Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you craving more? The Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Crema is a vibrant, satisfying dish that combines the smoky, spicy flavors of blackened shrimp with the cool, refreshing notes of cilantro lime crema. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this bowl is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious food lovers. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Crema is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds! Here’s why you should try it:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip it up in no time!
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices used to blacken the shrimp creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that is perfectly complemented by the creamy cilantro lime sauce.
- Customizable: Feel free to modify the ingredients according to your preferences! Add your favorite vegetables or substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different take.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this bowl is a wholesome meal option that won’t leave you feeling guilty.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Aside from the deliciousness of the Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Crema, there are several compelling reasons to try this recipe:
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prepping! You can prepare the shrimp and crema ahead of time and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this bowl is versatile enough to suit any occasion.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also makes this dish a healthy choice. The combination of shrimp, black beans, corn, and avocado provides a range of nutrients.
- Simple Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans required, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of a messy kitchen.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish holds up well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers for lunch the next day!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients and tools you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- For the Cilantro Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Necessary Utensils:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Serving bowls
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get cooking!
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and the juice of 1 lime. Mix well until you have a uniform spice mixture. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Make sure each shrimp is well covered with the flavorful mix.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque, with a nice char on the outside. This step is crucial for achieving that delicious blackened flavor. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Cilantro Lime Crema:
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. This crema will add a cool, creamy element to your bowl, balancing out the spice of the shrimp.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice, black beans, corn, and the delicious blackened shrimp. Top with slices of avocado and drizzle generously with the cilantro lime crema.
5. Serve:
Garnish with additional cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. The fresh lime juice adds a zesty touch just before digging in!
FAQs
What can I serve with the Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Crema?
You can serve this bowl with tortilla chips, a side salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make the Cilantro Lime Crema ahead of time?
Yes! The crema can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of cayenne pepper used. Feel free to reduce or omit it for a milder flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
What other proteins can I use instead of shrimp?
You can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even fish for a different flavor profile while still enjoying the delicious crema.
Conclusion
The Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Crema is not just a meal; it’s an experience. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, this dish is bound to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family night or impressing guests, this recipe checks all the boxes for deliciousness, nutrition, and ease of preparation. Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts or share your photos of your creation; we’d love to see how your bowls turned out! For more exciting recipes, check out this Pinterest page and explore various cooking inspirations.

Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Crema
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
For the Blackened Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 none lime juice Juice of 1 lime
For the Cilantro Lime Crema
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 none lime juice Juice of 1 lime
- to taste none salt
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 none avocado, sliced
- to taste none lime wedges, for serving
- to taste none fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Mix well.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the spice mixture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are cooked through and have a nice char. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix until well combined. Adjust salt to taste.
- In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice, black beans, corn, and blackened shrimp. Top with sliced avocado and drizzle with the cilantro lime crema.
- Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy your Blackened Shrimp Bowl!