Cajun Shrimp Taco Bowls (Printable)

Flavorful bowls featuring spicy shrimp, rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado for easy meals.

# Ingredient List:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/4 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 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 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Vegetable Toppings

11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or drained canned)
13 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 avocado, sliced
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Sauce

17 - 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
18 - 1 tbsp lime juice
19 - 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
20 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For Serving

21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# Directions:

01 - Combine rice, water or chicken broth, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
02 - Whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce if using, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
03 - Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until evenly coated.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
05 - While shrimp cooks, prepare cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, lettuce, avocado, and cilantro.
06 - Divide rice among four bowls. Top each with shrimp, vegetables, avocado, cilantro, and drizzle with creamy lime sauce. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in under 20 minutes, so you can eat before the hunger turns dangerous.
  • The creamy lime sauce cools down the Cajun heat in a way that makes you want another bite immediately.
  • Its endlessly customizable, you can raid the fridge and it still works.
02 -
  • Dont crowd the shrimp in the pan or theyll steam instead of sear, and youll lose that crispy edge.
  • If your rice turns out mushy, you added too much water, use a 2 to 1 ratio and dont lift the lid while it cooks.
  • Let the shrimp rest for a minute after cooking so the juices redistribute and they stay tender.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat better and gives the shrimp a better sear.
  • Make the sauce ahead and let it sit in the fridge for an hour so the flavors deepen and meld together.
  • If your Cajun seasoning is old, replace it, stale spices taste like dust and ruin the whole dish.
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