Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep
- In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Stir well and let sit at room temperature while you cook - this helps the flavors meld.
Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let steam for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro.
Cook the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels - this is crucial for a good sear. Toss with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half the shrimp in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until pink and golden on the bottom. Flip and cook 1 minute more. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining oil and shrimp.
- Return all shrimp to the skillet over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and toss with lime juice.
Assemble
- Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with shrimp, a generous scoop of mango salsa, and sliced avocado. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Buy shrimp already peeled and deveined to save time - the 20-minute prep assumes this. For a milder salsa, use half a jalapeño or swap in a mild poblano. The mango salsa can be made up to 2 hours ahead; just hold off on adding salt until serving so it doesn't get watery.
