This Shrimp Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is a tropical dream come true! Juicy, well-seasoned shrimp pair beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice and a bright, citrusy pineapple salsa. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes this dish a standout for any meal. If you’re a fan of fresh, light, and flavorful bowls, this one’s for you!
Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle it with creamy avocado crema for an extra layer of richness and tang. Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight meal or meal prepping for the week, this bowl is a must-try. It’s fast, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Full Recipe:
- For the Shrimp:
- ½ lb large shrimp
- ½ tsp Old Bay
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- For the Pineapple Salsa:
- ⅓ pineapple, diced
- ¼ red onion, diced
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- For the Avocado Crema (Optional):
- ½ avocado
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup cilantro
- 2 green onion stems
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
Directions:
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, drizzle olive oil over the shrimp. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Mix until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Cook the shrimp for 6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make the Pineapple Salsa: In a bowl, combine diced pineapple, red onion, Roma tomato, and cilantro. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Mix well and adjust seasonings to taste.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare jasmine rice according to package instructions.
- Make the Avocado Crema (Optional): Blend all avocado crema ingredients until smooth. Add more water if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Assemble the Bowl: Add a layer of cooked rice, then top with shrimp, pineapple salsa, and avocado slices. Drizzle with avocado crema if using. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal (approx.) | Servings: 2
Shrimp Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa – A Fresh and Flavorful Delight
If you’re looking for a meal that is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, the Shrimp Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is a perfect choice. This dish combines succulent shrimp, fluffy jasmine rice, and a vibrant pineapple salsa, creating the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or preparing a healthy meal for the week, this recipe is packed with nutrition and deliciousness.
Why This Shrimp Rice Bowl Stands Out
This dish is more than just a simple rice bowl—it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. The shrimp is seasoned with a blend of Old Bay, garlic powder, and onion powder, giving it a deep, slightly smoky flavor with a hint of spice. Air-frying the shrimp ensures they stay tender on the inside with a light crisp on the outside.
The real star of this dish is the pineapple salsa, which adds a tropical twist. The combination of fresh pineapple, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice creates a refreshing contrast to the savory shrimp. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat, making the flavors pop even more.
Adding creamy avocado slices or a drizzle of avocado crema takes this dish to another level. The rich, smooth texture of the avocado complements the brightness of the salsa and the heartiness of the rice, creating a well-rounded meal.
A Perfectly Balanced Meal
One of the best things about this shrimp rice bowl is that it’s nutritionally well-balanced. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories but packed with essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Jasmine rice provides the necessary carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the pineapple salsa offers vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Avocado, a popular superfood, adds healthy fats, which help with nutrient absorption and keep you feeling full for longer. The combination of all these ingredients makes this dish a fantastic option for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Why Air Frying Shrimp is a Game-Changer
Cooking shrimp in an air fryer not only makes this recipe quicker but also reduces the need for excess oil, making it a healthier option. The hot air circulation crisps up the shrimp beautifully, giving them a perfect texture without deep-frying. The shrimp cook in just six minutes, making this an ideal meal for busy weeknights.
Air frying also enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp, ensuring they remain juicy and tender. Plus, it’s a hassle-free method with minimal cleanup, making cooking at home even more convenient.
The Magic of Pineapple Salsa
The sweet and tangy pineapple salsa is what makes this dish truly special. Pineapple’s natural sweetness perfectly balances the acidity of the lime juice, while the red onion and cilantro add layers of complexity.
This salsa isn’t just great for this shrimp rice bowl—it can be used in so many other ways! Try it as a topping for grilled chicken, tacos, or even as a dip for tortilla chips. The freshness of the ingredients makes it a great addition to summer meals, barbecues, and light lunches.
Customization and Variations
One of the best things about this shrimp rice bowl is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to fit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences:
- Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the pineapple salsa for more heat.
- Use a different grain: Swap jasmine rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Try different proteins: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute grilled chicken, tofu, or even salmon.
- Enhance the flavors: A drizzle of spicy mayo, sriracha, or even coconut aminos can give the bowl an extra kick.
This recipe is great for meal prep as well! Prepare the components in advance, and you’ll have a fresh, healthy meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of sides to create an even more exciting meal. Here are some great accompaniments:
- A side of roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus)
- A light cucumber salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled corn on the cob for a touch of smokiness
- A refreshing mango smoothie or pineapple juice for a tropical vibe
If you’re serving this dish for a gathering or dinner party, consider setting up a DIY rice bowl station, where guests can customize their bowls with different toppings like extra avocado, salsa, lime wedges, or chili flakes.
Health Benefits of This Dish
This shrimp rice bowl isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with health benefits. Each ingredient contributes to making this a nutrient-dense meal:
- Shrimp provides a lean protein source with essential omega-3 fatty acids.
- Pineapple is high in vitamin C, which helps boost immunity.
- Avocado is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health.
- Cilantro has natural anti-inflammatory properties and adds a fresh, herbal taste.
- Lime juice aids in digestion and enhances nutrient absorption.
By incorporating these ingredients into your diet, you can enjoy a meal that is both indulgent and good for your body.
Why You Should Try This Shrimp Rice Bowl Today
If you love bold, fresh flavors, this Shrimp Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is a must-try. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s:
✅ Quick and easy – Ready in just 35 minutes
✅ Packed with nutrition – High in protein, fiber, and healthy fats
✅ Customizable – Can be adapted to fit different diets and preferences
✅ Perfect for meal prep – Store the ingredients separately and assemble as needed
✅ Bursting with tropical flavors – A great way to enjoy a light, summery meal
Conclusion
The Shrimp Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa is a vibrant, nutritious, and satisfying meal that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more.