Cajun-Style Blackened Shrimp Bowls

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 17, 2025

Growing up near the coast, seafood was more than just a meal—it was an experience. I remember the first time I had blackened shrimp at a small beachside restaurant. The smoky, spicy aroma filled the air as I eagerly took my first bite. It was bold, flavorful, and slightly charred, perfectly balanced with a squeeze of fresh lime. That meal stayed with me, reminding me of ocean breezes, warm summer nights, and the simple joy of a great dish.

Years later, I wanted to recreate that same intensely spiced, smoky shrimp but in a way that felt fresh, balanced, and nutritious. That’s how this Spicy Blackened Shrimp Power Bowl was born. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a vibrant combination of textures and flavors, bringing together tender, well-seasoned shrimp, crisp vegetables, creamy guacamole, and crunchy tortilla strips in one delicious, satisfying bowl.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a protein-packed lunch, or a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish made at home, this bowl has it all.

Why You’ll Love This Blackened Shrimp Bowl

1. Bursting with Bold Flavors

This dish is all about layers of flavor. The blackened shrimp is coated in a spicy, smoky seasoning blend, giving it a deep, rich taste. The fresh vegetables add a refreshing crunch, the guacamole brings creaminess, and the lime juice ties everything together with a hint of brightness.

2. Packed with Protein and Nutrients

Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein and is low in calories.
Kidney beans add extra fiber, plant-based protein, and iron.
Lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Guacamole delivers healthy fats and a creamy texture.

This bowl is well-balanced, nutrient-dense, and incredibly satisfying.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

In just 30 minutes, you can have this meal ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something fast but still packed with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to meal prep and assemble throughout the week.

4. A Meal That’s Customizable for Everyone

Adjust the spice level: If you love heat, add extra chili powder or cayenne. Prefer a milder version? Use a lighter seasoning mix.
Switch up the greens: Swap lettuce for spinach, arugula, or even a grain base like quinoa or rice.
Make it vegetarian: Replace shrimp with crispy tofu, grilled portobello mushrooms, or tempeh.

Bold Flavors, Fresh Ingredients, and a Kick of Spice

For the Blackened Shrimp:

1 pound (454 g) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ tbsp lemon juice
2 ounces (57 g) blackened seasoning mix
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Bowl:

Bunch of lettuce leaves, rinsed and drained
1 ½ cups (266 g) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cucumber, sliced
½ cup corn
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 limes, quartered
½ cup guacamole
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup tortilla strips

Directions: Building the Ultimate Blackened Shrimp Bowl

1. Season and Sear the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel, then toss them with blackened seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and slightly charred. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp before removing from heat.

2. Assemble the Bowl

Layer fresh lettuce leaves in serving bowls. Add red kidney beans, cucumber slices, corn, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Arrange the blackened shrimp on top, followed by a generous scoop of guacamole.

3. Garnish and Serve

Top with tortilla strips for a crunchy finish. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Enjoy immediately!

Nutritional Breakdown: A Protein-Packed, Flavorful Meal

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: ~5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Fiber:~9g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: ~50mg

This spicy, protein-packed blackened shrimp bowl is perfect for a quick and healthy meal, offering a balance of bold flavors, fresh vegetables, and satisfying textures in every bite!

The Secret to Perfect Blackened Shrimp

1. The Right Blackened Seasoning

The key to authentic blackened shrimp is the seasoning blend. A combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper creates the deep, spicy-sweet crust on the shrimp. Store-bought blackened seasoning works, but making your own allows you to adjust the heat and flavors to your liking.

2. High Heat for the Perfect Sear

Cooking the shrimp in a hot skillet with olive oil gives them a crispy, slightly charred exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

3. Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice Enhances Flavor

A squeeze of citrus right before serving adds brightness and helps balance out the bold spices.

How to Build the Ultimate Power Bowl

A great power bowl is all about combining different textures and flavors to create a dish that’s exciting to eat. Here’s how this bowl comes together:

1. The Base: Fresh, Crisp Greens

A mix of lettuce, spinach, or kale creates a fresh foundation that soaks up all the flavors.

2. The Protein: Blackened Shrimp

The star of the dish, spicy, smoky shrimp adds bold flavor and satisfying protein.

3. The Crunch: Fresh and Pickled Veggies

Cucumber and cherry tomatoes add a refreshing, crisp bite.
Thinly sliced red onion brings a slight sharpness.
Tortilla strips add a crunchy contrast.

4. The Creamy Element: Guacamole

A dollop of guacamole or sliced avocado balances out the spice with a smooth, rich texture.

5. The Zesty Finish: Lime Wedges

A final squeeze of fresh lime juice makes all the flavors pop.

Best Ways to Serve This Bowl

1. As a Classic Power Bowl

Keep it simple and serve all the ingredients layered in a bowl for a meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.

2. Wrapped in a Tortilla

Turn this bowl into a spicy blackened shrimp wrap by adding everything to a large tortilla for an easy, handheld meal.

3. Over Rice or Quinoa

For a more filling option, swap the lettuce base for rice or quinoa to make it a grain bowl.

4. As a Taco Filling

Spoon the blackened shrimp and toppings into warm corn tortillas for delicious shrimp tacos.

FAQs About This Blackened Shrimp Bowl

1. What is blackened seasoning?

Blackened seasoning is a spicy, smoky blend of spices commonly used in Cajun and Creole cooking. It typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, and dried herbs.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for the best sear.

3. How can I make this dish dairy-free and gluten-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free. To keep it gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free tortilla strips or skip them altogether.

4. Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely! Store the cooked shrimp, fresh vegetables, and beans in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Assemble the bowl when ready to eat and add guacamole and tortilla strips fresh to maintain texture.

5. What’s the best way to reheat shrimp?

Shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked, so reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.

6. Can I make the shrimp less spicy?

Yes! Reduce the cayenne pepper or use a milder seasoning blend to make it less spicy while still keeping the smoky flavor.

Final Thoughts: A Meal That Brings Excitement to Your Table

This Spicy Blackened Shrimp Power Bowl is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and perfectly balanced textures. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it for a weekend gathering, this bowl is guaranteed to be a hit.

It’s a dish that brings comfort, excitement, and a little bit of spice to every bite. If you’re looking for a meal that’s nutritious, easy to make, and bursting with flavor, this power bowl is the perfect choice. Try it once, and it just might become a staple in your home!