Chipotle Shrimp Bowl Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s bold, fresh, and comes together faster than a dinner delivery, you’ll absolutely adore this Chipotle Shrimp Bowl. Succulent shrimp, marinated in smoky chipotle peppers and spices, nestle atop wholesomely hearty brown rice, accompanied by juicy cherry tomatoes, buttery avocado, and a confetti of colorful veggies. It’s everything you love—zesty flavor, satisfying texture, and vibrant color—all in one bowl. Whether you’re meal-prepping, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this Chipotle Shrimp Bowl is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your Chipotle Shrimp Bowl ingredients is a breeze, and every element truly earns its spot in this dish. From the smoky heat of chipotle to the creamy pop of fresh avocado, each ingredient brings flavor, color, and nutrition to your bowl.
- Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): The star of the bowl, these cook up quickly and soak in all those incredible smoky flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Ensures juicy, flavorful shrimp and helps to marry all the seasonings together.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (2, minced): Adds signature heat and a wonderfully smoky depth.
- Adobo sauce (1 tbsp from the chipotle can): Packs in even more smoky, spicy goodness.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Provides aromatic warmth that elevates every bite.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Enhances the smokiness without overpowering the shrimp.
- Ground cumin (1/2 tsp): Brings an earthy undertone that rounds out the marinade.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the bold flavors.
- Cooked brown rice or cilantro-lime rice (2 cups): Forms the sturdy, wholesome base of your bowl.
- Black beans (1 cup, rinsed and drained): Add creaminess, protein, and a lovely pop of color.
- Corn kernels (1 cup, fresh or thawed from frozen): Lend delightful sweetness and a sunshiny yellow hue.
- Avocado (1, sliced): Delivers a creamy, cooling contrast to the spicy shrimp.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): Juicy and bright, they add tang and freshness.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): For sharpness and a punch of color in every bite.
- Lime wedges and fresh cilantro (for garnish): Perk up the bowl with zippy citrus and herby finish.
How to Make Chipotle Shrimp Bowl
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Make sure every piece gets a generous coating of the marinade. Let the shrimp rest for 15 to 20 minutes—this brief marinating time is the secret to infusing your shrimp with maximum flavor in minimal time.
Step 2: Prep the Bowl Ingredients
While the shrimp soaks up that glorious smoky heat, prep the rest of your bowl items. Cook your brown rice (or cilantro-lime rice for a zesty kick), rinse and drain your black beans, slice up that creamy avocado, halve those cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion. Having these fresh elements ready will make assembling your Chipotle Shrimp Bowl a total breeze.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat—no need to add extra oil since your shrimp is already coated. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for shrimp that turn pink and slightly caramelized around the edges. Work in batches if you need to keep them cooking evenly.
Step 4: Assemble the Chipotle Shrimp Bowl
To build your perfect bowl, start by spreading a generous scoop of rice at the bottom. Layer on the black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced avocado. Pile your hot, smoky shrimp on top. The final flourish: shower your creation with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Trust me, every bite will deliver a medley of flavors you’ll want to dive right into.
How to Serve Chipotle Shrimp Bowl
Garnishes
No Chipotle Shrimp Bowl is complete without a shower of fresh cilantro, a few juicy lime wedges, and perhaps a creamy drizzle of chipotle mayo or lime crema. These add color, freshness, and a bit of luscious richness to round out your meal. A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco is also a fabulous touch if you want a bit more indulgence.
Side Dishes
This bowl is a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to stretch the spread, think about sides like crispy tortilla chips, a vibrant mango salsa, or a simple green salad. These extras bring out the lively flavors of your Chipotle Shrimp Bowl and make it perfect for sharing at the table or at your next get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this recipe into build-your-own bowl night by setting out all the toppings separately and letting everyone assemble their custom Chipotle Shrimp Bowl. Or, turn the filling into meal-prep burritos, stuffed avocados, or even lettuce wraps for a surprising, lower-carb twist—there’s truly no limit to how you can make this meal shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover components of your Chipotle Shrimp Bowl in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp, rice, beans, and veggies will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It’s best to slice your avocado just before serving to keep it from browning. If meal-prepping, assemble fully but hold off on adding avocado and garnishes until ready to eat.
Freezing
While the rice and black beans can be frozen with ease, hold off on freezing the shrimp for best texture—they can sometimes get rubbery when reheated from frozen. If you need to prep ahead, freeze the rice and beans in portions, then add freshly cooked shrimp and toppings when serving for optimal flavor and bite.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your rice, beans, and shrimp gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot throughout. If you’re worried about overcooking the shrimp, use low heat and cover the skillet to keep them juicy. Assemble your bowl with the fresh toppings and a squeeze of lime, and it’s as good as new!
FAQs
Can I make the Chipotle Shrimp Bowl ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep all your bowl components (like the rice, beans, and toppings) in advance and store them separately. Cook the shrimp just before serving for that perfect, juicy texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Chipotle Shrimp Bowl?
There sure is! Swap out the shrimp for grilled tofu, roasted sweet potato, or sautéed mushrooms. Use the same chipotle marinade for great smoky flavor, no seafood required.
How spicy is a Chipotle Shrimp Bowl?
It carries a pleasant heat, thanks to the chipotle and adobo, but it’s easy to adjust. Use just one pepper for a gentler kick, or scrape out the seeds to tone things down, and serve extra lime crema on the side to cool things off.
Can this recipe be made low-carb?
Definitely! Just trade the rice for cauliflower rice or a big bed of shredded romaine lettuce, and your Chipotle Shrimp Bowl transforms into a lighter, lower-carb meal without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best way to cook the shrimp for this bowl?
A quick sauté in a hot skillet is ideal for keeping shrimp tender and deeply flavored. Resist the urge to overcook—shrimp become opaque and curl into a C shape when done, usually in just 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Chipotle Shrimp Bowl—it’s a complete meal that comes together in under half an hour and delivers punchy flavor in every bite. Fill your bowl, dig in, and share your own tasty twists. Once you’ve tried it, I’m sure it’ll land a regular spot on your dinner table, too!
Print
Chipotle Shrimp Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chipotle Shrimp Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal featuring spicy marinated shrimp served over a bed of rice with black beans, corn, avocado, and fresh veggies. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or cilantro-lime rice
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide the rice into bowls and top with black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Add cooked shrimp on top and garnish with lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, drizzle with chipotle mayo or a lime crema.
- Easily make it low-carb by swapping rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of shredded lettuce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
