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High Protein Spicy Shrimp Protein Plates - Simple, Satisfying, and Meal-Prep Friendly

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 1.25 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large; tail on or off)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus more for serving)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked grains (brown rice, quinoa, or farro)
  • 2 cups crunchy vegetables (bell peppers, cucumbers, shredded cabbage, or snap peas)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional but recommended)
  • Fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley), chopped
  • Optional topping: plain Greek yogurt, lime wedges, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook your base grains: Prepare brown rice, quinoa, or farro according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside. You’ll want about 1/2 cup per plate, more if you need extra carbs for training days.
  2. Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp sear better and won’t steam.
  3. Make the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir in minced garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil to form a loose paste.
  4. Season the shrimp: Toss shrimp with the spice paste and lime juice until coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you chop vegetables.
  5. Chop the veggies: Slice bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Shred cabbage if using. Keep pieces bite-sized for easy eating.
  6. Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1.5–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque with a light char. Do not overcook.
  7. Assemble the plates: Divide grains among plates or meal-prep containers. Add a generous handful of veggies and tomatoes. Top with shrimp.
  8. Add creamy balance: Slice avocado over the plates or add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess and extra protein.
  9. Finish with freshness: Sprinkle chopped herbs and squeeze more lime over the top. Add hot sauce if you like it extra spicy.
  10. Taste and adjust: Add a pinch more salt or a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.