Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Mexican Rice Bowl Shrimp recipe! Imagine perfectly seasoned, succulent shrimp nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, surrounded by charred corn and hearty black beans, all brought together with a zesty salsa and fresh cilantro. This isn't just a meal - it's a passport to a flavor-packed journey that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the corn and black beans. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the corn is lightly charred and beans are heated through.
- Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and divide evenly among four serving bowls.
- Top each rice bowl with cooked shrimp, corn, and black beans.
- Spoon salsa over the top of each bowl and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while the shrimp and rice are still warm. Optional: add a lime wedge on the side for extra flavor.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Use a 2:1 water to rice ratio for ideal texture.
- Shrimp Success: Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure they sear beautifully instead of steaming.
- Flavor Boost: For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder to your shrimp seasoning.
- Quick Cooking: Don't overcook the shrimp - they're done when they turn pink and curl slightly, which typically takes just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro and add it at the very end to maintain its bright, vibrant flavor and color.
- Customization: Feel free to add sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of queso fresco for additional richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
