20 Minute Blackened Shrimp Burrito Bowls

These 20-Minute Blackened Shrimp Burrito Bowls are full of some of my favorite flavors. The shrimp are broiled to perfection, while the roasted bell peppers and tomatoes bring a savory sweetness—topped with homemade guac & pickled onions. This quick and easy bowl recipe is the perfect balance of deep & fresh flavor with every bite. 🥑🍤✨

What Makes a Perfect Bowl…

A great bowl is all about balance: a hearty base, something protein dense, something fresh, a little crunch, and a sauce or topping that ties it all together. The mix of warm and cool, soft and crisp, makes every bite exciting. There’s just something about digging into a bowl where every forkful hits differently but still works in harmony—it’s satisfying, effortless, and honestly, a little addictive.

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How to Make Blackened Shrimp Burrito Bowls in 20 Minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Shrimp uncooked
• 2 Cups Rice prepared
• 2 Bell Peppers
• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
• 2 Packets Taco Seasoning of choice 

Guacamole

• 4 Avocados
• ¼ Cup Cilantro minced
• 2 Roma Tomatoes diced
• 2 Limes juiced
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic minced
• 1 Teaspoon Salt

Toppings

• Pickled Red Onions
• Sriracha

Step-By-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven & Season Everything: Set your oven to 450°F and grab two bowls—one for the shrimp and one for the veggies. Toss the shrimp with one packet of taco seasoning & more minced garlic if you desire, making sure every piece is well coated. Slice the bell peppers, & in the other bowl, do the same with the sliced bell peppers and cherry tomatoes.

Roast the Veggies: Spread the seasoned bell peppers and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil. Place them in the preheated oven and let them roast for 7 minutes. Roasting at high heat caramelizes the veggies, bringing out their natural sweetness.

Broil the Shrimp (& Veggies): After the veggies have roasted for 7 minutes, switch the oven to broil. Spread the seasoned shrimp on a separate baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil and place it in the oven alongside the veggies. Broil everything for 8 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through for even cooking. The high heat will create a slight char on the shrimp, intensifying the blackened flavor.

Make the Guacamole: While the shrimp and veggies are in the oven, mash the avocados in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the diced roma tomatoes, minced cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Mix well, adjusting the lime juice and salt to taste.

Assemble Your Burrito Bowls: Spoon warm rice into bowls, then top with roasted veggies and blackened shrimp. Add a generous scoop of guacamole on the side. I like to add pickled onions and sriracha fro added flavor and color! Enjoy!

Why You'll Love These 20-Minute Blackened Shrimp Burrito Bowls

• Fast & Easy: From start to finish, this shrimp burrito bowl recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare. No complicated steps—just simple, delicious food.
• Packed with Flavor: The blackened shrimp gets its bold taste from taco seasoning, while the roasted bell peppers and cherry tomatoes add natural sweetness.
• Healthy & Balanced: With lean protein from shrimp, fiber-rich vegetables, and avocados with healthy fats, this bowl delivers a well-rounded meal.
• Customizable: Swap out the rice, add extra veggies, or throw in your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, or beans.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Customize Your 20 Minute Blackened Shrimp Burrito Bowls!

One of the best things about these shrimp burrito bowls is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few ideas if you want to switch up the base or add a few more toppings!

• Cilantro Lime Rice (Recipe Below): Add fresh lime & cilantro to your rice for extra flavor.
• Cauliflower Rice: Keep it low-carb by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
• Quinoa: For a protein boost, swap rice for quinoa.
• Black beans or garbanzo beans for added protein and fiber.
• Cheese like cotija, feta, or cheddar.
• Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Salsa or pico de gallo for more freshness.
• Red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick!

How To Make Cilantro Lime Rice

For most types of rice, the general rule is to use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. However, this ratio may change slightly based on the texture you prefer! Some want firmer rice, while others like a softer consistency. Personally, I like a perfect in between, so I follow the 1:2 ratio. Adjust the water quantity accordingly. If you like a softer rice, add about ¼ cup more water. If you like a firmer rice, add about ¼ cup less.

Before you begin, rinse the rice. To do this, put the rice in a bowl, fill the bowl with water, and stir the rice and the water around a couple times with your hands. You’ll then drain the water, be careful not to lose the rice while you drain it. Add the rice and water to a medium pot. Bring the water & rice to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to ensure it cooks evenly. Once it’s been about 15 minutes start checking every minute or so to see if the rice has reached the texture you desire. 

Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for about 2 minutes. This will help give you fluffier grains.

How to Keep Guacamole From Browning

To keep guacamole fresh and vibrant green, you have to minimize exposure to air. The key trick is to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before sealing it in an airtight container. This prevents oxidation, which causes it to brown. Add extra lime juice before you store it to help slow the process. Another trick is to place a thin layer of water over the guacamole, then drain it off and stir just before eating—this creates a little wall against air exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a blackened shrimp burrito bowl?
A blackened shrimp burrito bowl is a deconstructed burrito with seasoned shrimp, roasted bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, rice, and fresh guacamole. The ingredients are served in a big bowl instead of a tortilla—this makes it a flavorful, balanced meal.

How do you blacken shrimp?
Blackening shrimp involves coating it with bold seasonings like taco seasoning or a Cajun spice blend, then cooking it at high heat—either by broiling, grilling, or pan-searing. The high heat creates a slightly charred crust, intensifying the flavor.

What’s the best rice to use for burrito bowls?
White rice, brown rice, cilantro lime rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice work well in blackened shrimp burrito bowls.

Can I make blackened shrimp burrito bowls ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the shrimp, rice, and veggies in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover shrimp, rice, and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the guacamole separate to maintain its freshness.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first by placing them in a bowl of cold water for ten to fifteen minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! Swap the shrimp for chicken breast or thighs, slice them into strips, and season with taco seasoning. Bake or grill them until fully cooked.

How do I make this recipe spicier?
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce to your shrimp and veggies before cooking.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of broiling?
Yes! Grill the shrimp over medium-high heat for two to three minutes per side, until charred and cooked through.

Is this blackened shrimp burrito bowl gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning does not contain added gluten. Always check labels to be sure.

How do I reheat shrimp without making it rubbery?
Reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for two to three minutes or in a 400°F oven for five minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can overcook and toughen the shrimp.

What’s a good low-carb substitute for rice in burrito bowls?
Cauliflower rice, shredded lettuce, or riced broccoli are great low-carb alternatives that keep these burrito bowls keto-friendly.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these 20-Minute Blackened Shrimp Burrito Bowls as much as I do. They’re packed with fresh, delicious flavors that come together in no time, making them the perfect meal for busy nights when you still want something tasty. With every bite, you get a little bit of everything—savory shrimp, roasted veggies, and creamy guacamole. It’s a simple dish that’s anything but ordinary, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy🍤✨