The Shrimp & Quinoa Bowl is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the goodness of shrimp, quinoa, and fresh vegetables. This meal is not only packed with flavors, but it’s also quick and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch, this bowl is a perfect choice!
Why Make This Recipe
Making the Shrimp & Quinoa Bowl is a great way to enjoy a balanced meal. It’s loaded with protein from the shrimp, fiber from the quinoa, and vitamins from the veggies. Plus, it’s colorful and fresh, making it a delight to eat. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to use any seasonal veggies you have on hand. It’s a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste!
How to Make Shrimp & Quinoa Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain. In a pot, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted.
- Combine the cooked quinoa and shrimp with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges.
How to Serve Shrimp & Quinoa Bowl
You can serve this bowl warm, adding a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor. It works well as a main dish and is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. You can also enjoy it with your favorite sauce or dressing if you like.
How to Store Shrimp & Quinoa Bowl
If you have leftovers, store the Shrimp & Quinoa Bowl in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a minute or two, or warm it in a skillet.
Tips to Make Shrimp & Quinoa Bowl
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly and should be just pink.
- Feel free to mix in any vegetables you like. Zucchini, corn, or avocado can be great additions.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by adding different proteins like chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. Swap out vegetables based on what you have at home or what’s in season to keep things fresh!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking.
2. Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this bowl a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. How can I make it spicy?
If you like spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the shrimp. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving.
