Shrimp Taco Bowls are so wonderful and so good and so easy - they're perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or healthy meal prep situation.
Shrimp are coated in a wonderfully flavorful taco seasoning and air fried along with fresh corn. The shrimp are piled on top of a fantastic selection of rice, beans, and fresh veggies and herbs. My delicious chili lime crema is the perfect sauce to tie it all together.
Serve it along side a big bowl of chips and salsa and it's a Taco Tuesday dream! It's SOOOOO GOOD!
Grab your air fryer and let's get started!
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Shrimp Taco Bowls are a true family favorite around here. And, how could they not be!? They're quick, easy, and totally customizable. My husband and kids make them one way, I make them another and everyone is happy!
This super simple recipe is a meal prep here, great for a quick lunch, and perfect for days when you need a fast dinner. I've even made these bowls for a Taco bar situation for friends. You just cannot go wrong!
What You'll Need
- Shrimp and Taco Seasoning - The cook up in the air fryer in just a few minutes!
- Fresh Corn on the Cob, Black Beans, Cabbage - The veggie components. You can have fun here. Use what you love!
- Rice - I use a long grain white rice, but use what you love. Cauliflower rice is also fantastic!
- Mayonaise and Mexican Crema - The creamy component of the shrimp taco bowls sauce.
- Thai Chili Sauce and Cumin - Gives the sauce a sweet heat and that quintessential Mexican flavor.
- Cilantro, Avocado, Radish, Red Onion, Limes - Garnishes to gild the lily.
What Kind Of Shrimp To Use
In most instances, you are better off buying frozen shrimp. Unless you live close to the coast, the shrimp you are buying will be already flash frozen on the boat. Even the stuff at the seafood counter that's not currently frozen, probably was previously.
I suggest buying frozen because it's not been thawed out for an undetermined amount of time. It also gives more flexibility of when you can use it. And, because it's so easy to thaw, just buy them frozen. It's just a better option.
Peeled Vs. Shell-On
I also prefer buying an EZ peel, tail-on shrimp. The shell protects the shrimp from freezer burn. Once thawed and ready to use, the shell and tail easily slips right off.
How To Make Them
To say we love tacos is an understatement. Beef tacos, chicken tacos, fish tacos, and, today, shrimp tacos in bowl form. This recipe couldn't be simpler. I'll give you a brief rundown of the festivities here, but the details and specifics will live in the
For these shrimp taco bowls, simply:
- Season and cook the shrimp and corn.
- Make the sauce.
- Assemble the bowls.
- Garnish until your heart is content.
I told ya it was easy! Because the shrimp and corn cook in the air fryer, everything goes quickly. The sauce is super simple and the bowls come together in no time!
Tips and Tricks
- Use frozen shrimp and let them thaw out slowly in the fridge for best results.
- Enjoy these shrimp taco bowls warm or cold. They're great either way!
- Make extra sauce. It's really great for salad dressings and as a dip.
- Use coleslaw mix to keep the cabbage part simple.
Serving Ideas
Serve these shrimp taco bowls warm or cold. They're fantastic either way. As for garnish and serving ideas, the sky is the limit. Here a few ideas!
- Avocados - sliced and added on top for creaminess
- Radishes - for crunch and a peppery bite
- Red Onions or Quick-Pickled Red Onions - for a lovely savory bite.
- Sliced Jalapeños or Serranos - for crunch and heat
- Sour Cream - a dollop is always a good idea in my opinion
- Salsa Verde or Pico De Gallo - my top two favorite salsas ever
- Cilantro Leaves - I love it. If you do not, do not use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Shrimp Taco Bowls gluten-free?
These shrimp taco bowls are gluten- free. There is no need for any substitutions for that dietary concern.
Are these Shrimp Taco Bowls dairy-free?
The only part of this recipe that has dairy is the Mexican crema. An easy substitution would be a dairy-free or vegan sour cream.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it spicy. Add cayenne or chipotle to the taco seasoning!
- This recipe would be fantastic with any protein. Chicken, beef, or pork would be great. You could even make this vegetarian by using either tofu or adding in more veggies!
- Use whatever rice you like. Cauliflower rice would be a lower carb swap thats really fantastic!
- Turn this bowl into a salad! Forgo the rice and add your favorite mixed greens!
- If you don't like black beans, pinto or kidney beans would be a great option!
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
Store the leftovers separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don't recommend freezing the leftovers.
This is the perfect recipe for meal prepping. Portion out the bowl ingredients in a meal prep container. Add the chili lime crema sauce in a separate salad dressing container and you have a grab and go lunch for the week!
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Shrimp Taco Bowls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- taco seasoning
- 2 ears whole corn, shucked and cleaned
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 (14 oz can) black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup cabbage, finely shredded coleslaw mix would be a great substitution
- 4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- red onion and cilantro, for garnish
Chili Lime Crema
- 1 cup Mexican crema
- ⅓ cup Thai chili sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Chili Lime Crema
- Mix all chili lime crema ingredients together and set aside.
Shrimp and Corn
- Place corn into a preheated 400° air fryer. Cook 15 minutes.
- Remove corn from the air fryer and allow it to cool so it will be easier to handle. Cut kernels from ears and set aside.
- Toss shrimp with taco seasoning. Add shrimp to the air fryer approximately half way through the cook time of the corn. Cook the shrimp 6-7 minutes.
Shrimp Taco Bowl Assembly
- Start with a base of rice, pile on beans and corn. Add shredded cabbage, radishes, avocado, onion and cilantro.
- Add shrimp to the top of this pile. Drizzle with a healthy pour of the chili lime crema. Enjoy!
Nutrition
If you guys make this Shrimp Taco Bowls recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Shrimp Taco Bowls recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
-Rufus
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Stacy says
This recipe is amazing! My entire family loves it and we make it all the time now!