Blackened Shrimp Bowls

Blackened Shrimp Bowls are one of my go-to dinners when I’m craving something flavorful but only have 20 minutes to spare. The blackened shrimp are perfectly spiced with homemade blackening seasoning and then paired with sweet, tangy mango salsa, avocado, and greens for the perfect protein packed bowl.

The other thing I love about this recipe is that it is perfect for meal prep! Cook up the shrimp, prep the mango salsa and rice, and layer everything in your favorite containers. This meal tastes amazing cold or heated up, making it the ideal meal on the go. 

Before You Get Started

Here are a few basic things you need to know before making this recipe:

• Prep your ingredients first: To keep things running smoothly, chop and prep your veggies, mango, and shrimp before starting. Having everything ready will make assembly a breeze.
• Shrimp: If you use frozen shrimp, look for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time! Then quickly defrost them in a colander by running cold water on top and stirring every few minutes.
• Don't overcook the shrimp: Shrimp is super easy to overcook if you're not careful! Once they start to curl slightly and turn opaque, it's time to flip them. Shrimp get rubbery when cooked for too long, they only need 1-2 minutes per side. 

Ingredients

You only need a few basic ingredients to make this recipe. Here's what you'll need:

• Blackening seasoning: I make a homemade blackening seasoning with smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. If you have a favorite store-bought blackening seasoning, feel free to use that instead or use taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning. 
• Raw shrimp: Medium or large shrimp will work best for this recipe! You can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it in the recipe. Also, you can leave the tails on or off, depending on your personal preference.
• Mango salsa: This homemade mango salsa consists of chopped mango, shredded red cabbage, diced red onion, diced cilantro, and fresh lime juice and zest. Season it will with salt and pepper and consider adding a fresh jalapeno or serrano pepper for some ext
• Steamed rice: You can use white or brown rice. If you want to keep things low-carb, you can substitute cauliflower rice.
• Sauce: Use your favorite sauce to drizzle on top for extra flavor! I have a couple of recommendations in the toppings section of this post.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before seasoning and cooking. 

Short on time? Add your shrimp to a colander in the sink. Run cold water on top, stirring the shrimp every few minutes. They will defrost in 10-15 minutes. 

How to Make This Blackened Shrimp Bowl Recipe

It couldn't be easier to make this recipe! Here's a quick breakdown:

1. Mix the seasoning

Combine the spices with a little salt and pepper to create the flavorful blackening seasoning for the shrimp. Give the seasoning a little taste before using and adjust to your preferences. Make it spicier with some cayenne, smokier with paprika or cumin, or sweet with some brown sugar. 

2. Season the shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Toss the shrimp with melted butter (or olive oil) and the spice mix until evenly coated. Set them aside for now.

3. Make the mango salsa

Mix mango, red cabbage, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Adjust the flavor with salt and pepper. 

4. Cook the shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they begin to curl into a "C" shape and become opaque. They should have a nice char on the outside. 

Pro tip: Don't overcrowd the pan. You don't want the shrimp to steam!

5. Build the bowls

Layer rice, mango salsa, cooked shrimp, corn, black beans, and avocado in bowls. Finish with a drizzle of your favorite sauce.

What are good substitutes for mango in the salsa?

If you don’t have mango, you can use pineapple, peaches, or even diced tomatoes for a fresh and fruity salsa alternative.

How to Grill or Bake the Shrimp

Don't feel like pan-searing? Grill or bake the shrimp instead! Here's how to do it:

Grill

Grill the shrimp for 1-2 minutes each side. You can use skewers to make flipping easier.

Oven

Line a baking sheet with foil and spread the shrimp on it. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp is cooked through.

Toppings for these Blackened Shrimp Bowls

Dress up these shrimp bowls with some fun toppings:

• Corn
• Black beans
• Avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream
• Cilantro lime sauce
• Blackened ranch dressing

Variations

Here are some fun ways to change up these shrimp bowls:

• Swap the protein: Instead of shrimp, try grilled chicken, tofu, or even grilled fish for a different protein base.
• Change the salsa: Try a pineapple salsa or a tomato-based salsa for a different twist on the fresh topping.
• Grilled corn: Instead of canned corn, make blackened corn for an added smoky flavor.
• Spicy kick: If you love heat, add a few slices of fresh jalapeños to the mango salsa or sprinkle some hot sauce over the shrimp.
• Add more veggies: Include additional veggies like diced cucumbers, roasted bell peppers, or grilled zucchini for extra crunch and flavor.
• Low-carb: You can swap cauliflower rice for regular or serve the shrimp with lettuce wraps or on top of salads for a low-carb meal!