I still remember the first time I threw this meal together. I had just finished a long day at work and I was absolutely starving but I did not want to spend an hour over the stove. I pulled some shrimp out of the freezer and found a perfectly ripe avocado on the counter and suddenly these shrimp avocado bowls were born. The colors in this bowl are just so vibrant and happy. When you hit it with that fresh squeeze of lime juice it creates this refreshing burst of flavor that makes everything pop. It is honestly the best thing to make on a busy weeknight when you want a gourmet dinner without the long wait.

Why You Will Love These Shrimp Avocado Bowls

You are going to obsessed with these shrimp avocado bowls because they are incredibly fast to make. We are talking about a meal that goes from the fridge to the table in fifteen minutes flat. These bowls are also super healthy and naturally gluten free. You get a massive hit of protein from the shrimp and plenty of omega 3 fatty acids from the avocado. It is light enough that you do not feel heavy afterward but filling enough to keep you satisfied until breakfast.

Essential Ingredients for Shrimp Avocado Bowls

To make the best shrimp avocado bowls you really want to focus on fresh components. Use a high quality olive oil for searing and do not skip the smoked paprika because it adds such a nice depth of flavor. Fresh garlic is also a total game changer here. Here is what you need to gather.

Jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
Ripe Hass avocados
Pre cooked quinoa or jasmine rice
Fresh lime juice and zest
Red onion and fresh cilantro

Selecting the Best Shrimp

When you are at the store you might wonder if you should get the fresh shrimp or the frozen bag. I almost always go for the frozen ones. Most shrimp is flash frozen right on the boat as soon as it is caught so it is often much fresher than the shrimp that has been sitting in the display case for a few days. Just let them thaw in a bowl of cool water for about ten minutes and they are ready to cook.

How to Pick the Perfect Avocado

There is nothing worse than cutting into a brown avocado. To avoid that disappointment try this little trick. Look at the small stem on the top of the avocado and flick it off with your thumb. If the spot underneath is a bright pretty green then the avocado is perfect. If it looks brown or dark then it is likely overripe and you should put it back.

Step by Step Instructions for Shrimp Avocado Bowls

Making these shrimp avocado bowls is all about the timing. You want everything ready to go because the shrimp cooks in a flash. Follow these steps for a perfect result every single time.

Season the shrimp with a good pinch of salt and pepper and a heavy dusting of smoked paprika.
Sear the shrimp in a very hot skillet with a little oil for about 2 minutes per side. Do not overcook them or they will become rubbery and tough.
Dice your avocado into bite sized chunks just before you are ready to serve to ensure maximum freshness and color.
Assemble the base with your warm grains and then top it with the hot shrimp and fresh avocado before drizzling it all with lime dressing.

Ways to Customize Your Shrimp Avocado Bowls

You can easily tweak these shrimp avocado bowls to fit whatever diet you are following or just to use what you have in the pantry.

Low Carb: Swap out the rice or quinoa for some cauliflower rice or serve everything over a big bed of fresh arugula.
Spicy: If you like some heat you can add sliced jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning while they cook.
Extra Crunch: I love to toss in some toasted pepitas or very thinly sliced radishes to give the bowl a little more texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp Avocado Bowls

If you are planning to make these shrimp avocado bowls for your weekly meal prep you just need to be careful with the avocado. It tends to turn brown when it hits the air. I suggest storing the cooked shrimp and rice together in your containers but keep the avocado separate. Only cut the avocado and add it to the bowl right when you are ready to eat. If you really need to cut it ahead of time then give it a very heavy squeeze of lime juice and keep it in a tight container to slow down the browning.

Nutritional Information for Shrimp Avocado Bowls

This recipe for shrimp avocado bowls is a nutritional powerhouse. Here is a quick breakdown of what you can expect in a standard serving size.

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g of healthy monounsaturated fats
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 9g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre cooked shrimp?

You can use pre cooked shrimp if you are in a massive rush but the flavor will not be quite as good. Searing raw shrimp in the pan allows the spices to really stick to the meat and gives you a much better texture. If you do use pre cooked shrimp just toss them in the pan for thirty seconds to warm them up so they do not get too chewy.

How long do these bowls stay fresh?

The cooked shrimp and the grains will stay fresh in your refrigerator for about three days. Just make sure they are in an airtight container. As I mentioned before the avocado is the only part that does not keep well so just add that fresh every day for the best experience.

Is this recipe kid friendly?

It definitely can be. If your kids are a bit picky about their food touching you can serve this as a deconstructed bowl. Put the shrimp and the rice and the avocado in separate piles on their plate. You can also tone down the paprika if they are sensitive to spices and just use a little butter and salt instead.