Ingredients
To make these vibrant and flavorful Shrimp Avocado Mango Bowls, you’ll need a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the final taste and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: The star protein! You’ll want about 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Opt for fresh or frozen (thawed) – just make sure they are good quality for the best flavor. Shrimp offers a lean protein boost and cooks quickly, making it ideal for a speedy meal.
- Avocados: Creamy, dreamy avocados are essential for richness and healthy fats. You’ll need 2 ripe avocados, diced. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure – not too hard, not too mushy. Avocados provide monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health, and a wonderful creamy texture.
- Mangoes: Sweet and juicy mangoes bring the tropical sunshine to this bowl. You’ll need 2 ripe mangoes, diced. Choose mangoes that are fragrant and slightly soft. Mangoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, adding both flavor and nutritional value.
- Red Onion: A little bit of red onion adds a subtle sharpness and bite to the mango salsa. You’ll need about ¼ of a red onion, finely diced. Red onion is milder than white onion and contributes a beautiful color and flavor depth.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a must for that vibrant, herbaceous flavor. You’ll need about ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Cilantro adds a fresh, zesty note that complements the sweetness of the mango and the richness of the avocado.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for brightening up the flavors and adding a tangy kick. You’ll need the juice of 2-3 limes. Lime juice not only enhances the taste but also helps to prevent the avocado from browning.
- Jalapeño (Optional): For a touch of heat, a finely minced jalapeño adds a delightful kick. Use ½ to 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced, depending on your spice preference. Jalapeños offer a subtle heat and depth of flavor; remember to remove the seeds and membranes for less intense heat.
- Cooked Rice or Quinoa: The base of our bowls! Choose your favorite grain – cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine) or quinoa works wonderfully. You’ll need about 2-3 cups cooked. Rice and quinoa provide carbohydrates for energy and help make the bowl a complete and satisfying meal.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking the shrimp and in the dressing. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons. Opt for good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
- Spices: A blend of spices elevates the shrimp. You’ll need:
- Chili Powder: Adds warmth and depth. About 1 teaspoon.
- Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, complements the shrimp beautifully. About ½ teaspoon.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor. About ½ teaspoon.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- For the Dressing (Optional but Recommended): A light dressing ties everything together.
- Olive Oil: About 2 tablespoons.
- Lime Juice: About 1 tablespoon.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional): For a touch of sweetness. About ½ teaspoon.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Toppings (for extra flair and flavor):
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For extra heat.
- Chopped Green Onions: For a mild oniony bite and freshness.
- Tortilla Strips or Crispy Wonton Strips: For added texture and crunch.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own vibrant and delicious Shrimp Avocado Mango Bowls:
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Salsa
- Dice the Mango, Red Onion, and Jalapeño (if using): Carefully peel and dice your ripe mangoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the red onion and jalapeño (remove seeds and membranes for less heat).
- Chop the Cilantro: Roughly chop the fresh cilantro.
- Combine Salsa Ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
- Add Lime Juice and Season: Squeeze the juice of 1-2 limes over the salsa mixture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together to ensure the flavors are well combined.
- Let Salsa Rest: Allow the mango salsa to sit and meld together while you prepare the shrimp and other components. This allows the flavors to deepen and develop.
Step 2: Marinate and Cook the Shrimp
- Prepare the Shrimp Marinade: In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade bowl. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly with the spice mixture. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. While it marinates, you can continue with the next steps. Tip: Marinating for longer (up to 30 minutes) will intensify the flavor, but don’t marinate for too long as the lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan).
- Cook Until Pink and Opaque: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Tip: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they are cooked.
- Set Aside Cooked Shrimp: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Avocado and Rice/Quinoa
- Dice the Avocado: Just before assembling the bowls, dice the ripe avocados into bite-sized pieces. Tip: To prevent browning, you can toss the diced avocado with a squeeze of lime juice.
- Cook Rice or Quinoa (if not already cooked): Prepare your rice or quinoa according to package directions. If you are using pre-cooked rice or quinoa, simply warm it up.
Step 4: Make the Optional Lime Dressing
- Whisk Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey or maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more lime juice for tanginess or a pinch more sweetener if desired.
Step 5: Assemble the Shrimp Avocado Mango Bowls
- Layer the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice or quinoa evenly among bowls.
- Add Avocado and Mango Salsa: Top the rice or quinoa with diced avocado and generous spoonfuls of the mango salsa.
- Arrange Cooked Shrimp: Place the cooked shrimp on top of the avocado and mango salsa.
- Drizzle with Dressing (Optional): If using, drizzle the lime dressing over the bowls.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, chopped green onions, or tortilla strips.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Shrimp Avocado Mango Bowls right away!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 30
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 35