Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are a delightful dish that brings together succulent shrimp and creamy, spicy mayonnaise, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, these bowls are versatile and can be customized with your favorite veggies. Their vibrant colors and textures make them visually appealing, while the spicy mayo adds a unique kick that sets this dish apart from typical rice bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, these shrimp rice bowls are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices and the spicy mayo elevates the taste, making every bite memorable.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the heat level to suit your preferences.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with protein from the shrimp and vitamins from fresh vegetables, this meal is both satisfying and nutritious.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch for easy lunches throughout the week; they taste great even when reheated!
Tools and Preparation
To create your Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the shrimp, helping them achieve that perfect sear.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like the spicy mayo, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Spicy Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For Serving
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- Soy sauce or tamari for drizzling (optional)
How to Make Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss well until each shrimp is coated evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Mayo
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust sriracha according to your heat preference.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
In serving bowls, layer cooked rice as the base. Top with cooked shrimp, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, cucumber slices, and chopped green onions. Drizzle with spicy mayo and soy sauce if desired. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch.
Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo!
How to Serve Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
Serving Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo can be as fun as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing a casual lunch or a vibrant dinner, these bowls can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Add Fresh Toppings
- Chopped Cilantro – Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
- Lime Wedges – Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.
- Pickled Vegetables – A side of pickled vegetables adds crunch and tanginess.
Create a Colorful Presentation
- Layer Ingredients – Arrange shrimp, rice, and veggies in distinct layers for visual appeal.
- Use Bowls with Patterns – Brightly colored bowls can enhance the overall look of your dish.
Pair with Refreshing Drinks
- Iced Green Tea – This light drink complements the flavors without overpowering them.
- Sparkling Water with Lime – Refreshing and hydrating, it balances the spiciness of the mayo.

How to Perfect Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
To make your Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo truly standout, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure you achieve maximum flavor and presentation.
- Use Fresh Shrimp – Always opt for fresh shrimp when possible; they taste better and have a firmer texture.
- Marinate for Flavor – Let your shrimp marinate in spices for at least 15 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Cook at High Heat – Searing shrimp quickly at high heat ensures they remain juicy and tender.
- Mix Mayo Thoroughly – Blend sriracha and lime juice into mayonnaise well for a uniform spicy sauce.
- Experiment with Rice Varieties – Try different rice types like jasmine or brown rice to find what you like best.
- Garnish Generously – Don’t skimp on garnishes like sesame seeds or green onions; they add flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
Pairing side dishes with your Shrimp Rice Bowls can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Steamed Broccoli – A healthy option that adds a vibrant color and nutrients to your meal.
- Edamame Beans – These provide protein and are fun to eat; serve them sprinkled with sea salt.
- Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup complements the flavors beautifully and warms up chilly evenings.
- Asian Slaw – Crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in sesame oil makes a refreshing side that pairs well.
- Cucumber Salad – A light salad of cucumbers tossed in vinegar offers a refreshing contrast to spicy mayo.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes balances the spice of the dish nicely.
- Spring Rolls – Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies create a delightful appetizer that’s light yet satisfying.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness, providing a perfect palate cleanser after your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to prevent them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the shrimp properly can lead to bland rice bowls. Use smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque for perfect texture.
- Using cold rice: Cold rice can affect the overall warmth of the dish. Always use freshly cooked or reheated rice for best results.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Low-quality ingredients can ruin your dish. Choose fresh shrimp and ripe vegetables for a tastier meal.
- Not balancing flavors: If you skip the spicy mayo, you may miss out on essential flavor layers. Adjust sriracha to your taste for that perfect kick.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
- Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container.
- Will last up to 2 months.
Reheating Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo, here are some common questions.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Jasmine or brown rice are great options, but feel free to use any rice you prefer!
How can I customize my Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo?
You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, or adjust the mayo’s spice level to suit your taste!
Are these bowls gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure that your soy sauce or tamari is gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures. They’re versatile and easy to customize based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s sure to please!

Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo are a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, zesty sauce for a meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha, adjust to taste
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- Green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne until evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp in a single layer for about 2–3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice to make the spicy mayo.
- To assemble the bowls, place cooked rice as the base and top with cooked shrimp, carrots, avocado slices, cucumber, and green onions. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 200mg