Cajun Shrimp Taco Bowls (Printable Version)

A zesty blend of seasoned shrimp, rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado for a vibrant bowl meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
04 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
05 - ¼ tsp salt
06 - ¼ tsp black pepper
07 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Rice

08 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
09 - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
10 - ½ tsp salt

→ Vegetable Toppings

11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or drained canned
13 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 avocado, sliced
16 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Sauce

17 - ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
18 - 1 tbsp lime juice
19 - ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
20 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ For Serving

21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Combine rice, water or broth, and ½ tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
02 - Whisk sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice, hot sauce if using, and salt and pepper. Set aside.
03 - Pat shrimp dry. Toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until evenly coated.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Cook shrimp about 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
05 - While shrimp cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, shred lettuce, slice avocado, and chop cilantro.
06 - Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with shrimp, tomatoes, corn, red onion, lettuce, avocado slices, and cilantro. Drizzle with sauce and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than takeout, and actually tastes better than most places you'd order from.
  • That creamy lime sauce transforms everything it touches into something crave-worthy.
  • You feel like you're eating something restaurant-quality while sitting at your own table in comfortable clothes.
02 -
  • Wet shrimp will never develop that caramelized edge no matter how hot your pan is; the water has to go first.
  • The sauce is what transforms this from 'nice bowl' to 'memorable meal,' so don't skimp on it or make it too far ahead of serving time.
03 -
  • Cook your rice while you prep everything else; timing it right means everything finishes at once and you're not standing there with cold rice waiting for shrimp.
  • If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water for 15 minutes—rushing this step with hot water is a shortcut that costs you texture.
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