Blackened Shrimp Bowl with Cilantro Lime Dressing at the Table

Blackened shrimp bowl topped with mango salsa and cilantro lime dressing.

These blackened shrimp bowls with mango salsa and from-scratch cilantro lime dressing are outrageously flavorful and just as nutritious! Meal prep a large batch for yourself, or serve it to a group – either way, you can’t go wrong!

What Are Blackened Shrimp?

Blackening is a cooking method often associated with Cajun cuisine. Blackened shrimp are seasoned with a dry rub and cooked in a hot skillet.

Because of the high heat and touch of oil used to cook the protein, the seasoning rub caramelizes slightly. As a result, a dark appearance forms, and the shrimp burst with flavor.

Components of Blackened Shrimp Bowl

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this blackened shrimp bowl recipe. Scroll down for recipe details, prep time, nutrition info, etc.

Shrimp

Shrimp – Use large peeled and deveined shrimp without tails. Fresh or frozen work as long as you thaw them first!
Seasonings – Paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt combine to coat the shrimp. Keep this from-scratch blackening season on hand to speedy pan-seared shrimp!
Olive Oil – Use this to cook the shrimp. Avocado oil will also work.

Cilantro Lime Dressing

Yogurt – Plain Greek yogurt forms the base of the dressing, creating a tangy flavor and adding a boost of protein. Use full-fat varieties for the finest results!
Cilantro – Freshly chopped cilantro leaves add a touch of peppery, refreshing flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – This helps combine the ingredients.
Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed is finest!
Avocado – This helps create a thicker consistency and an ultra-silky texture. Make sure to use ripe avocados that are slightly soft.
Garlic – Use whole garlic cloves, not pre-minced garlic or garlic powder.
Green Onions (Scallions) – Use both the white and green parts.

Mango Avocado Salsa

Mango – Look for ripe mangoes that are free from bruises and give just slightly when squeezed.
Tomato – We like Roma tomatoes, but grape or cherry tomatoes also work.
Red Onion – Dice this into tiny pieces for bits of crunch and a peppery taste in every bite.
Jalapeño – Remove the seeds and membrane before dicing your pepper.
Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty citrus taste. It also helps prevent the mangoes from oxidizing.

Make a Better Bowl with This Blackened Shrimp Recipe

Prepare the shrimp. Before you begin, peel and remove the tails from the shrimp. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel, and transfer them to a large bowl.
Season. Add the seasonings to the bowl with the shrimp, and toss to combine and coat them completely.
Cook the shrimp. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Then, arrange the shrimp in an even layer, and cook for a few minutes per side. You’ll know they’re down when they’re pink and slightly opaque all the way through!
Make the mango salsa. Add the fresh produce to a bowl. Then, squeeze in the fresh lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
Assemble the bowls. Fill the bowl up with rice or your go-to grain like quinoa. Then, layer the shrimp on top followed by the mango salsa and cilantro lime dressing.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to mix and match different ingredients to make this shrimp bowl your own! Some of our ways to switch it up include:

Swapping the protein – Feel free to use chicken instead of shrimp.
Using a different dressing – Substitute the dressing with any store-bought or from-scratch option you like finest.
Including mix-ins – Incorporate any extra ingredients you have on hand! Black beans, corn, avocado, tortilla strips, or cheese would all taste great. You can also include extra veggies like salad greens, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a salad bowl situation.
Replacing the rice – Omit the rice, and make this blackened shrimp bowl a salad. Or, use quinoa, bulgur wheat, or cauliflower rice instead.

Serving Suggestions

These blackened shrimp bowls are super filling and make for complete meals on their own. However, you could also serve blackened shrimp in salads or shrimp tacos.

Or, add a side of pita bread or focaccia to make them extra filling. And don’t forget dessert! End your meal with cookies or bars to satisfy your sweet tooth!

How to Store

These bowls are finest when eaten right away. However, you can keep the different parts in separate containers in the fridge for up to three days.

To serve, warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat, and assemble your bowl. You could also just serve everything cold!

a bowl of blackened shrimp with cilantro lime dressing over rice with mango salsa.

Common Questions About This Blackened Shrimp Bowl Recipe

Is blackened seasoning spicy?

Blackened seasoning definitely brings some heat, but it’s more about balanced flavor than pure spiciness! Traditional blackened seasoning includes cayenne pepper for heat, but it’s complemented by paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices that create a complex flavor profile. You can always adjust the cayenne level to control the heat – use less for a milder version or amp it up if you love that fiery kick!

What can I substitute for cilantro in the dressing?

If you’re among the people who think cilantro tastes like soap (it’s genetic!), you have several tasty alternatives for your dressing. Fresh basil creates a lovely herbal lime dressing with Italian vibes, while flat-leaf parsley offers a clean, bright flavor that works well with the lime. A combination of mint and parsley is another excellent option, adding a refreshing twist. You could also pivot completely and make a silky avocado lime dressing, focusing on the lime flavor without any herbs at all.

Can I make blackened shrimp in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fryers are reliable for making blackened shrimp that’s crackly outside and juicy inside. Coat your shrimp in a little oil and the blackened seasoning mix, then arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook, shaking halfway through, until they’re pink, opaque, and slightly crackly on the edges. The air fryer method creates less smoke than traditional pan-blackening while still giving you that memorable flavor crust!

What can I use instead of shrimp in a blackened bowl?

If you don’t eat shrimp, there are plenty of tasty alternatives for your blackened bowl! Blackened chicken or fish (like tilapia or salmon) works beautifully with the same spice blend. For vegetarian options, try blackened tofu, tempeh, or even large portobello mushroom slices, which all accept the spices well and provide a satisfying texture. Blackened cauliflower “steaks” are another great plant-based option that absorbs the spicy flavors wonderfully.

More Shrimp Recipes

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 6 servings

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 50 mins

Make these blackened shrimp bowls with cilantro rice and silky dressing for a restaurant-worthy meal full of sweet and spicy flavors! Email

Ingredients

2 pounds peeled large raw shrimp, tail removed approx. 21-25 per pound
1 Tablespoons paprika
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon sea salt to taste
2 Tablespoons olive oil

Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 small bunch cilantro
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
juice of 2 limes
1 medium ripe avocado
2 cloves garlic
2 stalks green onions
1 teaspoon sea salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper to taste

Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe

1 medium ripe mango
1 medium tomato
1/4 cup red onion
1 seeded jalapeño optional
1/2 lime
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Peel and remove tails off of the shrimp, pat dry the shrimp and place in a bowl. 2 pounds peeled large raw shrimp, tail removed
Pour paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper into the bowl with the shrimp. 1 Tablespoons paprika , 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 1 Tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon sea salt
Mix everything together until the shrimp is thoroughly coated with the dry rub.
Pour olive oil in a pan and heat up the pan on the stove over medium-high heat.2 Tablespoons olive oil
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Separately, make the cilantro lime dressing. In a blender or nutribullet add greek yogurt, a bunch of cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, avocado, garlic cloves, green onion stalks, salt, and pepper to taste. Blend together until smooth.1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 small bunch cilantro, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, juice of 2 limes, 1 medium ripe avocado, 2 cloves garlic, 2 stalks green onions, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
In another bowl make your mango salsa. Dice mango, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeño, if using. Squeeze fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper.1 medium ripe mango, 1 medium tomato, 1/4 cup red onion, 1 seeded jalapeño , 1/2 lime, salt and pepper
Assemble your blackened shrimp bowl over rice or your go-to grain. Top with mango salsa and the cilantro lime dressing.