Spicy Shrimp Bowl

Juicy shrimp coated in velvety sweet chili glaze sits atop a mound of well-flavored sushi rice, encircled by crunchy, garden-fresh veggies. This vibrant bowl meshes poke-inspired elements with the comfort of cooked seafood, delivering a dish that's equally filling and light.

I stumbled on this dish when I was missing my local poke spot's flavors, and now it's my go-to comfort food. The mix of soft shrimp with snappy veggies creates such amazing texture contrasts that my family asks for it every week.

Superior Ingredient Choices

• Wild caught shrimp: Delivers naturally sweet taste. Go for bigger ones (21-25 count) for the best bite
• Sushi rice: Gives that essential clingy texture. Grab short grain types marked specifically for sushi
• Sweet chili sauce: Creates the perfect spicy-sweet balance. Try to find genuine Asian market brands
• Fresh lime juice: Adds zip to everything. Pick limes that feel weighty and smell strong
• Kewpie mayonnaise: Makes the silkiest sauce. Standard mayo works in a pinch but Asian styles taste better
• Fresh vegetables: Need to snap when you bite them. Pick firm cucumbers, bright carrots, and ripe but firm avocados
• Edamame: Packs extra protein and bite. Pick vibrant green frozen beans
• Crispy onions: Add that must-have crunch. Shop for fresh ones without excess oil

I can't stress enough how much better your dish will taste with top-quality shrimp. I learned this firsthand after trying some wild Argentinian ones and couldn't believe the difference.

Stunning Bowl Assembly

Sauce Creation:

Stir 1/2 cup mayo in a bowl till smooth. Slowly mix in 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce while continuously blending. Stir in 2 tablespoons sriracha and the juice from one lime. Add a tiny sprinkle of salt.

Rice Preparation:

Clean sushi rice in a strainer until water runs clear. Mix with water in a pot. Let it come to a boil, lower the heat, put the lid on tight. Leave it alone for 15 minutes.

Sweet Rice Seasoning:

Heat up 1/4 cup mirin in a small container. Mix in 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon salt until they dissolve. Drizzle over your cooked rice, folding it in gently.

Shrimp Perfection:

Get a big pot of water bubbling. Add your cleaned shrimp carefully. Cook them just until they turn pink and curl up, around 2 minutes. Drain them right away. Cut into smaller chunks.

Shrimp Coating:

Mix your warm chopped shrimp with half the sauce you made. Let them sit for 5 minutes to soak up flavors. Save the rest of the sauce for serving.

Bowl Assembly:

Put a bed of your flavored rice at the bottom. Place your saucy shrimp in the middle. Add your veggies all around. Finish with crunchy onions, some sesame seeds, and extra sauce on top.

Pin it

My neighbor from Japan showed me how important it is to treat rice properly. Now I get why taking extra time with washing and flavoring makes such a big difference in how the bowl turns out.

Delightful Temperature Balance

What makes this bowl special is how different temperatures work together. The slightly warm rice and shrimp go so well with cold, crunchy veggies. Let your rice cool down a bit before putting everything together so your veggies stay fresh and don't get soft.

Amazing Sauce Blend

When you mix smooth mayo with sweet chili sauce, you get this perfectly balanced topping that sticks to every bit of shrimp. Always make more sauce than you think you'll need so you can pour it over your finished bowl and add flavor to every mouthful.

Easy Advance Prep

Make all the parts separately and keep them in sealed containers for quick meals all week. Your sauce, cooked shrimp, and cut veggies (except avocado) will stay good for about four days. It's best to cook fresh rice each time for the right texture.

Fun Twists to Try

Switch things up by using brown rice or quinoa as your base for extra nutrients. Play with different veggie combos like purple cabbage, sweet corn, or quickly cooked asparagus. Throw in some mango chunks for a sweet twist or add seaweed salad for ocean vibes.

Ways to Serve

Set up a build-your-own bowl station when friends come over so everyone can create their perfect mix. Put out extra sauce options like spicy mayo, eel sauce, or ponzu for variety. Add a cup of miso soup on the side for a complete Japanese-style meal.

Pin it

After making tons of these bowls in my kitchen, I've found that this mix of juicy shrimp, tasty rice, and fresh veggies hits the spot whether you want comfort food or a healthy meal. You can change it up so many ways that it's definitely worth adding to your regular cooking lineup.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to use cooked shrimp?

Totally. Just skip the boiling part and chop them up before mixing with the sauce.

→ What if I don’t have sushi rice?

You can swap it with regular white or brown rice. The texture will just be a bit different.

→ How can I tone down the heat?

Cut back or leave out the sriracha and use less chili sauce for a milder kick.

→ Can I prep it ahead of time?

Sure! Keep the parts separate and assemble right before eating. Store rice and shrimp in the fridge.

→ What’s a mayo alternative for the sauce?

You could try Greek yogurt for a lighter twist, but expect a tangier taste.