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High Protein Cajun Shrimp Protein Bowls - Spicy, Satisfying, and Meal-Prep Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1.5 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
  • Cajun seasoning: 2–3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Lemon: 1 (zest and juice)
  • Cooked base: 4 cups cooked brown rice, white rice, or quinoa (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
  • Veggies: 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 small red onion (thinly sliced), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cucumber (diced)
  • Greens: 2 cups shredded romaine or baby spinach
  • Black beans (optional but protein-boosting): 1 can, drained and rinsed
  • Fresh herbs: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley
  • Avocado: 1, sliced (optional)
  • Greek yogurt sauce: 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey or hot sauce, salt and pepper
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the base: Cook your rice or quinoa according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. If using cauliflower rice, sauté in a little oil with salt and pepper until tender.
  2. Mix the yogurt sauce: Stir Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey or hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust to taste and chill until serving.
  3. Season the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss with Cajun seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred. Squeeze in half the lemon juice. Remove from heat.
  5. Prep the veggies: While shrimp cooks, chop bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs. Rinse and drain black beans if using.
  6. Warm the base (optional): If meal prepping or using refrigerated grains, warm them briefly so the bowls feel fresh and comforting.
  7. Assemble: Divide the rice or quinoa among bowls. Top with greens, black beans, and veggies. Add the Cajun shrimp and avocado.
  8. Finish: Spoon on the yogurt sauce, sprinkle with herbs, and add the remaining lemon juice if you like extra brightness. Crack on black pepper to finish.