overcook—shrimp go rubbery fast.

Step 3: Build the Bowl

Divide your chosen grain (rice, cauliflower rice, etc.) among four bowls. Layer on corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Top with freshly cooked shrimp.

Step 4: Finish & Garnish

Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top. Add a lime wedge and serve immediately—or pack into meal prep containers for later. Optional: drizzle with a chipotle yogurt sauce or green goddess dressing for next-level flavor.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – with brown rice & avocado)

• Calories: 375
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 4g

For a lower-carb version with cauliflower rice and no avocado: subtract ~160 calories and 16g carbs.

When to Eat This Bowl

This bowl fits any time of day, but here’s when it shines:

• After a workout: Fast-absorbing protein + complex carbs = muscle fuel
• Lunch on the go: Prep the night before and enjoy cold or reheated
• Clean dinner option: Balanced macros without food coma
• Meal prep Sunday: Make a batch and you’ve got 4 meals ready to go

Chef Tommy’s Pro Tips

• Batch Cooking: Double the shrimp and rice, and store separately to keep textures perfect.
• Storage: Lasts up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Reheat Smart: Shrimp gets rubbery in the microwave—reheat in a hot skillet for best results.
• Want it Creamy? Try a homemade avocado-lime yogurt sauce for a dairy-free dressing.
• Don’t Skip the Lime! That citrus pop brightens up all the spice—it’s the final flavor key.

Related Recipes on BiggyRecipes.com

• Crispy Baked Chicken Strips Recipe
• Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
• Salmon Bites Recipe: A Complete Guide

Trusted Source

Looking for more shrimp nutrition facts? Check out this Shrimp: Nutrition Facts, Benefits, and Concerns.