Save to Pinterest This Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl is a vibrant and healthy dish that brings fresh, coastal flavors to your kitchen. Succulent shrimp, seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, rest on a bed of wholesome grains and crisp vegetables, all finished with a creamy tahini sauce.
Save to Pinterest What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious meal prep option, this bowl combines the warmth of sautéed shrimp with the crunch of cucumber and cherry tomatoes. The velvety tahini dressing adds a rich, nutty depth that ties all the components together perfectly.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Grains: 1 cup (180 g) cooked quinoa (or brown rice, farro, or couscous).
- Mediterranean Vegetables: 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup (150 g) cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1/2 cup (75 g) red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach or arugula.
- Tahini Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 g) tahini; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 2 tbsp water (plus more to thin); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp sea salt.
- Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; lemon wedges.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Prepare the grains according to package instructions and set aside.
- Step 2
- In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Step 4
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, cumin, and salt until smooth. Add more water to thin if needed.
- Step 5
- In serving bowls, layer the cooked grains, baby spinach or arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion.
- Step 6
- Top each bowl with sautéed shrimp. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
- Step 7
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a medium saucepan for the grains and a high-quality skillet for the shrimp. Prepping all your vegetables with a chef's knife and cutting board beforehand will make the assembly process much smoother. Using a whisk for the tahini sauce ensures a perfectly creamy texture.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a different protein. If dairy is not a concern, you can add crumbled feta cheese for extra tang. While quinoa is a great base, you can also use brown rice, farro, or couscous; however, note that farro and couscous may contain gluten.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges to add a bright acidity. For a complete dining experience, pair this meal with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Save to Pinterest This Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl is as beautiful as it is delicious, offering a balanced meal that satisfies the palate and the body. Enjoy the interplay of warm seafood and cool, crisp garden vegetables in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the grains and vegetables up to 3 days in advance. Store components separately and assemble just before serving. Keep the tahini sauce in a sealed container—it may thicken, so add a splash of water when ready to use.
- → What grains work best?
Quinoa, brown rice, farro, or couscous all pair beautifully. Quinoa offers the quickest cooking time and lightest texture, while farro provides a hearty, nutty bite. Choose based on your preference and pantry availability.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep assembled bowls refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The shrimp and vegetables maintain their texture well. If meal prepping, store the sauce separately and drizzle just before eating for the freshest experience.
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Pat them thoroughly dry before seasoning—excess moisture can prevent proper searing and result in rubbery texture.
- → Is the tahini sauce adjustable?
The sauce is highly customizable. For a thinner consistency, add more water one tablespoon at a time. Increase lemon juice for brightness, or add a touch of maple syrup for subtle sweetness. The base ratios create a perfectly balanced starting point.
