Seared Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Juicy seared shrimp paired with sweet pineapple chunks over fluffy jasmine rice, finished with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing for a refreshing tropical meal. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs shrimp, peeled and deveined, pineapple chunks, jasmine rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups water in a saucepan, bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is fluffy.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, whisk together 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a small bowl for the dressing; set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz shrimp to skillet, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp red chili flakes and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly golden.
- Step 5: Toss in 1 cup pineapple chunks and cook alongside shrimp for 2 minutes until warmed through and edges caramelize.
- Step 6: Serve shrimp and pineapple mixture over 1 cup cooked jasmine rice, drizzle with cilantro-lime dressing, and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seared Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Seared Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shrimp, peeled and deveined from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Seared Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Seared Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?
Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.