These Easy Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls are a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep! Featuring juicy, zesty shrimp, fluffy rice or quinoa, and fresh veggies, this dish is a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors.
You can customize these bowls with your favorite grains and toppings, making them an easy go-to meal for lunch or dinner. Plus, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made low-carb!
Ingredients for Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls
the Chili Lime Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
the Bowl Base (Choose One):
- 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa
- 2 cups cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
the Toppings:
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (grilled or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
the Creamy Chili Lime Dressing (Optional):
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Large skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus zester & juicer
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Shrimp
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp and toss until well coated.
- Let marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Bowl Base & Toppings
- Cook rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package instructions.
- Chop and prepare all fresh toppings.
4. Make the Creamy Chili Lime Dressing (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and honey.
- Drizzle over the shrimp bowls before serving.
5. Assemble the Bowls
- Start with rice or quinoa as the base.
- Add black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
- Top with the chili lime shrimp.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Drizzle with chili lime dressing if using.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Enjoy warm or chilled!
- Serve with extra lime wedges and hot sauce if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls
Don’t overcook the shrimp – They cook quickly and should be pink and opaque.
Let the shrimp marinate – Even 10-15 minutes enhances the flavor.
Customize the toppings – Add roasted bell peppers, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using bottled lime juice – Fresh lime juice adds the best bright, citrusy flavor.
Skipping the marinade time – Letting the shrimp soak up the flavors makes a big difference.
Overloading the bowl – Keep the ingredients balanced for the best texture and taste.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve in colorful bowls with extra lime wedges on the side.
- Add a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa for extra spice.
- Pair with tortilla chips or a fresh fruit salad for a complete meal.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Store shrimp and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Shrimp: Reheat in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes or enjoy cold.
- Rice/Quinoa: Microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery when thawed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian – Swap shrimp for grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- Use different grains – Try farro, couscous, or wild rice.
- Make it dairy-free – Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt in the dressing.
What to Serve with Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls
- Grilled pineapple salsa for a sweet contrast
- Tortilla chips and guacamole for extra crunch
- Coconut rice or cilantro lime rice for added flavor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Skewer and grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side.
How can I make this low-carb?
Use cauliflower rice instead of grains and skip the beans.
Conclusion
These Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls are zesty, fresh, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for a quick and healthy meal. With bold chili-lime flavor, juicy shrimp, and fresh toppings, this dish is guaranteed to be a new favorite!
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy and delicious recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 380 kcal per bowl (based on 4 servings).
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
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Easy Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls – Fresh, Zesty & Packed with Flavor!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
These Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls are bold, zesty, and loaded with fresh ingredients! A quick and healthy meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chili Lime Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl Base (Choose One):
- 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa
- 2 cups cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (grilled or canned)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Creamy Chili Lime Dressing (Optional):
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Shrimp
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp and toss until well coated.
- Let marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Bowl Base & Toppings
- Cook rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package instructions.
- Chop and prepare all fresh toppings.
4. Make the Creamy Chili Lime Dressing (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and honey.
- Drizzle over the shrimp bowls before serving.
5. Assemble the Bowls
- Start with rice or quinoa as the base.
- Add black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
- Top with the chili lime shrimp.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Drizzle with chili lime dressing if using.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Enjoy warm or chilled!
- Serve with extra lime wedges and hot sauce if desired.
Notes
✔ Don’t overcook the shrimp – They cook quickly and should be pink and opaque.
✔ Let the shrimp marinate – Even 10-15 minutes enhances the flavor.
✔ Customize the toppings – Add roasted bell peppers, jalapeños, or shredded lettuce!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380