This Chili Lime Shrimp Bowl is a vibrant and flavorsome dish that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Packed with succulent shrimp, a zesty marinade, and a refreshing slaw, this bowl is a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients and bold flavors. Served over fragrant jasmine rice, this dish will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Let's dive into the recipe and discover how to create a burst of tangy goodness for your next meal!
Marinating the Shrimp: Marinating the shrimp is a crucial step in infusing them with flavor. The combination of sesame oil, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, lime juice, and garlic powder creates a tangy and aromatic marinade. Be sure to whisk the ingredients well to ensure they are thoroughly combined. The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the shrimp. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, letting them marinate for longer will intensify the flavors even further.
Creating the Refreshing Slaw: The slaw is a delightful accompaniment to the shrimp, adding a refreshing crunch and vibrant colors to the dish. To make the slaw, finely shred a head of cabbage and chop fresh parsley. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, parsley, garlic powder, olive oil, sesame oil, sriracha, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss the slaw ingredients until they are well coated. Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your desired level of spiciness. The combination of sesame oil and rice vinegar adds a delightful tang to the slaw, while the garlic powder enhances its savory notes.
Cooking the Shrimp: You can either sauté or grill the shrimp here. Grilling the shrimp adds a wonderful smoky flavor and caramelization to the dish. If you're sautéing, heat a pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade for later. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred. Be mindful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. If grilling, the grill marks on the shrimp not only enhance the presentation but also provide an appealing texture.
Enhancing the Flavors: To further intensify the flavors of the dish, take the reserved marinade and bring it to a boil in a small saucepan. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. This step creates a glaze that can be drizzled over the grilled shrimp and slaw, enhancing the overall taste profile. The reduction process adds depth and richness to the marinade, which beautifully complements the other elements in the bowl.
Serving and Presentation: Assemble the Chili Lime Shrimp Bowl by placing a generous serving of cooked jasmine rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top it with a portion of the zesty slaw. Arrange the grilled shrimp on the slaw and drizzle the reduced marinade over them. For a visually appealing presentation, garnish the bowl with lime wedges, fresh cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also provide additional flavor dimensions to the dish.
Tips and Tricks:
For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add lime zest to the marinade before whisking the ingredients together.
To make the shrimp bowl gluten-free, ensure that the sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free brands.
Feel free to customize the slaw by adding additional vegetables such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or thinly sliced red onion for added texture and color.
If you prefer a milder spiciness, reduce the amount of sriracha in both the marinade and the slaw.
For a vegetarian twist, replace the shrimp with grilled tofu or your favorite plant-based protein.
RECIPE
Ingredients (serves 2)
For the Marinade:
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp sriracha
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp garlic powder
For the Slaw:
1 head cabbage, finely shredded
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1 tbsp garlic powder
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tbsp sriracha
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/2 tsp salt and pepper
For the Shrimp Bowl:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 Cups cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Lime wedges, for garnish
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: sesame oil, EVOO, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, lime juice, and garlic powder. Whisk until well combined.
Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, parsley, garlic powder, olive oil, sesame oil, sriracha, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss the slaw ingredients until they are well coated. Set aside.
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade for later. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery.
In a small saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
To assemble the Chili Lime Shrimp Bowl, place a generous serving of cooked jasmine rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top it with a portion of the zesty slaw.
Arrange the grilled shrimp on the slaw and drizzle the reduced marinade over the shrimp and slaw. Garnish with lime wedges, fresh cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of visual appeal.
Serve the Chili Lime Shrimp Bowl immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors. Mix the ingredients together as you eat to combine all the tastes in each mouthful.
By marinating the shrimp to perfection, crafting a refreshing slaw, and grilling the shrimp just right, you've brought together a harmonious blend of flavors. The result is a vibrant and nutritious dish that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite. Remember to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. So go ahead and savor the tangy goodness of this recipe, and experience the joy of nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy your Chili Lime Shrimp Bowl and embrace the flavors of wellness and deliciousness!