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Zesty Shrimp Scampi Taco Bowl

zesty shrimp scampi taco bowl - featured image

A quick and easy dinner featuring garlicky lemon shrimp served over fluffy rice with fresh veggies and creamy avocado, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced or diced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: pat shrimp dry, mince garlic, chop parsley and cilantro, halve cherry tomatoes, dice red onion, slice avocado, and cook rice if needed.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Melt butter until foamy but not browned.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until bottoms turn pink and slightly golden. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque.
  5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Stir in chopped parsley and half of the cilantro, cooking for 30 seconds to combine.
  7. Assemble taco bowls by placing warm rice in bowls, topping with shrimp, then scattering cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado slices.
  8. Garnish with remaining cilantro and lime wedges. Squeeze lime over each bowl before serving.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender and juicy. Add lemon juice off heat or at the end to preserve bright flavor. Use butter and olive oil together for richness without burning. For dairy-free, omit butter and use olive oil only. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days; store shrimp and rice separately and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp, scampi, taco bowl, garlic butter shrimp, lemon shrimp, quick dinner, easy recipe, seafood, healthy dinner