Get ready to brighten up your dinner routine with the vibrant and mouthwatering Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa Recipe. This dish perfectly balances succulent, spiced shrimp with a refreshing pineapple salsa that bursts with tropical sweetness and a hint of heat. Paired over fluffy rice, it’s a combination that delivers an irresistible medley of textures and flavors, making every bite feel like a mini celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so delightful. From the smoky spices that coat the shrimp to the bright and tangy pineapple salsa, every component shines through.
- Large shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the spices beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle richness and helps the shrimp cook evenly with a lovely sear.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a smoky depth and warm color to the shrimp seasoning.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Introduces an earthy, slightly nutty aroma that complements the spice blend.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor with a gentle garlicky undertone without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, they’re the simple essentials that bring all flavors into balance.
- White rice (1 cup) or alternatives: Acts as a soft, comforting base for the vibrant toppings; you can also use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for different textures and nutritional boosts.
- Water or broth (2 cups): For perfectly cooked rice, broth adds extra savory notes for more depth.
- Fresh pineapple (1 1/2 cups, diced): Sweet and juicy, the centerpiece of the salsa that brightens the whole bowl.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): Adds a crisp bite and sharp contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple.
- Jalapeño (1 small, seeds removed, optional): Offers a gentle heat kick that wakes up your palate without overwhelming.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Brings fresh herbal notes and a pop of green color.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Injects citrusy brightness to balance the sweetness and spice.
How to Make Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by cooking your rice to fluffy perfection. Combine 2 cups of water or broth with 1 cup of rice in a pot and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the grains are tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff it up with a fork and set aside as the comforting canvas for your bowl.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This spice blend is simple but powerful, infusing the shrimp with smoky, earthy, and garlicky notes that make every bite exciting.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking locks in their tenderness and creates a tasty sear. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Pineapple Salsa
In a separate bowl, combine diced pineapple, finely diced red onion, jalapeño (if you like it spicy), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the flavors meld into a bright, fresh, and slightly tangy salsa that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Step 5: Assemble Your Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Divide the cooked rice into bowls as the base. Top generously with the cooked shrimp, then crown everything with a scoop of your vibrant pineapple salsa. This layering guarantees a mix of textures and flavors in every mouthful.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with extra cilantro leaves or lime wedges for a burst of color and a touch more zing, then serve immediately to enjoy the full freshness of the ingredients.
How to Serve Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro, extra lime wedges for squeezing, or even a few slices of avocado to add creaminess. These simple finishes elevate the dish and make it irresistible.
Side Dishes
This shrimp and rice bowl stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to add some sides, consider light, crisp salads like a cucumber and mint salad or a charred corn salad. They add great texture contrast and keep the meal feeling fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pineapple salsa chilled in small ramekins alongside the bowl or use colorful, wide bowls to showcase all the layers. You might also turn this into a build-your-own bowl setup for gatherings, letting everyone customize their portions and garnishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover shrimp, rice, and pineapple salsa to separate airtight containers and refrigerate. This helps preserve the texture especially of the salsa, which can get soggy if mixed too early.
Freezing
The seasoned shrimp can be frozen before cooking for convenience, but it’s best to freeze cooked rice and salsa separately. Keep in mind that freezing pineapple salsa may alter its texture slightly, so fresh salsa is preferable.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp and rice gently in a skillet or microwave until warm, but avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep it tender. Add fresh pineapple salsa on top after reheating to maintain its brightness and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure they cook evenly and the spices stick perfectly.
Is there a substitute for pineapple in the salsa?
If you’re not a fan of pineapple, mango or diced peaches make fantastic alternatives, offering similar sweetness and juiciness.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out shrimp for grilled tofu, tempeh, or sautéed mushrooms, and keep the pineapple salsa the same for that tropical zing.
What kind of rice works best?
White rice offers softness and neutral flavor, but you can also use brown rice or quinoa for nuttier, heartier textures, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
How spicy is the pineapple salsa?
The jalapeño adds a mild heat that can be toned down by removing seeds entirely or omitted if you prefer no spiciness at all.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fresh, exciting meal that’s ready in just about 30 minutes, this Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect pact of sweet, smoky, spicy, and savory elements that makes weeknight dinners feel like a mini getaway. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want it on your regular rotation!
Print
Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Shrimp & Rice Bowl featuring perfectly seasoned and sautéed shrimp, served over fluffy white rice and topped with a fresh, tangy pineapple salsa that combines sweet, spicy, and citrusy notes for a tropical twist.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white rice (or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
- 2 cups water or broth (for cooking rice)
For the Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions. For white rice, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Pineapple Salsa: In a small bowl, combine diced pineapple, red onion, jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top each with the cooked shrimp and a generous scoop of pineapple salsa.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh tropical flavors.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Adjust the heat by omitting or adding more jalapeño in the salsa.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water to cook rice for more flavor.
- Can be served with lime wedges for extra citrus zing.
- Ensure shrimp is cooked just until opaque to prevent toughness.
