Shrimp & Rice Bowl w/ Pineapple Salsa

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Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is a vibrant, tropical-inspired dish featuring tender, seasoned shrimp served over fluffy rice and topped with a refreshing, sweet-and-tangy pineapple salsa. It’s the perfect balance of savory, citrusy, and slightly spicy flavors in every bite!

I first made this when I was craving something light yet flavorful. The shrimp cooked up perfectly with a hint of smoky spice, while the juicy pineapple salsa added a bright, refreshing contrast. It was an instant favorite that tasted like summer in a bowl!

What’s great about this dish is how customizable it is. You can use coconut rice for extra richness, swap shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu, or add avocado for a creamy twist. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a colorful dinner, this bowl is always a fresh and satisfying choice!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping
• Summer gatherings
• Seafood lovers
• Light yet satisfying meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa will become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Tropical Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy pineapple, tender shrimp, and zesty lime creates a fresh and delicious taste.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• High-Protein Meal: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, keeping you full and energized.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein while being low in calories.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap out grains, or add your favorite toppings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and store for a quick and convenient meal.
• Versatile: Enjoy warm or cold, making it a great option for lunch or dinner.
• Minimal Cleanup: Simple ingredients and one-pan cooking reduce kitchen mess.
• Family-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, making it a hit with all ages.
• Bright & Beautiful Presentation: The colorful salsa and golden shrimp make this dish as stunning as it is tasty.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime

the Pineapple Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Pinch of salt

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced avocado
• Extra lime wedges
• Chopped cilantro
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Pineapple: Adds natural sweetness and a tropical flair.
• Shrimp: A lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs bold flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness to complement the sweetness of the salsa.
• Lime Juice & Zest: Enhances the flavors with a bright citrusy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pineapple Salsa:

1. Chop Ingredients: Dice pineapple, bell pepper, and red onion into small, uniform pieces.
2. Mix Salsa: In a bowl, combine pineapple, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
3. Add Lime & Seasoning: Squeeze in lime juice and sprinkle with salt. Mix well and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:

4. Heat Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Season Shrimp: Toss shrimp with garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Sauté Shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
7. Add Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and toss to coat.

Prepare the Rice:

8. Fluff Cooked Rice: Stir butter or olive oil, lime zest, and salt into warm rice.

Assemble the Bowls:

9. Portion Rice: Divide rice evenly among serving bowls.
10. Add Shrimp: Arrange cooked shrimp over the rice.
11. Top with Salsa: Spoon pineapple salsa over the shrimp.
12. Garnish & Serve: Add optional toppings and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa:

• With Avocado: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
• As a Taco Filling: Serve in warm tortillas for a tropical taco twist.
• Over Greens: Swap rice for a bed of fresh greens for a lighter option.
• With Black Beans: Serve alongside black beans for extra fiber and protein.
• With a Side of Plantains: Fried or baked plantains make a delicious pairing.
• Topped with Feta Cheese: Adds a salty contrast to the sweet pineapple.
• As a Meal Prep Option: Store in containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
• With Extra Heat: Drizzle with hot sauce for a spicier kick.
• As a Party Dish: Serve in a large platter for a crowd-pleasing meal.
• With Coconut Rice: Swap plain rice for coconut rice for an even more tropical flavor.

Additional Tips

• Marinate for More Flavor – Let the shrimp marinate in lime juice, garlic, and spices for at least 15 minutes to enhance its taste.
• Use Fresh Pineapple – Fresh pineapple makes a big difference in the salsa, adding a juicy, vibrant sweetness. If using canned, drain well.
• Char the Pineapple – Lightly grilling or pan-searing the pineapple before chopping it into salsa adds a subtle smokiness.
• Pick the Right Rice – Jasmine or basmati rice works best for a light and fluffy texture. Try coconut rice for extra tropical flavor.
• Control the Heat – Adjust the spice level in the salsa by adding more or less jalapeño, or swap it for a milder bell pepper.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque (about 2 minutes per side) to keep them tender and juicy.
• Make It Crunchy – Add texture with toppings like toasted coconut, crushed tortilla chips, or sliced almonds.
• Balance the Citrus – A mix of lime and orange juice in the salsa creates a well-rounded tangy sweetness.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Make the salsa and rice ahead of time, but cook the shrimp fresh to maintain the best texture.
• Drizzle a Sauce – A light drizzle of sriracha mayo, honey-lime dressing, or avocado crema can elevate the whole dish.

Recipe Variations

• Mango Salsa: Swap pineapple for mango for a different tropical flavor.
• Grilled Shrimp Bowl: Grill the shrimp for a smoky charred taste.
• Quinoa Bowl: Substitute rice with quinoa for added protein.
• Coconut Shrimp: Coat shrimp in shredded coconut before cooking for extra crunch.
• Teriyaki Twist: Drizzle with teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired variation.
• Spicy Chipotle Sauce: Top with chipotle mayo for a smoky kick.
• Citrus Herb Rice: Add chopped parsley and orange zest to the rice for extra freshness.

Special Equipment

• Chef’s Knife – For chopping pineapple, onions, and other ingredients.
• Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for prepping ingredients.
• Zester or Microplane – To zest lime for extra flavor.
• Citrus Juicer – Helps extract fresh lime juice easily.
• Mixing Bowls – For tossing the pineapple salsa and marinating shrimp.
• Grill Pan or Skillet – To cook the shrimp with a nice sear.
• Rice Cooker or Saucepan – For cooking fluffy rice.
• Tongs – Useful for flipping shrimp while cooking.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate seasoning and proportions.
• Serving Bowls – To present your shrimp and rice bowl beautifully.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
   Yes! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water for a few minutes.
2. What type of rice works best?
   Jasmine or basmati rice works great for a fluffy texture, but you can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
3. How do I make the pineapple salsa spicier?
   You can add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give it more heat.
4. Can I prepare the pineapple salsa in advance?
   Yes! The flavors actually meld well when it sits for a few hours. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
5. What’s the best way to cook the shrimp?
   Grilling, sautéing, or air-frying are all great options! Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
6. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if the recipe calls for it.
7. Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
   Absolutely! Try using grilled chicken, tofu, or even salmon for a different take on the dish.
8. How can I store leftovers?
   Keep the rice and shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Store the salsa separately to keep it fresh.
9. What toppings go well with this bowl?
   Avocado slices, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a drizzle of sriracha are great additions to enhance the flavors.
10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
    Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but always check ingredient labels if using store-bought sauces or seasonings.

Conclusion

Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is a bright, fresh, and flavor-packed dish that combines juicy, seasoned shrimp with fluffy rice and a sweet-and-tangy pineapple salsa. The perfect balance of savory, citrusy, and tropical flavors makes this bowl a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.

This recipe is easy to customize—add a drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo, swap white rice for coconut rice or quinoa, or toss in black beans for extra protein. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep option, this shrimp bowl is sure to be a hit!

I can’t wait to see how your Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!