As the sun dips below the horizon, imagine bringing a burst of tropical flavor to your dinner table with my 30-Minute Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa. This dish transforms those busy weeknights into an exciting culinary adventure, combining tender shrimp seasoned to perfection with zesty, fresh pineapple salsa. Not only is it quick to whip up—taking just half an hour—but it’s also a delightful way to escape the mundane and embrace vibrant, homemade goodness. Whether you’re hoping to impress or just want something satisfying and healthy, this bowl of sunshine promises to be a hit. Ready to turn your dinner into a mini getaway? Let’s dive in! Why is This Recipe So Special? Ease of Preparation: With only 30 minutes needed, this meal is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you still want something homemade. Tropical Vibes: The fresh pineapple salsa brings a delightful sweetness that complements the savory shrimp, creating a dish that’s a feast for the senses. Customizable Options: Feel free to swap in chicken or firm tofu for variety, or try out coconut rice for a fun twist. Healthy and Delicious: Packed with high protein and vitamins from fresh ingredients, this bowl keeps your meals satisfying and guilt-free, just like my One Pan Shrimp dish! Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s family dinner or date night, this shrimp & rice bowl is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table with its vibrant flavors! Shrimp & Rice Bowl Ingredients • Dive into the delightful world of flavor with these essential ingredients for a fantastic Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa! For the Rice • Jasmine Rice – This fluffy rice serves as the perfect neutral base that complements all the toppings. For the Shrimp • Shrimp – The star protein of the dish; choose fresh or frozen for convenience! • Old Bay Seasoning – Infuses the shrimp with a classic coastal flavor everyone loves. For the Pineapple Salsa • Pineapple – Fresh or canned, this sweet fruit adds tropical brightness to your bowl! • Red Onion – Provides a crunchy bite and sharpness to balance the sweetness. • Roma Tomato – Juicy and acidic, it rounds out the salsa with a refreshing touch. • Cilantro – A hint of herbaceous brightness; feel free to swap it with parsley if preferred. • Lime Juice – A splash of acidity that elevates the flavors in the salsa. For the Avocado Crema • Avocado – Creamy and rich, it brings an indulgent texture to the bowl. • Greek Yogurt – A light alternative to avocado for a healthier twist. Seasoning & Cooking • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; always adjust to your liking for the best flavor! • Olive Oil – Perfect for sautéing shrimp and blending your crema smoothly. This ingredient lineup will bring your Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa to life, transforming your dinner into a vibrant tropical escape! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa Step 1: Cook the Rice Begin by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice with 1¾ cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and reduce to low heat, simmering for 18-20 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is fluffy. Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp While the rice cooks, pat dry ½ lb of shrimp with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the seasoned shrimp to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while the rice finishes cooking. Step 3: Make the Pineapple Salsa Chop 1 cup of fresh pineapple, ¼ cup of red onion, and 1 Roma tomato into small pieces and add them to a mixing bowl. Stir in ¼ cup of chopped cilantro and the juice of 1 lime. Season with salt and pepper, then let the salsa sit for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and combine beautifully while you prepare the rest of your Shrimp & Rice Bowl. Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Crema In a blender, combine 1 ripe avocado, ¼ cup of Greek yogurt, a handful of cilantro, 1 green onion, the juice from another lime, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a splash of water. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more water if necessary. This creamy avocado salsa will add richness and balance against the bright flavors of the pineapple salsa. Step 5: Cook the Shrimp Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Let them cook without moving for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on one side. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until they’re opaque and cooked through. Step 6: Assemble the Bowls To serve, divide the fluffy jasmine rice among serving bowls. Top each portion generously with the perfectly cooked shrimp, a hearty scoop of luscious pineapple salsa, and drizzle with the smooth avocado crema. Serve immediately while warm, and consider pairing it with tortilla chips on the side for a delightful crunch! Make Ahead Options These Shrimp & Rice Bowls with Pineapple Salsa are fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the pineapple salsa up to 24 hours in advance, combining diced pineapple, red onion, Roma tomato, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl (the flavors develop beautifully when sitting). The jasmine rice can also be cooked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just reheat before serving. For the best results, cook the shrimp fresh to maintain their tender quality. When ready to enjoy your meal, simply reheat the rice and assemble your bowls with the salsa and shrimp! Shrimp & Rice Bowl Variations Feel free to get creative and tailor this delicious recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs! Nut-Free: If you’re reducing allergens, simply leave out the avocado crema and enjoy the fresh pineapple salsa on its own. Spice It Up: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the pineapple salsa for an extra kick. The heat pairs wonderfully with the sweetness! Coconut Rice: Swap jasmine rice for coconut rice by cooking it with coconut milk instead of water, enhancing that tropical vibe. Vegan Protein: Replace shrimp with grilled firm tofu or tempeh for a hearty vegan option that delivers on flavor and texture. Fruit Swap: Try using mango or papaya in your salsa instead of pineapple for a new sweet twist. These fruits can add their own unique flavor profiles to the dish! Garlic Lovers: Toss some minced garlic into the shrimp while cooking, elevating the savory notes and giving your meal an aromatic lift—it’s truly irresistible! Herb Options: Swap out cilantro for fresh mint or basil in the salsa for a refreshing herbaceous punch that offers a different taste experience. Taco Night: Serve all the ingredients in warm tortillas instead of bowls for a fun, hands-on dinner option perfect for taco night! As you explore these variations, consider pairing your Shrimp & Rice Bowl with some