If you’re craving a vibrant, satisfying meal that comes together in a flash, this Quick and Easy Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Mayo Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender, perfectly cooked shrimp nestled on a bed of fluffy white rice, fresh avocado, and crunchy shredded carrots, every bite bursts with contrasting textures and bright flavors. The star of the show is the luscious creamy mayo sauce with a hint of spicy sriracha and tangy lime that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this bowl hits all the right notes without a complicated fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this dish is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious flavor and texture experience. From the succulent shrimp to the creamy avocado, and the spicy mayo sauce to the nutty sesame seeds, these essentials combine to make a bowl that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
- 1 pound Shrimp (Fresh or frozen wild-caught): The star protein, bringing a tender, slightly sweet flavor and quick cooking time.
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low-sodium for a healthier option): Adds a depth of umami and a touch of saltiness that amplifies all other flavors.
- 2 cups Cooked White Rice (Jasmine or short-grain preferred): The perfect fluffy base that soaks up the sauce and balances the shrimp’s richness.
- 1 medium Avocado (Slice fresh just before serving): Brings a creamy texture and fresh, buttery notes that contrast beautifully with the spicy sauce.
- 1 cup Shredded Carrots (Bell peppers can be substituted): Adds a satisfying crunch and a pop of vibrant orange color.
- 2 stalks Green Onions (Chives or shallots can be substitutes): Offers a mild onion flavor and bright green freshness.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Base for the sauce): The creamy foundation that makes the sauce decadent and luscious.
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha (Adjust for desired heat): Injects a lively kick and smoky heat that awakens the palate.
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (Add to the sauce for flavor): Enhances the mayo sauce and ties it in with the shrimp’s seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (For added acidity): Adds brightness and balances the richness with a refreshing citrus zing.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (For visual appeal and flavor): Provides a subtle nutty crunch and gives the dish a polished finishing touch.
- to taste Salt & Pepper (Freshly ground pepper preferred): Essential seasonings to bring out all the dish’s flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Neutral Oil (e.g., avocado oil or canola): Ideal for cooking the shrimp quickly while maintaining tenderness.
How to Make Quick and Easy Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Begin by preparing 2 cups of white rice according to the package instructions, ideally using jasmine or short-grain rice for that fluffy, slightly sticky texture that anchors the bowl so well. While this cooks, you’ll prep the rest of the ingredients — multitasking is key to keeping this recipe truly quick and easy.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Mayo Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sriracha, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. This combination is how the creamy mayo sauce comes to life, perfectly balancing creaminess, heat, tanginess, and an umami punch that will coat every bite with irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can get rubbery very quickly. This step adds a tender, juicy protein component to your bowl in a flash.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Layer your bowl starting with the fluffy cooked rice as the base. Neatly arrange the cooked shrimp on top along with fresh slices of avocado, shredded carrots for crunch, and chopped green onions sprinkled for a burst of bright flavor. This assembly creates a visually inviting plate packed with variety in color, texture, and taste.
Step 5: Finish with Creamy Mayo Sauce and Sesame Seeds
Drizzle your homemade creamy mayo sauce liberally over the assembled bowl, ensuring every component gets a touch of that luscious dressing. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch and exquisite visual appeal that’ll make you smile before you take your first bite.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this bowl even further, consider adding extra green onions or chives for fresh herbal notes. A wedge of lime on the side also works wonderfully if you love an extra zesty squeeze. Some toasted nori strips or pickled ginger can add layers of flavor inspired by Asian cuisine, making the dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
A refreshing cucumber salad or a simple seaweed salad pairs beautifully with this shrimp bowl, offering contrast in temperature and texture. Lightly steamed or sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas balance out the richness of the mayo sauce and give you a well-rounded, nutrient-packed meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your shrimp rice bowl inside a hollowed-out avocado half or in large lettuce cups for a handheld delight. You can also turn this into a deconstructed platter where guests build their own bowls, perfect for casual dinners or entertaining friends. Adding colorful edible flowers or microgreens can add a gorgeous gourmet touch to impress at any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp rice bowl components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Cooked shrimp and rice can be kept for up to two days, while avocado slices are best added fresh to avoid browning. Keep the creamy mayo sauce sealed tightly to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
Although fresh shrimp and creamy sauces don’t freeze well when combined, you can freeze cooked shrimp and rice separately for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reassemble with freshly sliced avocado and sauce for best results.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp and rice gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Avoid overheating to keep shrimp tender. After reheating, add fresh avocado slices and drizzle the creamy mayo sauce at serving time to keep that velvety texture intact and the flavors fresh.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before cooking. This helps the shrimp sear nicely instead of steaming.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the creamy sauce?
Yes, you can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Keep in mind the taste will be tangier and less rich, but still delicious and creamy.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
While shrimp is central to the original, you can swap it with grilled tofu or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version that still boasts protein and texture.
How spicy is the sauce, and can I adjust it?
The creamy mayo sauce has a gentle to moderate heat thanks to sriracha, but feel free to reduce or omit it if you prefer milder flavors, or add more if you crave extra kick!
What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine or short-grain rice is preferred for its slightly sticky, delicate texture that holds up well under the sauce. Avoid long-grain rice as it can be too dry or fluffy for this bowl.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Mayo Sauce Recipe is a winner for anyone who loves a blend of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and speedy meal prep. It’s the kind of dish that feels comforting and polished all at once — perfect for weeknights, casual lunches, or an easy date night in. Give it a go, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes too!
Print
Quick and Easy Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Mayo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Quick and Easy Shrimp Rice Bowl with Creamy Mayo Sauce is a simple yet flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender sautéed shrimp, fragrant white rice, fresh avocado, and crunchy shredded carrots, all brought together with a spicy and tangy creamy mayo sauce, this dish is both satisfying and delicious. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and grains with a hint of heat and zest.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp (Fresh or frozen wild-caught)
- 2 cups Cooked White Rice (Jasmine or short-grain preferred)
- 1 medium Avocado (Slice fresh just before serving)
- 1 cup Shredded Carrots (Bell peppers can be substituted)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (Chives or shallots can be substitutes)
- 1 tablespoon Neutral Oil (e.g., avocado oil or canola)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Base for the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha (Adjust for desired heat)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (Add to the sauce for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (For added acidity)
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low-sodium for a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (For visual appeal and flavor)
- Salt & Pepper to taste (Freshly ground pepper preferred)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the white rice according to the package instructions until tender and fluffy. Set aside, keeping it warm.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha to taste if you prefer more or less heat.
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them to maintain their tenderness.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked white rice between two bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked shrimp, freshly sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Drizzle the creamy mayo sauce evenly over the assembled bowls. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the bowls immediately while warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use low-sodium soy sauce and light mayonnaise.
- You can substitute the shredded carrots with bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha.
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
- Wild-caught shrimp tends to have better flavor and texture but fresh or well-thawed frozen shrimp both work.
