Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl Recipe

There are some restaurant dishes you try once and immediately know you have to recreate them at home. That’s exactly how I felt after trying the Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl Recipe.

It was so fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor that I couldn’t stop thinking about it. My version brings all those delicious elements right to your kitchen—the juicy shrimp, the zesty toppings, and that incredible sweet and spicy sauce.

It’s surprisingly simple to assemble, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels like a special treat. I love making this Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl Recipe because it’s a complete, satisfying meal that is bursting with color and taste.

Ingredients

This section details every component you’ll need to build your delicious Baja shrimp bowl.

• Jalapeño Peppers: Use 4 sliced peppers. These add a spicy kick, so you can add more or less depending on how much heat you like.
• Shrimp: You’ll need 32 oz. of peeled and deveined shrimp. Using fresh, large shrimp will give you the best juicy, succulent texture.
• Baby Arugula: 2 oz. of this peppery green adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Corn Kernels: 12 oz. of sweet corn kernels provide a wonderful pop of sweetness and a satisfying texture.
• Jasmine Rice: 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice will serve as the fragrant and fluffy base for your bowl.
• Limes: 4 limes cut into wedges are essential for that bright, citrusy finish that ties all the flavors together.
• Tortilla Strips: 2 oz. of crispy tortilla strips add a necessary and delightful crunch.
• Roma Tomatoes: 4 diced Roma tomatoes bring a juicy, fresh element. Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: 12 fl. oz. of this sauce is the key; it provides the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy.

Note: These ingredients will yield approximately 8 servings.

Variations

Here are a few ways to customize your bowl to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. For a different protein, you can easily substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken, salmon, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option. To add more vegetables, consider tossing in some diced avocado for creaminess, black beans for extra fiber, or sautéed bell peppers for more color. If you’re not a fan of jasmine rice, quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice work wonderfully as a base. You can also experiment with the sauce by adding a splash of soy sauce for umami or a bit of sriracha for more intense heat.

Cooking Time

Get this flavorful meal on the table in just an hour.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Equipment You Need

You only need a few common kitchen tools to prepare this dish.

• A large pan or skillet: This is for cooking the shrimp perfectly until they are pink and opaque.
• A saucepan: You’ll need this to cook your jasmine rice according to package directions.
• Cutting board and knife: For safely slicing the jalapeños, dicing the tomatoes, and cutting the limes.
• Serving bowls: To assemble and present your beautiful Baja shrimp bowls.

How to Make the Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl Recipe?

This recipe comes together in a few simple stages: cooking the main components, prepping the fresh toppings, and assembling the final bowls. It’s an easy process that results in a restaurant-quality meal right in your own home. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start assembling, which makes the final steps quick and seamless.

Prepare the Core Ingredients

First, focus on cooking the main components of the bowl. Start by cooking the 2 cups of jasmine rice according to the instructions on the package until it’s light and fluffy. While the rice is simmering, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your 32 oz. of peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and are cooked through. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Prep the Fresh Toppings

While the shrimp and rice are cooking, it’s the perfect time to prepare all your fresh toppings. Dice your 4 Roma tomatoes into small, even pieces. Thinly slice the 4 jalapeño peppers, removing the seeds if you prefer less heat. Cut the 4 limes into wedges for easy squeezing. This prep step ensures that once your hot ingredients are ready, you can assemble the bowls quickly while everything is still fresh.

Assemble Your Bowls

Now for the fun part: putting it all together! Start by dividing the cooked jasmine rice among your individual serving bowls to create a base. Arrange a generous portion of the cooked shrimp on top of the rice. Next, artfully scatter the corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños around the shrimp. Add a small handful of baby arugula to each bowl for a fresh, peppery bite.

Garnish and Serve

The final touches are what make this bowl truly special. Sprinkle the 2 oz. of tortilla strips over each bowl to add a satisfying crunch. Drizzle the 12 fl. oz. of sweet chili sauce generously over everything, adjusting the amount based on how sweet and spicy you like it. Finally, place a few lime wedges on the side of each bowl. Serve immediately and encourage everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice over their bowl for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this bowl many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even better. I always recommend patting the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps them get a nice sear instead of just steaming in the pan. I also like to slightly warm the corn before adding it to the bowl, as it blends better with the warm rice and shrimp.

• For an extra layer of flavor, try marinating the shrimp for 15 minutes in a little olive oil, garlic, and chili powder before cooking.
• If you have the time, making your own crispy tortilla strips by frying corn tortillas is a game-changer.
• Don’t be shy with the lime juice! I find that a generous squeeze really brightens up all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness of the chili sauce.
• To save time on a busy night, you can prep all the vegetables a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

How to Serve the Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl Recipe?

These bowls are best served fresh and warm, with all the toppings ready for mixing.

Present the bowls just after assembly so the hot and cold ingredients create a pleasing contrast. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes, arugula, and shrimp already make it a visually appealing dish. For an extra touch, you could garnish with some chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the spice. Serve with extra sweet chili sauce and lime wedges on the side so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.

Nutritional Information

Here is a general overview of the nutritional content per serving.

• Calories: 365 kcal
• Protein
• Carbohydrates
• Fat

Make Ahead and Storage

Follow these guidelines for storing and enjoying any leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, keep the components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will prevent the rice from getting mushy and the arugula from wilting. When stored properly, the ingredients will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

I would not recommend freezing the assembled bowl, as the fresh vegetables and rice will not hold up well upon thawing. However, you can cook the shrimp and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating and assembling with fresh ingredients.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. Assemble the bowl with the fresh, cold toppings right before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor. Avoid reheating the entire assembled bowl, as it will make the fresh ingredients soggy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few compelling reasons why this shrimp bowl will become a new favorite.

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of sweet, spicy, savory, and citrusy notes creates a delicious explosion of flavor in every single bite.
• Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special without a lot of effort.
• Highly Customizable: You can easily swap proteins, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the spice level to make this dish perfectly suited to your taste.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Filled with lean protein, fresh greens, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal that will leave you feeling full and energized.