Grain Bowl with Shrimp Avocado and Black Beans Recipe

Quinoa: A protein-rich grain that serves as the base of the bowl.

Shrimp: Provides a succulent and flavorful protein source.

Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.

Black beans: Contributes fiber and a hearty texture.

Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and color.

Lime: Provides a zesty and fresh citrus flavor.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the shrimp and adding richness.

Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the shrimp.

Paprika: Gives a smoky and slightly spicy taste.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.

When cooking shrimp, ensure they are evenly coated with spices by tossing them in a bowl with the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper before adding them to the skillet. This helps to achieve a more uniform flavor and prevents the spices from burning in the pan.

• cooked quinoa - Substitute with cooked brown rice: Brown rice provides a similar texture and nutritional profile, making it a great alternative.

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with grilled chicken breast: Grilled chicken breast offers a similar protein content and can be seasoned similarly to shrimp.

• sliced avocado - Substitute with sliced cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and moisture, though it lacks the creaminess of avocado.

• cooked black beans - Substitute with cooked chickpeas: Chickpeas provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a good alternative.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with diced red bell peppers: Red bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color, similar to cherry tomatoes.

• juiced lime - Substitute with juiced lemon: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder provides a similar smoky and slightly spicy flavor, making it a suitable replacement.

• salt and pepper - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can replace the need for additional salt.

• Allow the quinoa and shrimp to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Store the avocado separately to avoid it turning brown and mushy. You can drizzle it with a bit of lime juice to slow down oxidation.
• Use airtight containers to keep the grain bowl fresh. Divide the dish into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Refrigerate the grain bowl for up to 3 days. The shrimp and black beans will maintain their texture and flavor within this timeframe.
• If you need to freeze the grain bowl, omit the avocado and cherry tomatoes as they do not freeze well. Add them fresh when you’re ready to eat.
• To freeze, place the quinoa, shrimp, and black beans mixture in freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the grain bowl in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add fresh avocado and cherry tomatoes before serving.
• For added freshness, sprinkle some extra lime juice and a dash of olive oil before enjoying your reheated meal.

• For the best results, separate the shrimp from the rest of the grain bowl components before reheating. This ensures that the shrimp doesn't become overcooked and rubbery.
• Reheat the quinoa, black beans, and cherry tomatoes mixture in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the quinoa mixture on the stovetop. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to a skillet, and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For the shrimp, use a separate skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat, and add the shrimp. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, just until warmed through.
• Avoid reheating the avocado as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant color. Instead, slice a fresh avocado to add to your reheated bowl.
• Once all components are warmed, combine them back together. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and enjoy your reheated grain bowl with the same delicious flavors as the first time.

• Skillet: Used to cook the shrimp with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until they are pink and opaque.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and cooked shrimp.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the quinoa, black beans, and cherry tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, cumin, and paprika.

• Knife: Used to slice the avocado and halve the cherry tomatoes.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to slice the avocado and halve the cherry tomatoes.

• Juicer: Used to extract juice from the lime.

• Spatula: Used to toss the ingredients gently in the mixing bowl.

• Pot: Used to cook the quinoa according to package instructions.

• Stove: Used to heat the skillet and cook the shrimp, as well as to cook the quinoa in the pot.

Cook quinoa in advance: Prepare quinoa ahead of time and store it in the fridge to save time on busy days.

Use pre-cooked shrimp: Buy pre-cooked shrimp to skip the cooking step and simply warm them up with spices.

Canned black beans: Opt for canned black beans to avoid the lengthy process of soaking and cooking dried beans.

Pre-sliced avocado: Purchase pre-sliced avocado or slice it the night before to save prep time.

Batch prep ingredients: Prepare and store ingredients like cherry tomatoes and lime juice in advance for quick assembly.