Honey Garlic Shrimp Quinoa Bowl

Honey Garlic Shrimp Quinoa Bowl

🍽 Serves 2–3

🥣 Ingredients

For the Quinoa

• 1 cup quinoa

• 2 cups water or chicken broth

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

🍤 For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)

🍯 Honey Garlic Glaze

• 3 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)

• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thicker glaze)

🥑 Avocado Tomato Salsa

• 1 ripe avocado, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

🌿 Garnish

• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)

• Lime wedges

• Optional: grated parmesan or feta (light sprinkle)

🔪 Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water.

2. Add quinoa, water/broth, and salt to a pot.

3. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes.

4. Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

5. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.

👉 Quinoa should be fluffy, not mushy.

🍤 Step 2: Season & Sear the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp completely dry.

2. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes.

3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add shrimp in a single layer.

5. Cook:

   • 2 minutes per side

   • Until pink, curled, and lightly caramelized

6. Remove shrimp and set aside.

🔥 Don’t overcook — shrimp should be juicy and tender.

🍯 Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

1. In the same pan (lower heat to medium):

   • Add butter and garlic

   • Sauté 30 seconds (do not brown)

2. Add honey, soy sauce, and citrus juice.

3. Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy.

4. (Optional) Add cornstarch slurry for thicker sauce.

5. Return shrimp to pan and toss to coat.

6. Cook 1 more minute, then remove from heat.

🥑 Step 4: Make Avocado Tomato Salsa

1. Gently mix avocado, tomatoes, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning.

🥗 Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

1. Spread quinoa on plate or bowl.

2. Arrange glazed shrimp on top.

3. Spoon extra glaze over quinoa.

4. Add avocado tomato salsa.

5. Garnish with herbs and lime wedges.

🔥 Pro Tips

• Dry shrimp = better caramelization

• Use medium-high heat for shrimp color

• Add glaze at the end to avoid burning honey

• Quinoa can be swapped with rice or couscous

🌶 Flavor Variations

• Spicy: Add sriracha or chili paste to glaze

• Garlic Butter: Increase butter, reduce honey

• Mexican-style: Add cumin + smoked paprika

• Mediterranean: Swap soy sauce for balsamic