Chipotle Chili Lime Shrimp Bowls (High Protein)

December 21, 2024

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These high-protein, low-carb chili lime shrimp bowls are packed with bold Mexican flavors, featuring shrimp, cilantro lime cauliflower rice, and creamy avocado.

Chili lime shrimp bowl with chipotle chili lime shrimp, cilantro lime cauliflower rice and sliced avocado. Topped with chopped cilantro.

Chili lime shrimp lovers, this bowl is for you! In this flavorful, high-protein Mexican-inspired bowl, the shrimp are spicy, smoky, and tangy thanks to a marinade of minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice.

The low-carb bowl also includes our favorite cilantro lime cauliflower rice (Chipotle copycat) and creamy avocado. It’s got all the flavor and texture of chili lime shrimp tacos but is much healthier and lower in carbs!

Of course, you can customize the bowls to your liking. You can add crumbled cotija cheese, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even swap in plain cauliflower rice. A lot of possibilities to explore!

What are Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce?

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are smoked and dried jalapeños canned in a sauce made with puréed tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and spices. Widely used in Mexican and Latin cuisines, they bring a smoky depth to marinades, sauces, dips, and soups.

Key Ingredients

Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp for this dish. We recommend peeled, deveined, tail-on shrimp, but feel free to use shrimp without tails for easier eating. If frozen, thaw according to package instructions.

Cauliflower rice: We use a 10-ounce bag of frozen riced cauliflower, cooked in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes. If ricing your own, measure out 10 ounces.

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: For the chili lime shrimp, we use 1.5 tablespoons of minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, plus a few teaspoons of the sauce. The shrimp briefly marinates in this mixture before cooking.

Lime juice: Essential for both the chili lime shrimp and the cauliflower rice. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor of both the shrimp and the cauliflower rice.

Cilantro: We use about ¼ cup of freshly chopped cilantro for the rice, but feel free to adjust to your liking.

Avocado: Sliced avocado adds creaminess and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Other options include bell peppers, red onions, or grape tomatoes.

How to Make

STEP 1 — Prepare shrimp marinade: If using frozen shrimp, thaw according to package instructions. In a large bowl, combine minced chipotle peppers, a few teaspoons of adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. Toss the shrimp in the mixture until fully coated, then let marinate for 15 minutes while you prepare the cauliflower rice.

STEP 2 — Cook cauliflower rice: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the riced cauliflower and cook, stirring regularly, until tender and lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Stir in salt, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Divide the rice equally between two bowls.

Shrimp marinating in a bowl with chipotle chili lime sauce.

STEP 3 — Prepare avocado: Slice halved avocado, lightly salt, and drizzle with lime juice. Arrange the slices in the bowls alongside the cauliflower rice.

STEP 4 — Cook shrimp: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add the shrimp and its marinade to the skillet. Cook until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Divide the shrimp evenly between the two bowls.

Slicing half an avocado on a cutting board.

Cooking chipotle chili marinated shrimp in a pan until opague.

STEP 5 — Serve: If desired, add any remaining pan sauce over shrimp and/or a squeeze or two of lime juice. Serve immediately.

Finished chili lime shrimp bowl with chili lime shrimp, sliced avocado and cilantro lime rice.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place the shrimp and cauliflower rice in separate airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For best results, slice fresh avocado just before serving.

If you try this recipe, we would love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag @lowcarbsimplified on your photo of this recipe on Instagram or Facebook. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

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