Go Back

Firecracker Shrimp Protein Rice Bowls - Spicy, Satisfying, and Weeknight-Friendly

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
  • Rice: 3 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
  • Edamame: 1 cup shelled, cooked edamame
  • Veggies: 1 cup diced cucumber, 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • Green onions: 3, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon toasted (optional)
  • Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Lime: 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha, plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Prepare jasmine or brown rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  2. Mix the firecracker sauce: In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Taste and adjust heat with more sriracha or sweetness with more honey.
  3. Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Sear the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high until hot. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque and lightly charred. Do this in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
  5. Sauce the shrimp: Reduce heat to low. Add half the firecracker sauce to the skillet and toss to coat. Warm for 30 seconds, then remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Divide rice among four bowls. Top with shrimp, edamame, cucumber, carrots, and red bell pepper. Drizzle with extra firecracker sauce.
  7. Finish and serve: Add green onions, sesame seeds, and avocado if using. Squeeze lime over the top for brightness. Serve immediately.