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Flavorful Cajun Shrimp Bowl

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A quick and easy protein-packed dinner featuring smoky, spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp served over rice with fresh veggies and avocado. Perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 ½ cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: a few dashes of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 1 pound of medium shrimp. Toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside for 5 minutes.
  2. Cook 1 ½ cups of white or brown rice according to package instructions if not using leftover rice. Fluff with a fork once done.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ½ cup chopped onion and 1 cup diced bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened but still bright.
  4. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Push veggies to the side of the pan, increase heat to high, and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  6. Stir shrimp and veggies together. Squeeze 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the mixture. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Add hot sauce if desired.
  7. Spoon cooked rice into bowls, top with the Cajun shrimp and veggie mix. Add slices of ripe avocado and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming shrimp. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Cook shrimp until opaque and curled to avoid rubberiness. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp bowl, spicy shrimp recipe, protein-packed dinner, quick shrimp recipe, easy Cajun dinner, shrimp and rice bowl

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