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High Protein Cajun Shrimp Bowls - Bold, Fresh, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
  • Cajun seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon (smoked if you like extra depth)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2 tablespoons, divided
  • Cooked base: 3–4 cups cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Bell peppers: 2, sliced (mix of red, yellow, or green for color)
  • Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Corn: 1 cup (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 ounces), rinsed and drained
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Avocado: 1 large, diced
  • Lime: 1–2, cut into wedges
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley: 1/4 cup chopped
  • Greek yogurt or light sour cream: 1/2 cup for topping
  • Hot sauce: Optional, to taste
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Prep your base: Cook your rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For extra flavor, season lightly with salt and a squeeze of lime.
  2. Season the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated.
  3. Sauté the veggies: Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add bell peppers and red onion. Cook 4–6 minutes until crisp-tender and slightly charred. Stir in corn and black beans for 1–2 minutes to warm through. Transfer to a bowl.
  4. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil if needed. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1.5–2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly seared. Do not overcook.
  5. Build the bowls: Divide your base among bowls. Top with the pepper-onion mix, tomatoes, and shrimp. Add avocado and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
  6. Finish and serve: Squeeze fresh lime over everything. Sprinkle with cilantro or parsley. Add hot sauce if you want more heat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.