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Description
Healthy high-protein shrimp fajita rice bowls featuring flavorful cilantro lime rice, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and tender seasoned shrimp, topped with optional garnishes for a quick and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- For the Cilantro Lime Rice:
- 1 cup brown rice (or preferred rice), rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 fresh lime, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- For the Shrimp and Fajita Veggies:
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 medium bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons taco or fajita seasoning, divided
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, hot sauce, extra cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed brown rice, water (or broth), and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in the fresh lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro.
- Prepare the fajita veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add 1/2 cup water to deglaze the pan and steam the veggies. Stir in the sliced garlic and 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning. Continue to cook for another 2-5 minutes until the vegetables are charred and tender-crisp. Remove veggies from the skillet and keep warm.
- Cook the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning until well coated. Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque and pink.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cilantro lime rice among serving bowls. Arrange the cooked fajita vegetables and shrimp on top of the rice.
- Garnish and serve: Top each bowl with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce and extra fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh lime and cilantro for the best flavor in the rice.
- Adjust fajita seasoning to taste for spice level.
- Optional toppings can be customized based on dietary preferences.
- This recipe is gluten-free if using gluten-free seasoning.