Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsThe MonicaShrimp Recipe

Shrimp Recipe

Inspired by The Monica
Time40m
Serves4

variant of a real chipotle bowl

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Ingredients

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Marinated Shrimp

Cilantro-Lime Rice

Method

Marinated Shrimp

  1. 1

    Prepare marinade

    In a medium bowl combine 2 tbs olive oil, 2 tbs fresh lime juice, 1 tbs minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 tbs adobo sauce (if you want more heat), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp honey (optional), 1 tsp kosher salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth.

  2. 2

    Marinate shrimp

    Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 10–20 minutes while you prepare other components (do not exceed 30 minutes or acid will start to 'cook' the shrimp).

  3. 3

    Cook shrimp

    Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add a thin drizzle (about 1 tsp) of oil if the pan is dry. Add marinated shrimp in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Cook 1.5–2 minutes per side (total 3–4 minutes) until opaque and just cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm. If the marinade leaves sticky bits, scrape them into the pan and spoon over the shrimp for extra flavor.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

  1. 4

    Rinse rice

    Rinse 1.5 cups long-grain white rice under cold water until the rinse runs mostly clear to remove surface starch. Drain well.

  2. 5

    Cook rice

    In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbs olive oil over medium heat. Add rinsed rice and toast, stirring, for 1 minute. Add 2.25 cups water and 0.75 tsp kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes.

  3. 6

    Finish rice

    Fluff rice with a fork, then stir in 2 tbs fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest and 0.33 cup chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust salt or lime as desired. Keep warm until assembly.

Black Beans

  1. 7

    Sauté aromatics

    In a small saucepan or skillet, heat 1 tbs olive oil over medium heat. Add 0.25 cup finely diced yellow onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add 1 clove minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  2. 8

    Warm beans

    Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 0.5 tsp ground cumin and 0.25 cup water (or reserved bean liquid). Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 4–5 minutes to heat through and slightly thicken. Season with 0.5 tsp kosher salt. Mash a few beans with the back of a spoon if you prefer a creamier texture. Keep warm.

Pico de Gallo

  1. 9

    Combine ingredients

    In a bowl combine 2 diced roma tomatoes, 0.25 cup finely diced red onion, 1 finely minced jalapeño (seeded if you want milder), 0.25 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tbs fresh lime juice and 0.5 tsp kosher salt. Stir and let sit at room temperature 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed.

Chipotle Crema

  1. 10

    Mix crema

    In a small bowl whisk together 0.5 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 1 tsp minced chipotle in adobo, 1 tbs fresh lime juice and 0.25 tsp kosher salt. Add 1 tbs cold water to thin to a drizzling consistency. Taste and adjust chipotle or salt.

Toppings & Assembly

  1. 11

    Prepare toppings

    Slice 1 avocado and prepare 2 cups shredded romaine or mixed greens. Crumble 0.33 cup cotija cheese and cut lime into 2 wedges. Chop extra cilantro if using.

  2. 12

    Assemble bowls

    Divide cilantro-lime rice among 4 bowls as the base (about 3/4–1 cup rice per bowl). Add a scoop of warm black beans next to the rice, then arrange warm chipotle-marinated shrimp (about 1/4 lb shrimp per bowl). Add a handful of shredded greens, a scoop of pico de gallo, sliced avocado and a sprinkle of cotija.

  3. 13

    Finish & serve

    Drizzle chipotle crema over the bowls and garnish with extra chopped cilantro and a lime wedge. Serve immediately while shrimp and rice are warm.

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