Name: Cajun Shrimp Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 teaspoons Creole or Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons ketchup; 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish; 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love Cajun Shrimp BowlsRecipe

Ready in around 15 minutes—great for fast dinners.
Balanced flavors: smoky Cajun shrimp, fresh salsa, and tangy chipotle sauce.
Highly customizable with your favorite toppings and grains.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
sour cream, crème fraîche, or Mexican crema
canned chipotle chile in adobo, minced
lime, juiced, plus extra lime wedges
salt, to taste
medium fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
Cajun seasoning
olive oil
cooked rice (white or brown)
shredded cabbage
black beans, drained and rinsed
pineapple or mango salsa
shredded cotija or queso fresco cheese (optional)

Directions

Make the chipotle sour cream: In a small bowl, stir together sour cream and minced chipotle until combined. Add lime juice to taste and season with salt. Chill until ready to use. If you want a thinner sauce for drizzling, add about 1 tablespoon of water.
Season and cook the shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and salt. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute; flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Remove and let cool slightly; chop into smaller pieces if desired.
Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with shrimp, cabbage, black beans, salsa, and cheese if using. Drizzle each bowl with chipotle sour cream and an extra squeeze of lime. Serve and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 bowls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use quinoa, wild rice, or lentils instead of white/brown rice for a different grain base.
Add extra veggies like grilled corn, bell peppers, or avocado.
Substitute cooked salmon or chicken for the shrimp.

Storage/Reheating

Sauce: Store leftover chipotle sour cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Shrimp and bowl ingredients: Keep refrigerated for 1–2 days; reheat in the microwave or in a skillet until warm.

FAQs

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftover shrimp and toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the shrimp and rice ahead, but assemble bowls just before serving to keep ingredients fresh.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

You can use a homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne if you don’t have Cajun seasoning.

Is the chipotle sauce spicy?

It has a mild heat from the chipotle; adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes — as long as the Cajun seasoning and salsa you use are gluten-free.

What’s a good grain alternative?

Quinoa, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice work well.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — just thaw and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Skip the shrimp and add roasted chickpeas or tofu for protein instead.

What toppings go well with these bowls?

Avocado, corn, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro are all great additions.

How can I make it less spicy?

Reduce the Cajun seasoning and chipotle in the sauce to lower the heat.

Conclusion

These Cajun Shrimp Bowls are a delicious mix of bold flavors and fresh ingredients that are ready in minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping a quick lunch, this recipe is flexible, satisfying, and full of vibrant tastes. Customize it with your favorite toppings or grains to make it your own.