What truly elevates this bowl is the avocado cilantro cream. Smooth, creamy avocado blended with fresh cilantro, lime or lemon juice, and a hint of garlic creates a sauce that’s cooling, herby, and incredibly addictive. It contrasts beautifully with the warm shrimp and rice, adding richness without needing dairy-heavy ingredients. This sauce also makes the dish versatile you can drizzle it generously, serve it on the side, or even use leftovers for tacos or wraps.
These bowls are endlessly customizable. Add roasted vegetables, corn, black beans, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad for extra texture and color. Whether you’re focused on eating fresh, building protein-packed meals, or just craving something vibrant and comforting, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls with Avocado Cilantro Cream deliver bold flavor, freshness, and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice
2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
Salt to taste
For the Avocado Cilantro Cream
1 ripe avocado
½ cup fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
3–4 tablespoons water (to thin)
Salt to taste
Optional Toppings
Cherry tomatoes
Corn
Green onions
Extra cilantro
Instructions
Cook the rice according to package instructions, season lightly with salt, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Finish with lemon zest and juice. Remove from heat.
To make the avocado cilantro cream, blend avocado, cilantro, garlic, lemon or lime juice, water, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness with more water if needed.
Assemble bowls by adding rice to the bottom, topping with lemon garlic shrimp, and drizzling generously with avocado cilantro cream. Add desired toppings and serve immediately.