Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Chipotle Bacon Bowl featuring succulent grilled shrimp and vibrant vegetables! Imagine a perfect harmony of smoky bacon, spicy chipotle sauce, and perfectly cooked shrimp that will transport your senses to a Mexican-inspired flavor paradise. This quick and easy recipe is not just a meal—it's a gourmet experience that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution for busy food lovers who refuse to compromise on taste.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 tbsp chipotle sauce
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces and set aside.
- Chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. You can use a mix of zucchini and bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious addition to the bowl.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the shrimp. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the chipotle sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Once the vegetables are done, push them to the side of the skillet and add the shrimp to the empty side. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- While the shrimp is cooking, reheat the cooked rice in a separate pot or microwave until warm.
- To assemble the Chipotle Bacon Bowl, start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl. Top the rice with the sautéed vegetables and cooked shrimp.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of each bowl for added flavor and crunch.
- Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chipotle Bacon Bowl with Grilled Shrimp and Veggies!
Tips
- Shrimp Cooking Perfection: Always pat your shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful sear and prevent steaming. Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to maintain their tender texture.
- Bacon Hack: For extra crispy bacon, try baking it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying, which creates less mess and more consistent results.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to swap or add different vegetables like asparagus, mushrooms, or carrots to customize your bowl and keep things interesting.
- Spice Control: Adjust the chipotle sauce quantity based on your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more if you want an extra kick.
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare components of this dish in advance—cook rice, chop vegetables, and pre-cook bacon to make assembly lightning fast during busy weeknights.
- Garnish Game: Don't skip the fresh cilantro! It adds a bright, fresh element that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 220mg
