If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, look no further than these Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls with Avocado Cilantro Cream. This dish combines succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, fluffy jasmine rice, and a rich avocado cilantro cream that brings everything together beautifully. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, these rice bowls are a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re a shrimp lover or just someone who enjoys vibrant, fresh meals, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With easy-to-follow steps and ingredients that you likely already have on hand, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s customizable! Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls with Avocado Cilantro Cream. Here are just a few:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays or impromptu dinner parties.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, lemon, and cilantro makes every bite a burst of fresh flavor. The shrimp is cooked to perfection, while the creamy avocado sauce adds a luscious texture.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the shrimp, healthy fats from the avocado, and fiber from the rice, this meal is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even switch up the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the shrimp, green avocado cream, and fluffy rice create a dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together friends and family around the dinner table. The zesty flavors will leave you craving more, and it’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, these bowls will satisfy every appetite.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Still on the fence about making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls with Avocado Cilantro Cream? Here are more compelling reasons to give it a shot:
- Meal Prep Friendly: The rice and shrimp can be made in advance and stored separately, making this a perfect option for meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love shrimp, and the creamy avocado sauce means they won’t even notice they’re eating something healthy!
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers, they make a fantastic lunch option the next day. Simply reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.
- Balanced Meal: This dish is well-balanced with protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome option for any meal.
- Impress Your Guests: Hosting a dinner party? Serve these rice bowls, and your guests will be raving about the flavors long after the meal is over.
In a world where we often find ourselves short on time, this recipe shines for its ability to deliver a gourmet experience without the fuss. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of home cooking simple, fresh, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
To create these delightful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls with Avocado Cilantro Cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
For the Avocado Cilantro Cream:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Necessary Utensils
- Medium saucepan for cooking rice
- Large skillet for cooking shrimp
- Blender or food processor for avocado cilantro cream
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients
- Serving bowls
Having the right utensils will streamline your cooking process and help ensure the best results. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients and utensils, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of crafting these delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls with Avocado Cilantro Cream.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy rice.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water or vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside. This will be the base of your rice bowls.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Allow it to heat up but not smoke.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Cilantro Cream
- In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, cilantro leaves, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This creamy sauce will add a refreshing touch to your dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls, creating a generous base for the shrimp.
- Top each bowl with a generous portion of the lemon garlic shrimp.
- Drizzle the avocado cilantro cream over the shrimp and rice for that creamy, zesty flavor.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
And there you have it! Your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls with Avocado Cilantro Cream are ready to be enjoyed. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your taste buds dancing with delight!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for best results.
What can I substitute for jasmine rice?
You can substitute jasmine rice with basmati rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier option.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount used. The dish will still be flavorful without the heat.
Can I make the avocado cilantro cream ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the avocado cilantro cream in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to prevent browning.
What other toppings can I add to the rice bowls?
Feel free to add toppings like sliced radishes, diced tomatoes, cucumber, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls with Avocado Cilantro Cream are not only simple to make but also a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious and vibrant meal. The fresh flavors of lemon and garlic paired with creamy avocado create a dish that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experience and let us know how your rice bowls turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out these links: Spicy Beef Bites and Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine. And for some inspiration, visit our Pinterest page: Cheflora Pinterest.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls with Avocado Cilantro Cream
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet
- Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Lemon, juice
- 1 Lemon, zest
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Rice
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 2 cups Water or vegetable broth
- to taste Salt (for rice)
For the Avocado Cilantro Cream
- 1 Ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 Lime, juice
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro leaves
- to taste Salt (for cream)
For Serving
- to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped
- as needed Lime wedges
Instructions
Instructions
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water or vegetable broth, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, cilantro leaves, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with a generous portion of the lemon garlic shrimp.
- Drizzle the avocado cilantro cream over the shrimp and rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.