Shrimp & Pepper Rice Bowl

If you’re looking for an easy shrimp dinner that brings plenty of flavor without complicated steps, this shrimp and pepper rice bowl is worth trying. Juicy Cajun shrimp, tender peppers, savory vegetables, and fluffy rice make every bite satisfying, all coming together in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Cajun flavor. Every component gets seasoned generously for consistent flavor throughout.
• Loaded with vegetables. Bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, and tomatoes add color and substance.
• That savory tomato sauce. Ties the shrimp and vegetables together in a rich, flavorful coating.
• Ready in 35 minutes. A satisfying dinner that doesn’t take much effort.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 hard boiled eggs
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 to 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce or paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ cup water or broth

How to Make Shrimp & Pepper Rice Bowl

1. Season the shrimp. Season the shrimp with paprika, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, salt, and onion powder until evenly coated.

2. Cook the shrimp. Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet, add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.

4. Add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

5. Make the sauce. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce or paste, and water or broth. Stir well and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the peppers.

6. Return the shrimp. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss with the peppers and savory tomato sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is hot.

7. Build the rice bowls. Spoon the hot white rice into serving bowls and top generously with the Cajun shrimp, peppers, mushrooms, and sauce. Add the hard boiled eggs on the side and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Shrimp & Pepper Rice Bowl

• Don’t overcook the shrimp in the first step. They’ll go back into the sauce briefly, so 2 to 3 minutes per side is enough.
• Slice the vegetables evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate for consistent texture.
• Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. This concentrates the flavor before the shrimp goes back in.
• Have the rice warm and ready. This dish comes together quickly at the end, so having the rice prepared in advance keeps everything on schedule.

What to Serve with Shrimp & Pepper Rice Bowls

This dish is a complete meal on its own with rice and eggs included, but a simple side salad can be added if you’d like something extra fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions