Quinoa Shrimp Bowl

🌍 Cultural Description:

Quinoa shrimp bowls are a modern, nutrient-packed meal often found in Mediterranean and California-inspired cuisine. This colorful dish blends lean seafood with wholesome grains and vibrant vegetables for a balanced, energizing lunch or dinner.

🍽️ Nutritional Highlights:

Shrimp provide low-fat protein and essential minerals, while quinoa adds plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbs. Mixed vegetables deliver antioxidants and vitamins, supporting energy, digestion, and immune health.

💡 Recipe Success Tips:

Rinse quinoa well before cooking to remove bitterness.

Use fresh or frozen shrimp and season well for maximum flavor.

Layer ingredients just before serving to preserve texture and color.

🛒 Ingredients (Brief Description):

Shrimp (200g, peeled and deveined): Lean protein with sweet flavor.

Quinoa (½ cup, uncooked): Protein-rich grain base.

Cherry Tomatoes (½ cup, halved): Juicy freshness.

Cucumber (½, diced): Crunchy and cooling.

Avocado (1 small, diced): Creamy healthy fat.

Red Onion (¼, finely sliced): Sharp flavor contrast.

Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For cooking and dressing.

Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Bright acidity.

Paprika (½ tsp): Warm seasoning for shrimp.

Salt and Pepper (to taste): To enhance all flavors.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Method:

Rinse quinoa under cold water. Cook in 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.

In a bowl, season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan and sauté shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and firm.

In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.

Add shrimp on top. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and lemon juice. Toss gently.

🔥 Cooking Method:

Boil quinoa until fluffy.

Pan-sear shrimp in olive oil with seasoning.

🍚 Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm or chilled. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or parsley, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.

⏱️ Recipe Details:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty Level: Beginner

Serves: 2

📊 Nutritional Value (per serving):

Calories: 380 kcal

Protein: 28g

Fat: 16g

Carbohydrates: 28g

Fiber: 6g

❄️ Storage Instructions:

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Can be eaten cold or gently reheated. Avocado is best added fresh.