A Tropical Escape with Every Bite

Do you ever crave a meal that instantly transports you to a warm, sunny beach with just one bite? That’s exactly what this Caribbean Shrimp Bowl delivers. It’s like a little vacation in a bowl—packed with vibrant colors, tropical flavors, and a hint of spice. Whether you’re dreaming of palm trees or just want to shake up your dinner routine, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The first time I made this dish, I was looking for something healthy yet indulgent, and this hit all the marks. It’s light but satisfying, packed with fresh fruits and veggies, and the shrimp adds a protein boost. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or those nights when you’d rather relax than spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bursting with Flavor: Sweet pineapple, juicy mango, and savory shrimp come together in a perfect blend.
Quick and Easy: It’s on the table in no time, making it ideal for weeknights.

Healthy and Versatile: Loaded with fresh ingredients, it’s naturally gluten-free, and you can easily adapt it to your preferences.

Now, let’s dive in and start bringing this tropical delight to life!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s everything you need to make your Caribbean Shrimp Bowl. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local store:

2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil, divided
1 pound uncooked shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
2 cups frozen riced cauliflower

1 package (12 ounces) broccoli coleslaw mix
1 large sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice level)

1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup cubed fresh pineapple or unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup chopped peeled mango

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your shrimp to the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. They’ll release a delicious aroma as they cook—it’s like the ocean breeze meeting the kitchen! Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and keep them warm.

Pro Tip: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and are best when tender and juicy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and toss in your onion, red pepper, and broccoli slaw mix. Sprinkle with adobo seasoning, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and sea salt. This combination of spices brings a subtle kick of Caribbean-inspired flavor without overpowering the dish.

Stir everything well and let the veggies cook over medium heat. Cover the skillet to allow the vegetables to steam slightly, which helps them soften while still maintaining a nice crunch. This should take about 8-10 minutes.

Now that the shrimp is cooked to perfection and the vegetables are tender and crisp, it’s time to assemble the rest of the Caribbean Shrimp Bowl. This is where the tropical magic really happens! With the addition of sweet pineapple, juicy mango, and fresh cilantro, this dish truly becomes a celebration of flavor and color. Let’s finish building your tropical paradise on a plate.

Step 3: Add the Cauliflower Rice

To make this dish low-carb and veggie-packed, we’re using riced cauliflower as the base. It’s a fantastic alternative to regular rice, providing a light, fluffy texture that soaks up all the amazing flavors from the skillet.

Add 2 cups of frozen riced cauliflower to your skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir it all together, ensuring the cauliflower is evenly mixed with the spices and veggies. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the cauliflower is tender but not mushy.

Pro Tip: If you’re using fresh riced cauliflower, it may cook faster, so keep an eye on it.

Step 4: Introduce the Tropical Stars

Here comes the fun part: adding the sweet tropical fruits! Stir in 1 cup of cubed fresh pineapple and 1 cup of chopped mango. These fruits not only add a burst of color but also balance the savory spices with natural sweetness.

Let the fruits warm through for 1-2 minutes, just enough for their flavors to meld with the rest of the dish. The pineapple provides a slight tangy kick, while the mango brings a smooth, mellow sweetness that complements the shrimp beautifully.

Step 5: Return the Shrimp to the Skillet

Remember that plate of perfectly cooked shrimp we set aside earlier? It’s time to bring it back! Gently stir the shrimp into the skillet, making sure each piece is nestled among the vegetables and fruits. Let everything heat together for another 2-3 minutes. The shrimp will soak up the tropical flavors, and the dish will come together in one harmonious bite.

Pro Tip: If you prefer extra saucy dishes, feel free to add a splash of coconut milk or a squeeze of fresh lime juice at this stage for an added layer of flavor.

Step 6: The Final Touch: Fresh Cilantro

To finish, sprinkle 1/4 cup of minced fresh cilantro over the entire skillet. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that ties all the flavors together. If you’re a cilantro lover (like me), feel free to add even more as a garnish before serving.

At this point, your Caribbean Shrimp Bowl is ready to serve. Each bite is packed with a delightful combination of textures and flavors—sweet, savory, spicy, and fresh.

