Cajun Shrimp Taco Bowls (Print-Friendly)

Spicy Cajun shrimp served over rice with fresh veggies and creamy avocado for a satisfying bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shrimp

01 - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
04 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - ¼ teaspoon salt
06 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Rice

08 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
09 - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
10 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Vegetable Toppings

11 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or thawed
13 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
15 - 1 avocado, sliced
16 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Sauce

17 - ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
18 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
19 - ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
20 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ For Serving

21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine rice, water or broth, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
02 - Whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, hot sauce if using, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
03 - Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until evenly coated.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
05 - While shrimp cooks, prepare cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, lettuce, avocado, and cilantro.
06 - Divide rice evenly among four bowls. Top with shrimp, vegetables, avocado slices, and cilantro. Drizzle with sauce and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks quickly and assembles in minutes, so you can have a restaurant-quality meal on a busy weeknight.
  • The creamy lime sauce balances the smoky heat perfectly, making every bite feel indulgent without being heavy.
  • You can prep the toppings ahead and customize each bowl to match your mood or who's eating.
02 -
  • Dry the shrimp completely before seasoning, or the spices will slide off and the shrimp won't get that caramelized edge.
  • Don't skip the lime wedges, a fresh squeeze right before eating makes the flavors pop in a way the sauce alone can't.
03 -
  • Use a hot skillet and don't move the shrimp around too much, letting them sear gives you that caramelized, slightly crispy edge that makes them irresistible.
  • If your Cajun seasoning is old, it won't have much punch, so taste it first and add a pinch of cayenne or garlic powder if needed.
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