Garlic Shrimp Bowl Dinner (Printable)

Garlicky shrimp atop rice with fresh veggies, avocado and lime — ready in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
05 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Rice

09 - 2 cups cooked white rice or brown rice

→ Vegetables and Toppings

10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 1 avocado, sliced
12 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced
13 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
15 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine shrimp with minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat the shrimp and let sit for 10 minutes.
02 - Prepare rice following package instructions if not already cooked. Set aside and keep warm.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the marinated shrimp and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat promptly to prevent overcooking.
04 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Arrange sautéed shrimp, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, cucumber, and red onion on top of the rice.
05 - Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The garlicky shrimp are juicy and full of punchy flavor, like a little secret you add to your dinner rotation.
  • It’s a healthy, colorful bowl that actually feels satisfying without being fussy.
02 -
  • The shrimp will turn rubbery and bland if left in the pan too long—I learned this by distraction more than once.
  • Letting the garlic marinate with the shrimp instead of tossing it in last gives deeper flavor.
03 -
  • Dry the shrimp well so they sear instead of steam.
  • Stir the marinade right before adding the shrimp to the pan so they cook evenly.

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