Serving Suggestions:

As a Bowl: Serve the shrimp mixture straight from the skillet into individual bowls. Garnish with more cilantro if desired.
With Sides: Pair this dish with a side of sliced avocado or a drizzle of lime crema for added richness.
Family Style: Serve the shrimp bowl in a large serving dish and let everyone dig in. It’s the perfect way to bring a little island charm to your dinner table.

Pro Tips for Customization:

Want More Protein? Add black beans or grilled chicken alongside the shrimp.
Love Spice? Toss in some diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Prefer Grains? If you’re not watching carbs, swap the cauliflower rice for quinoa, jasmine rice, or even coconut rice for a richer, tropical vibe.

Your Questions Answered + A Tropical Conclusion

As your Caribbean Shrimp Bowl comes together, you might have a few questions about preparation, ingredient swaps, or how to make it your own. Let’s dive into some of the most common questions to ensure your tropical masterpiece is a total success.

FAQ Section:

1. Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen?
Yes, absolutely! If you have a fresh head of cauliflower, simply rice it in a food processor or grate it manually. Fresh cauliflower may cook faster than frozen, so keep an eye on it as it sautés.

2. What if I can’t find adobo seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own adobo seasoning by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. It’s a great spice blend to have on hand for other dishes too.

3. Can I substitute the shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp or have allergies, diced chicken, tofu, or even salmon work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking times to ensure your protein is cooked through.

4. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the vegetables, peel and devein the shrimp, and even cook the cauliflower rice ahead of time. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then assemble and cook fresh when ready to serve.

5. What if I don’t have fresh pineapple or mango?
No fresh fruit? No problem. Use canned pineapple chunks (unsweetened) and frozen mango, letting them thaw before adding them to the dish. They still bring that delicious tropical sweetness.

6. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While the shrimp and veggies freeze well, the fresh fruits (pineapple and mango) can lose their texture. If you’re planning to freeze leftovers, omit the fruit and add it fresh when reheating.

7. How can I tone down the spice?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply skip the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. You can always serve a bottle of hot sauce on the side for spice lovers.

Conclusion: Bring the Tropics to Your Table

There you have it—a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. The Caribbean Shrimp Bowl combines the best of fresh vegetables, juicy tropical fruits, and tender shrimp, creating a balanced meal that feels like a mini vacation in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

If you give this recipe a try (and trust me, you should!), I’d love to hear how it turns out. Did you add your own spin to it? Maybe a dash of lime juice or a sprinkle of toasted coconut? Let me know in the comments below, or share your beautiful creations on social media. Your kitchen adventure might just inspire someone else to dive into this tropical treat!

Until next time, happy cooking—and enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean, right from your own home. 🌴🍤✨

Caribbean Shrimp Bowls: A Tropical, Healthy Dinner in Under 30 Minutes

Author: Hamza

Print Recipe

Description

Bring the taste of the tropics to your table with this Caribbean Shrimp Bowl! This easy-to-make dish is a colorful mix of tender shrimp, riced cauliflower, fresh pineapple, sweet mango, and crisp vegetables, all seasoned with a hint of spice. It’s light, healthy, and bursting with tropical flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and easily customizable. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s your ticket to a flavorful, fuss-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil, divided
1 pound uncooked shrimp (26–30 per pound), peeled and deveined

2 cups frozen riced cauliflower
1 package (12 ounces) broccoli coleslaw mix
1 large sweet red pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup cubed fresh pineapple or unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained

1 cup chopped peeled mango
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Instructions

Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, red pepper, broccoli slaw, adobo seasoning, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Stir well. Cover and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Cook the Cauliflower Rice: Stir the frozen riced cauliflower into the vegetable mixture. Cover again and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
Add the Fruits: Stir in the pineapple chunks and mango. Let them warm through for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Combine Everything: Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir gently to mix. Allow the dish to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Notes

Protein Swaps: Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or salmon for a personalized twist.

Make Ahead: Chop the vegetables and fruits and peel the shrimp in advance to save time.
Adjust Spice Levels: Reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
Add a Tropical Sauce: A drizzle of coconut milk or lime juice can enhance the tropical vibes.