Fiesta Shrimp Rice Bowl (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Grains

02 - 1 cup long-grain white rice

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 small red onion, diced
04 - 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
05 - 1 jalapeño, sliced
06 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
07 - 1 cup fire-roasted corn
08 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

→ Spices

09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ Marinade

16 - 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
17 - 1 tablespoon ground cumin
18 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
20 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
21 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
22 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

→ Toppings and Garnishes

23 - 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
24 - 1/4 cup queso fresco, crumbled
25 - 1/4 cup tortilla strips
26 - 2 tablespoons toasted pepitas
27 - 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Combine chipotle powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, olive oil, and chopped cilantro in a bowl.
02 - Pat shrimp dry and toss with the marinade. Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes, but not longer than 30 minutes.
03 - Cook 1 cup of long-grain white rice according to package instructions. Let rest for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, then mix with chopped cilantro, lime zest, and lime juice.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F.
05 - Layer cooked cilantro-lime rice as the base. Top with black beans, cooked shrimp, corn, avocado, tomatoes, jalapeños, red onions, and shredded lettuce.
06 - Finish with crumbled queso fresco, tortilla strips, toasted pepitas, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Do not over-marinate the shrimp, as the lime juice can start to cure it.
02 - For best flavor, toss the shrimp with fresh cilantro and lime juice just before serving.