If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal, then Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Ranch are perfect for you! This dish combines succulent grilled shrimp, fluffy jasmine rice, and a delectable creamy cilantro ranch dressing, making it a flavor-packed option for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply want to treat yourself to a quick weeknight meal, these rice bowls are sure to impress.
What sets these Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowls apart is not just the freshness of the ingredients but also the versatility of the dish. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, like sliced avocados or fresh cherry tomatoes, to suit your taste. Plus, the creamy cilantro ranch dressing adds a zesty kick that ties everything together beautifully. Ready to dive into this scrumptious recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Ranch. First and foremost, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a meal that looks and tastes gourmet. The marinated grilled shrimp takes only a few minutes to cook, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Another reason to love this recipe is its health benefits. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein and packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. Coupled with the vitamins from fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and avocado, you’re looking at a wholesome meal that is both nourishing and satisfying. The jasmine rice serves as a perfect base, offering a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to swap out the jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier grain option. You can also add in your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers or corn, to enhance the nutritional value and add even more color to your bowls. With all these options, you can easily make this meal fit your dietary preferences.
Flavorful and Fresh
The combination of smoked paprika and cumin in the shrimp marinade offers a smoky, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cilantro ranch dressing. This dressing is a game-changer, elevating the dish with its refreshing taste and creamy texture. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in a meal that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to prepare?
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re still on the fence about trying Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Ranch, here are a few more compelling reasons to give it a go. Firstly, the preparation time is minimal. With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Moreover, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can easily double the ingredients to have leftover bowls for lunch the next day, which means you’ll have a tasty and nutritious option ready to go. Just store the components separately, and when you’re ready to eat, assemble your bowl fresh!
Hosting friends for dinner? These rice bowls are a fantastic option for impressing guests with minimal effort. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will make it look as amazing as it tastes, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. Plus, the creamy cilantro ranch dressing is sure to become a favorite, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
To prepare these delicious Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Ranch, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- For the Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Creamy Cilantro Ranch:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Serving:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Lime wedges
- Extra cilantro for garnish
Recommended Tools or Utensils
- Medium saucepan for cooking rice
- Bowl for marinating shrimp
- Grill or grill pan
- Skewers (optional)
- Whisk for mixing the dressing
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to create your Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Ranch.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This ensures the rice is fluffy and well-cooked.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cilantro Ranch
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste based on your preference for tanginess and saltiness.
Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers if desired. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and opaque. Make sure not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly!
Step 5: Assemble the Rice Bowls
In serving bowls, layer the cooked jasmine rice, grilled shrimp, sliced avocado, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with creamy cilantro ranch and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh finish.
Step 6: Serve
Enjoy your Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Ranch immediately, savoring the fresh flavors and creamy dressing! These bowls are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them perfect for sharing on social media.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling. This will ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
What can I substitute for jasmine rice?
You can substitute jasmine rice with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just adjust the cooking times as needed for each grain.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Is the creamy cilantro ranch vegan-friendly?
The traditional recipe is not vegan due to mayonnaise and sour cream. However, you can substitute these with vegan alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and shrimp in advance, as well as cook the rice. Just grill the shrimp when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor.
Conclusion
In summary, Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Ranch are a fantastic meal option that combines convenience, health, and incredible flavors. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, these bowls are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to customize the toppings to your liking, and feel free to share your creations with us!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below, share this article with friends, and check out our other delicious recipes like Sweet Teriyaki Beef Skewers and Garlic Butter Shrimp Poppers. Happy cooking!
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Grilled Shrimp Rice Bowls with Creamy Cilantro Ranch
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Medium saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 lime Lime juice
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 Avocado, sliced
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Lime wedges
- Extra cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and opaque.
- In serving bowls, layer the cooked jasmine rice, grilled shrimp, sliced avocado, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with creamy cilantro ranch and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
- Enjoy your grilled shrimp rice bowls immediately, savoring the fresh flavors and creamy dressing!
