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High Protein Cajun Shrimp Bowls - Bold, Balanced, and Weeknight Easy

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 to 1.25 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
  • Cajun seasoning: 1.5 to 2 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, divided
  • Cooked grains: 3 cups cooked brown rice, quinoa, or a mix
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Bell pepper: 1 large, diced (any color)
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Corn: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
  • Red onion: 1/3 cup, finely diced
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Lime: 1–2 limes (zest and juice)
  • Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (2% or 0%)
  • Garlic: 1 small clove, grated or minced
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for the sauce)
  • Avocado: 1, sliced or diced
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Optional add-ins: Baby spinach, shredded cabbage, hot sauce, green onions

Method
 

  1. Cook the grains: Prepare brown rice or quinoa according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For speed, use microwave-ready pouches or leftovers.
  2. Make the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, zest of 1/2 lime, juice of 1/2 to 1 lime, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and honey if using. Thin with a teaspoon of water if needed. Chill while you cook the shrimp.
  3. Season the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt if your blend is low-sodium. Aim for an even coat.
  4. Sauté the veg: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook bell pepper, corn, and red onion with a pinch of salt for 3–4 minutes, just until crisp-tender. Stir in black beans to warm through. Transfer to a bowl.
  5. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1.5–2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly seared. Do not overcook. Squeeze over a little lime juice.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Divide grains among bowls. Top with the warm veggie-bean mix, shrimp, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Spoon over the yogurt-lime sauce. Add hot sauce if you like heat.
  7. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust with extra lime, salt, or pepper. Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot.