Tropical Paradise: Easy Hawaiian Shrimp Taco Bowls Recipe

Dive into a tropical culinary adventure with these sizzling Hawaiian shrimp taco bowls that burst with vibrant flavors and island-inspired ingredients.

Bold spices and succulent shrimp create a mouthwatering dance of taste sensations.

The recipe blends fresh produce with zesty marinades, promising a meal that transports you straight to paradise.

Juicy pineapple chunks add a sweet twist to every bite, complementing the perfectly seasoned seafood.

Each layer builds complexity and depth, turning an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Colorful bell peppers and tender shrimp intermingle with fragrant rice, creating a feast for both eyes and palate.

Get ready to savor a meal that celebrates the essence of Hawaiian cuisine in one delightful bowl.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Shrimp Taco Bowls

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and soft rice that provides a delightful foundation for the taco bowl, choose high-quality grains for best texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps create smooth cooking surface and adds subtle richness to the dish.

• Jumbo Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that brings oceanic freshness, select plump and firm shrimp with clean, bright appearance.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami complexity and enhances shrimp's natural flavors.
• Sriracha: Introduces bold, spicy kick that elevates the shrimp's taste profile.
• Honey: Balances heat with sweet notes, creating harmonious flavor development.
• Chili Powder: Provides warm, smoky undertone to the shrimp seasoning.
• Garlic: Delivers aromatic depth and savory punch to the protein.

• Mangoes, Corn Kernels: Bring tropical sweetness and juicy crunch, select ripe mangoes and fresh corn for maximum flavor.
• Purple Cabbage: Adds crisp texture and beautiful color contrast.
• Pickled Onions: Introduces tangy brightness and acidic balance.
• Fresh Cilantro: Provides herbaceous freshness and authentic Mexican-inspired accent.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Create luxurious, smooth base for the crema.
• Lime Juice and Zest: Adds bright, citrusy dimension and enhances overall freshness.
• Cilantro: Infuses herbal notes into the creamy sauce.

What You’ll Need to Build Shrimp Taco Bowls

• Large Pan: Essential for cooking shrimp evenly and achieving perfect sear.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Ideal for creating marinade and coating shrimp.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing cilantro lime crema ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending marinade and crema ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping mango, cilantro, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise ingredient preparation and dicing.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate marinade and crema measurements.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping shrimp and ensuring even cooking.

Cooking Steps for Hawaiian-Inspired Taco Bowls

• Rice Foundation

Fluffy jasmine rice forms the base of this tropical delight. Cook according to package directions, letting it rest warmly while preparing other components.

• Zesty Shrimp Marinade

Create a flavor-packed bath for succulent shrimp using olive oil, garlic, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, sriracha, and honey. Let shrimp soak up these vibrant flavors for 10-15 minutes.

• Shrimp Sizzle

Heat a pan until it’s screaming hot. Lay marinated shrimp in a single layer, cooking until they transform from translucent to a beautiful pink-white color. Each side needs about 3-4 minutes to reach perfect doneness.

• Creamy Cilantro Dreamy Sauce

Blend sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, zesty lime zest, chopped cilantro, and a hint of garlic. Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, tangy companion for the shrimp.

• Bowl Symphony

Layer your creation starting with the rice. Crown it with sizzling shrimp, sweet mango cubes, golden corn kernels, vibrant purple cabbage, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro sprigs.

• Final Flourish

Drizzle the cilantro cream generously across the bowl. Add an extra sprinkle of cilantro if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and prepare for a flavor explosion.

Swap Suggestions & Heat Control

• Shrimp Marinating Magic: Let the shrimp soak up extra flavor by marinating longer in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before cooking, which helps intensify the delicious Hawaiian-inspired seasoning blend.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the sriracha amount to match your personal heat preference – add more for a fiery kick or reduce for a milder taste that everyone can enjoy.
• Rice Swap Options: Experiment with different rice varieties like brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa to create a lighter or more nutritious base for your taco bowl.
• Tropical Twist Additions: Enhance the Hawaiian theme by adding grilled pineapple chunks, diced avocado, or toasted macadamia nuts as extra toppings for more texture and island-inspired flavors.

How to Present This Tropical Bowl

• Tropical Taco Bowl Twist: Elevate your Hawaiian Shrimp Taco Bowls with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of tropical crunch and nutty flavor.
• Spice Lover's Paradise: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a dash of extra sriracha for those who crave a fiery kick in their meal, balancing the sweet mango and creamy crema.
• Sidekick Suggestions: Pair the taco bowls with a crisp, cold Corona or a refreshing pineapple mojito to complement the Hawaiian-inspired flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Beach Picnic Potential: Pack these taco bowls in mason jars for a perfect portable lunch, keeping the components separate to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.

Smart Storage Notes for Shrimp Bowls

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare rice and marinate shrimp in advance for quick weeknight meals. Store marinated shrimp and prepped ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator Rescue: Keep leftover taco bowls sealed tightly in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Separate the crema and store it in a different container to maintain its fresh texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in zip-lock bags for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store crisp toppings like cabbage and corn separately from rice and shrimp to prevent moisture buildup. Use small glass containers or portion-sized compartment boxes for easy meal prep and freshness maintenance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Zesty Hawaiian Shrimp Taco Bowls

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty Hawaiian shrimp taco bowls blend tropical flavors with fresh ingredients. Colorful ingredients and quick preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll enjoy savoring.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 ears corn, kernels removed
• 2 mangoes, diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) jasmine rice
• ¼ cup (40 g) shredded purple cabbage
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 2 tbsps honey
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
• 3 tbsps mayonnaise
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 3 tbsps finely chopped cilantro
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Pickled onions
• Fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions, maintaining warmth and fluffiness for the taco bowls.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, garlic, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, sriracha, and honey in a mixing bowl. Immerse shrimp completely, allowing flavor infusion for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
3. Shrimp Cooking: Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange marinated shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden, then flip and cook 2-3 minutes until opaque with a slight char.
4. Cilantro Lime Crema: Blend sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and garlic until smooth and well integrated.
5. Bowl Assembly: Layer warm rice as the foundation. Top with seared shrimp, diced mango, corn kernels, shredded purple cabbage, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro leaves.
6. Final Touches: Drizzle cilantro lime crema generously over each bowl. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while ingredients are at optimal temperature and flavor intensity.

Notes

• Marinate Smartly: Let shrimp sit in marinade for exactly 10-15 minutes to maximize flavor absorption without breaking down delicate protein texture.
• Sear with Precision: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding pan to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior on shrimp without steaming them.
• Crema Consistency Matters: Blend cilantro lime sauce until completely smooth for even distribution and balanced flavor throughout taco bowl.
• Temperature Timing: Serve immediately after assembly to maintain optimal warmth and prevent rice from becoming soggy or shrimp from cooling down.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 200mg