This vibrant Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl combines succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty lime and pineapple juice mix, paired with caramelized pineapple chunks, all wrapped in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze. Served on a bed of cilantro-infused jasmine rice, it’s a burst of bold tropical flavors—pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, fresh lime, cilantro, and a touch of chili powder. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish makes for an easy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering meal. The contrast between the juicy shrimp and the golden, crispy pineapple makes every bite exciting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Cilantro Jasmine Rice (serves 2)
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3 cups cooked jasmine rice
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½ Tbsp fresh cilantro, minced
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Salt, to taste
Shrimp
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½ lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 Tbsp lime juice
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2 Tbsp pineapple juice
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¼–½ tsp chili powder (adjust to preference)
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Salt, to taste
Sauce & Pineapple
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8 oz can pineapple chunks (drained, reserve juice)
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½ cup pineapple juice (from can or bottle)
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3 Tbsp soy sauce
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2 Tbsp honey
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Zest and juice of 1 lime
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½ tsp chili powder
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1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, minced
Directions
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Prepare Rice: Cook jasmine rice as per package directions. Once done, fluff the rice and fold in the minced cilantro. Season with salt. Divide the rice between two serving bowls and set aside.
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Prep Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, lime zest and juice, chili powder, and cilantro. Set the sauce aside.
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Marinate Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry, then toss them in lime juice, pineapple juice, chili powder, and salt. Let the shrimp marinate briefly while heating the skillet.
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Cook Shrimp: Heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp until they are opaque and curled, about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Sear Pineapple: In the same skillet, add more oil and the pineapple chunks. Cook until the pineapple is caramelized and browned.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the pineapple. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss briefly to coat.
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Assemble Bowls: Spoon the shrimp and pineapple mixture over the cilantro jasmine rice and serve.
Nutrition (per serving; makes 2 servings)
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Calories: ~500 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 114 g
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Protein: 10 g
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Fat: 1 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sugar: 41 g
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Sodium: 1,527 mg
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Potassium: 420 mg
The Magic Behind the Ingredients
The charm of the Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl lies in the careful balance of ingredients, each contributing its own special element to the dish. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this recipe so special and why they work together so well.
Shrimp: A Delicious Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, making it an ideal base for this recipe. They cook quickly, making them perfect for fast meals, and their delicate flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of pineapple and the savory, tangy glaze. Rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, shrimp provides a nutrient-dense option without the heavy calories found in other protein sources. Shrimp’s mild flavor and tender texture work well with the sweet, spicy sauce, absorbing the marinade while still maintaining a satisfying bite.
Pineapple: The Tropical Touch
Pineapple brings the true tropical flavor to this dish, adding both sweetness and acidity to balance out the richness of the shrimp. When caramelized, the pineapple’s natural sugars intensify, creating a deep golden-brown crust that contrasts perfectly with the tender shrimp and fluffy rice. The pineapple’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of the dish, preventing it from becoming overly sweet or heavy. Plus, pineapple is a great source of vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain, an enzyme that supports digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cilantro Jasmine Rice: The Fluffy, Flavorful Base
Jasmine rice is known for its fragrant aroma and slightly nutty flavor, making it a fantastic foundation for this tropical dish. The rice serves as a neutral base that soaks up the tangy sauce and complements the shrimp and pineapple perfectly. Adding fresh cilantro to the rice enhances its fragrance and adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the entire dish. The combination of fluffy rice and cilantro provides a satisfying texture that balances the other ingredients, while the rice absorbs the sweet-and-spicy glaze for an extra burst of flavor in every bite.
The Sweet and Tangy Sauce: A Flavor Explosion
The sauce is the heart of this dish. The combination of pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, lime zest, and lime juice creates a deliciously sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze that ties the entire bowl together. The soy sauce provides a savory umami depth, while honey adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the acidity of the lime and pineapple. Chili powder adds just a hint of heat, making this sauce both flavorful and complex. The fresh cilantro brings an extra layer of freshness to the sauce, elevating its overall vibrancy.
This sauce also helps to bind the shrimp and pineapple together, coating them in a rich glaze that enhances every bite. It’s this sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that elevates the Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl from a simple meal to something special.
A Dish That’s Both Quick and Versatile
One of the standout features of the Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl is how quickly it comes together. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something quick but flavorful. The shrimp cooks in just a couple of minutes per side, and the pineapple caramelizes in the same skillet, which helps to create layers of flavor while reducing cleanup time.
The versatility of this dish also makes it adaptable to different dietary preferences and occasions. It can easily be made gluten-free by substituting tamari for the soy sauce. You can also add more vegetables to the mix—think bell peppers, avocado, or even a side of leafy greens—for extra nutrients and color. For a heartier version, you could swap out the shrimp for grilled chicken or even tofu for a plant-based option.
Another great aspect of the Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl is its potential for customization. The sweetness and spice level can be adjusted according to taste, making it as mild or as fiery as you prefer. You can also adjust the amount of lime or cilantro to match your personal preference, ensuring that each bowl is perfectly suited to your flavor profile.
Health Benefits of the Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl
Beyond being a delicious and satisfying meal, the Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl also offers several health benefits. The shrimp, being a lean protein source, is low in fat and calories while providing essential nutrients. The pineapple adds a dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost immunity and promote healthy skin. The cilantro-infused rice provides fiber and essential vitamins, while the lime in both the shrimp marinade and sauce delivers a healthy dose of antioxidants and aids in digestion.
The dish also offers a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the rice and pineapple, making it a balanced meal that provides lasting energy. Its relatively low-fat content makes it a lighter alternative to many other comfort foods, while still offering the rich, satisfying flavors you crave.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re preparing dinner for yourself after a busy day, hosting friends for a tropical-themed meal, or looking to bring something special to a family gathering, the Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl is a wonderful option. The colorful presentation and vibrant flavors make it an impressive yet easy-to-make dish that is sure to wow your guests. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—add a side of crispy plantains, a light salad, or a refreshing tropical drink to complete the experience.
This dish is also an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can easily double or triple the recipe to make enough for a week’s worth of lunches or dinners, ensuring you have a healthy, flavorful meal ready to go at any time. The shrimp and pineapple can be stored separately from the rice to prevent sogginess, and the rice can be reheated for the perfect texture.
Conclusion
The Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl is a celebration of vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and the bright tastes of the tropics. With its combination of shrimp, pineapple, cilantro jasmine rice, and a tangy, sweet sauce, this dish is both easy to prepare and utterly satisfying. Its versatility, quick preparation time, and bold flavor profile make it a standout option for any occasion—whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a festive gathering with friends and family. It’s a dish that’s as much about the experience as it is about the taste, transporting you to a tropical paradise with each bite. So, give it a try and let the Tropical Shrimp Rice Bowl add some sunshine to your table!