delectable sides like Shrimp Fried Rice or a vibrant Greek Salsa for an extra burst of flavor. Each option brings a unique twist to your meal while keeping it fresh and exciting! Expert Tips for Shrimp & Rice Bowl Pat Dry Shrimp: Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to get a perfect sear that keeps them tender. Cook Time Awareness: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque, cooking just 2-3 minutes per side. Salsa Prep: Prepare the pineapple salsa in advance; allowing it to sit enhances the flavors that will elevate your shrimp & rice bowl. Ingredient Substitutions: Experiment with your favorite proteins or fruits; chicken or firm tofu works wonderfully instead of shrimp for a twist! Serving Suggestions: Pair your bowl with tortilla chips and lime wedges for added crunch and a zesty finish. What to Serve with 30-Minute Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Tropical Pineapple Salsa Imagine a sunny evening with tantalizing dishes complementing your vibrant bowl—perfect companions for an unforgettable meal. Crispy Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips offer the perfect contrast to the creamy avocado crema and vibrant salsa, enhancing the tropical experience. Mango Salad: A light, refreshing salad with juicy mango, mixed greens, and a lime vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the pineapple salsa beautifully. Steamed Broccoli: Tender, green broccoli adds a nutritious crunch, balancing the richness of the shrimp and avocado crema in a delightful way. Coconut Rice: Delightfully fragrant, coconut rice aligns with the tropical theme, bringing an additional layer of sweetness and flavor to your meal. Pineapple Mojito: A refreshing cocktail with mint, lime, and a hint of pineapple enhances the tropical ambiance and refreshes the palate. Lime Sorbet: A zesty, frozen treat perfect for cleansing the palate, it adds a sweet finish that rounds out the meal beautifully. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Smoky, charred corn drizzled with lime and chili powder offers a fun, summery side to your dinner theme. Cucumber Slaw: A crisp slaw with lime juice, cilantro, and a dash of chili makes a refreshing pairing that lightens up the overall meal. Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio has citrus notes that echo the dish while providing a crisp finish. How to Store and Freeze Shrimp & Rice Bowl Fridge: Store your assembled Shrimp & Rice Bowl in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To enjoy, reheat in the microwave until heated through. Freezer: If you want to freeze this dish, separately freeze the shrimp and pineapple salsa in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: For best results, reheat the rice in the microwave with a splash of water to regain moisture. The shrimp can be reheated in a skillet for a crisp finish. Keep Fresh: Pineapple salsa is best when fresh; prepare it just before serving or enjoy as topping on other meals for a tropical twist! Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa Recipe FAQs What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe? Absolutely, fresh shrimp is best for this recipe, but frozen shrimp is also a convenient option. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or quickly under cold running water before cooking. How should I store the leftover Shrimp & Rice Bowl? Store your assembled Shrimp & Rice Bowl in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave until warmed through. If you find the rice has dried out a bit, adding a splash of water while reheating can help regain moisture. Can I freeze the components of this dish? Yes! For freezing, I recommend placing the shrimp and pineapple salsa in airtight containers or freezer bags and storing them for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then quickly warm the shrimp in a skillet to regain their crisp texture. For the rice, heat it in the microwave with a little water to fluff it back up. What should I do if my shrimp are rubbery after cooking? Cooking shrimp too long can lead to a tough, rubbery texture. Always aim for a cooking time of about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re just pink and opaque. If you notice your shrimp are rubbery despite following the steps, it may be due to overcooking or using shrimp that were previously frozen for too long. Can I use a different lime juice substitute? Very! If you don’t have fresh lime juice on hand, bottled lime juice will work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that fresh lime provides brighter flavors. You can also experiment with lemon juice for a different twist in your pineapple salsa and avocado crema! Is this recipe suitable for people with shellfish allergies? For those with shellfish allergies, definitely opt for chicken, firm tofu, or another protein source that works for you. The rest of the recipe remains flavorful and delightful, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant tropical experience without the shrimp! Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa Recipe FAQs Sweet and Savory Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa Elevate your dinner with a delicious Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa, combining savory shrimp and zesty salsa in just 30 minutes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: Seafood, TropicalCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Rice1 cup Jasmine Rice RinsedFor the Shrimp0.5 lb Shrimp Fresh or frozen1 teaspoon Old Bay SeasoningSalt Salt To tastePepper Pepper To tasteFor the Pineapple Salsa1 cup Pineapple Chopped, fresh or canned0.25 cup Red Onion Chopped1 unit Roma Tomato Chopped0.25 cup Cilantro Chopped1 unit Lime Juice Juice from one limeFor the Avocado Crema1 unit Avocado Ripe0.25 cup Greek Yogurt1 unit Green Onion A handful1 unit Lime Juice Juice from another lime1 tablespoon Olive OilWater Water To adjust consistencySeasoning & Cooking2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing Equipment potskilletblendermixing bowl Method DirectionsRinse jasmine rice under cold water until clear. Combine with 1¾ cups water and a pinch of salt. Boil, then simmer until fluffy.Pat dry shrimp, toss with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.Chop pineapple, red onion, and Roma tomato. Mix with cilantro and lime juice. Season and let sit for 10 minutes.Blend avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, green onion, lime juice, olive oil, and water until smooth.Heat olive oil in skillet. Cook shrimp until golden brown, then flip and cook until opaque.Serve rice topped with shrimp, pineapple salsa, and avocado crema. Enjoy the harmony of flavors! Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesFor best results, pat the shrimp dry before cooking and avoid overcooking. Pineapple salsa is best fresh. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
