This shrimp & rice bowl with pineapple salsa is truly 1 of those dishes that turn an everyday meal into something you rave about all week! Sweet, juicy pineapple meets tender, spiced shrimp and fluffy rice in every bite, and the salsa bursts with bright, fresh flavors. Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or just treating yourself to a vibrant dinner, this colorful bowl delivers satisfaction, nutrition, and major wow-factor in every spoonful. 1 simple recipe, countless reasons to fall in love!

Shrimp & Rice Bowl with Pineapple Salsa: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for this 1 are a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential part in building layers of taste and texture. Nothing fancy, just real food coming together for a knockout meal you’ll make again and again!

Large shrimp: The star protein, bringing a tender, juicy texture and sweet ocean flavor to the bowl.
Cooked white or brown rice: A hearty, fluffy base that soaks up all of the delicious juices from shrimp and salsa.
Olive oil: Adds just the right touch of richness and helps the spices cling to the shrimp.
Garlic powder: Infuses the shrimp with deep, savory undertones without any chopping required.
Paprika: Offers a warm color and subtle smokiness to the shrimp seasoning blend.
Salt and pepper: Classic essentials to make the flavors pop and balance the dish.
Fresh pineapple: Brings juicy sweetness and gorgeous color to the salsa.
Red onion: Adds sharpness and crunch for a contrast to the soft pineapple and shrimp.
Jalapeño pepper: Optional, if you want to give your salsa a little fiery punch (highly recommended for spice lovers!).
Fresh cilantro: Provides a fragrant lift and lovely green flecks throughout the salsa.
Lime juice: Brightens the whole bowl and accents every other flavor beautifully.
Lime wedges for garnish: So people can finish their individual bowl with a custom burst of citrus.

How to Make 1

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Begin your 1 by cooking the white or brown rice according to the package instructions. This is your base, so you want each grain perfectly tender—fluffy enough to soak up all those flavors, but sturdy enough to support the topping. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside. You can even use leftover rice here to save time!

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Next, gather your shrimp in a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so every piece gets coated in the spiced oil. This step is when the shrimp starts to get its signature depth and personality, thanks to those easy pantry spices.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Let them sear and sizzle for about 2-3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink, opaque, and a little bit caramelized at the edges. Remove from the pan promptly to keep them juicy and tender—nobody wants overcooked shrimp!

Step 4: Make the Pineapple Salsa

While the shrimp cooks, whip up your punchy pineapple salsa. In a bowl, mix together the diced pineapple, finely chopped red onion, jalapeño (if you love a kick), cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Give it a taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. You’re aiming for a salsa that’s bright, zesty, and slightly spicy—this is what makes your 1 downright addictive.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Divide the fluffy rice evenly among your serving bowls. Top with the sizzling shrimp, then spoon heaps of that vibrant pineapple salsa right over the top. You’ll want some salsa in every bite—the sweet and savory combo absolutely sings here!

Step 6: Garnish

To finish your 1 with a flourish, squeeze a little extra lime juice over each bowl and add a wedge on the side. This offers a tangy burst right before you dig in, waking up all the flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your shrimp & rice bowl with pineapple salsa immediately while the shrimp is hot and the salsa is fresh. Every bite is juicy, sunny, and totally irresistible—like a vacation dinner you can enjoy at home any night of the week.

How to Serve 1

Garnishes

The finishing touch can make all the difference in your 1. Aside from those lime wedges, scatter extra chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño over each bowl for more color and a hint of heat. Toasted sesame seeds or a little drizzle of chili oil can also boost the wow factor if you’re feeling creative.

Side Dishes

This bowl easily stands alone, but for a truly complete meal, serve it with crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some grilled veggies (like zucchini or bell peppers). Fresh tortillas or even crunchy plantain chips on the side can scoop up every last bit of salsa and rice, making your 1 even more interactive and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your shrimp & rice bowl into a 1 party centerpiece by serving it “DIY style” – lay out all components in separate bowls and let everyone build their own masterpiece. Or, layer them up in mason jars for a portable picnic treat. For appetizers, try piling the shrimp and salsa onto small rice cakes or crispy tostadas as colorful finger foods.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your 1, store each component (shrimp, rice, salsa) in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the flavors vibrant and prevents the salsa from making the rice soggy. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Freezing

The shrimp and rice can both be frozen for up to 2 months—just let them cool completely first and pack into freezer bags or containers. While the pineapple salsa is best fresh, you can freeze it if needed, but expect a softer texture once thawed. Thaw everything overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy your 1 again.

Reheating

To reheat your 1, warm the shrimp and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water to the rice to keep it fluffy. Always add the pineapple salsa fresh (straight from the fridge) after reheating to maintain that bold, juicy flavor contrast.

FAQs

Can I substitute another protein for the shrimp?

Absolutely! Chicken breast, tofu, or even grilled fish work beautifully in this 1, making it super flexible for different tastes and dietary needs.

What type of rice is best for this 1?

You can use either white or brown rice—both soak up flavors really well. Feel free to try jasmine or basmati for a fragrant twist, or even cauliflower rice if you want to lower the carbs!

Is this 1 spicy?

The heat level is totally up to you. Using jalapeño in the salsa adds some spice, but you can leave it out for a milder bowl, or use more for a real kick.

Can I make the pineapple salsa in advance?

Yes! Making your salsa up to a day ahead actually lets the flavors meld, which can be delicious. Just keep it covered in the fridge and stir before serving your 1.

How can I make this 1 gluten free?

The recipe is naturally gluten free as written, just make sure your spices and rice haven’t been processed with any hidden gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, fast, and unforgettable, give this shrimp & rice bowl with pineapple salsa a try. It really is 1 recipe that brings the sunshine to your kitchen and leaves you dreaming up endless ways to enjoy it again. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!