Pin This vibrant shrimp bowl combines unexpected flavors that create magic on your plate. The sweet cherry glaze with smoky chipotle heat transforms ordinary shrimp into something extraordinary, while the fresh components bring balance and texture to every bite.
I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something special but quick. My family was so impressed that it immediately entered our regular rotation, and guests always ask for the recipe after trying it.
Ingredients
- large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Look for wild-caught when possible for best flavor and sustainability
- olive oil: Use a good quality oil since it directly flavors the shrimp
- kosher salt: The flaky texture adheres better to the shrimp
- black pepper: Freshly ground provides the most aromatic punch
- cherry preserves: Seek out preserves with visible fruit pieces for texture
- chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced: Adjust quantity for your heat preference
- honey: Local honey adds subtle floral notes
- lime juice: Always use fresh for brightest flavor
- garlic clove, minced: Choose firm, heavy bulbs for maximum flavor
- cooked jasmine or basmati rice: Rinse before cooking for fluffier results
- cherry tomatoes, halved: Look for firm, deeply colored specimens
- avocado, sliced: Choose slightly yielding fruit for perfect ripeness
- red onion, thinly sliced: Soak briefly in cold water to temper sharpness
- fresh cilantro, chopped: The stems contain intense flavor, so include some
- Lime wedges, for serving: Essential for the final fresh squeeze
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Chipotle Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine cherry preserves, minced chipotle peppers, honey, lime juice, and garlic. Whisk thoroughly until completely integrated. The sauce should be glossy with visible specks of chipotle. Let sit while preparing other components to allow flavors to meld.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Toss gently with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, turning to distribute evenly. The shrimp should glisten slightly but not be dripping with oil.
- Sear the Shrimp:
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until a drop of water sizzles immediately upon contact. Arrange shrimp in a single layer with space between each piece. Cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges turn pink and opaque. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until nearly done but still slightly translucent in the center.
- Glaze with Cherry Chipotle Sauce:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp, using a spatula to scrape every bit from the bowl. Toss continuously as the sauce bubbles and thickens, coating each shrimp with a glossy glaze. This takes 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce is ready when it clings to the shrimp and has reduced slightly. Remove from heat promptly to prevent overcooking.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the fluffy rice among four serving bowls, creating a foundation for the other components. Arrange the glazed shrimp atop the rice, spooning any extra sauce over them. Position the cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and red onion around the shrimp in an appealing pattern. Shower each bowl with fresh cilantro and nestle lime wedges alongside for squeezing at the table.
Pin The chipotle peppers are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their transformative power years ago when making tacos, and now I always keep a can in my pantry. My daughter, who typically avoids spicy food, makes an exception for this dish because the cherry preserves balance the heat so perfectly.
Make-Ahead Options
This bowl concept works beautifully for meal planning. Cook the rice and shrimp separately and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sauce actually develops deeper flavor overnight, making this an excellent candidate for advance preparation. When ready to serve, gently reheat the shrimp and sauce in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the glaze. The rice can be microwaved with a sprinkle of water to restore moisture.
Cut vegetables can be prepped and stored separately. For avocado, wait until serving or brush with lime juice to prevent browning if preparing a few hours ahead.
Smart Substitutions
The beauty of bowl meals lies in their flexibility. Here are some tested alternatives that work wonderfully:
Protein Swaps: Boneless chicken thighs cut into chunks work beautifully with a slightly longer cooking time. For vegetarians, extra firm tofu cubes or tempeh absorb the glaze nicely after being pressed and pan seared.
Grain Options: Brown rice provides a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Quinoa offers complete protein. Cauliflower rice creates a lower carb version that still soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fruit Variations: When cherry preserves aren't available, apricot preserves create an equally delicious but distinctly different profile. Blackberry jam adds deeper notes for fall and winter months.
Serving Suggestions
These bowls shine as a complete meal, but several accompaniments can elevate the experience:
A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar provides cooling contrast to the spicy shrimp.
Crispy tortilla strips or plantain chips add welcome textural contrast when sprinkled on top.
For entertaining, set up a build your own bowl bar with all components separately arranged, allowing guests to customize their portions and combinations.
Heat Level Adjustments
The recipe as written provides moderate heat that builds pleasantly with each bite. For those sensitive to spice, start with just 1 tablespoon of chipotle peppers and taste before adding more. The sweetness of the cherries helps tame the fire.
For heat seekers, add a finely diced fresh jalapeño to the sauce or include a dash of your favorite hot sauce. The sweet cherry base can handle significant heat without becoming unbalanced.
Pin Adding fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime right before serving brightens all the flavors beautifully.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice is ideal for a fluffy base that absorbs the fruity, smoky shrimp glaze wonderfully.
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure even searing and best texture in the bowls.
- → How spicy are these bowls?
The cherry-chipotle glaze offers gentle warmth—add more chipotle for extra heat, or reduce for milder flavor.
- → What substitutions work for shrimp?
Chicken or tofu are tasty swaps; simply adjust cook time to ensure either is cooked through and glazed well.
- → How can I add extra crunch?
Add thinly sliced radish or shredded cabbage for a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the saucy shrimp.
- → Is this bowl gluten-free?
Yes, as written it’s gluten-free—just confirm all sauces and preserves are free of hidden gluten ingredients.