Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowls: A Perfect Balance of Savory and Tropical Freshness
By Jason Griffith
Imagine a dish that effortlessly blends savory, sweet, and tangy flavors into one vibrant, satisfying meal. This Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowl does just that! Featuring juicy teriyaki-glazed shrimp, sweet caramelized pineapple chunks, and fluffy, seasoned rice, it’s a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, flavorful lunch, this bowl brings a touch of tropical paradise right to your table.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big fan of meals that are both incredibly delicious and easy to prepare, and this Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowl truly fits the bill. What I absolutely adore is the way the umami-rich teriyaki shrimp finds its perfect partner in the bright, sweet caramelized pineapple. The seasoned rice provides a comforting base, soaking up all the delicious pan juices. It’s a fantastic balance of flavors—savory, sweet, and tangy—that feels fresh and exciting in every bite. Plus, the minimal cleanup makes it an ideal go-to for busy evenings when you crave something special without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
For the Seasoned Rice:
- 1 cup white rice or jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Teriyaki Shrimp:
- 1 lb large peeled and deveined shrimp
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh or jarred ginger, grated or minced
For the Pineapple:
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (canned in juice, well-drained, or fresh)
Swaps and Notes
- Rice: Jasmine rice is recommended for its aromatic quality and fluffy texture. Basmati rice also works well. For a healthier option, use brown rice (adjust liquid and cooking time according to package directions).
- Chicken Broth for Rice: Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger, grated or minced, provides the best vibrant flavor for the shrimp marinade. Jarred ginger can be used for convenience.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought teriyaki sauce. Brands vary in sweetness and thickness, so adjust the honey slightly if needed.
- Honey: This adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a lovely glaze on the shrimp. You can adjust the amount based on your preference and the sweetness of your teriyaki sauce.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple offers the best texture and flavor. If using canned, ensure it’s canned in juice (not syrup) and thoroughly drained and patted dry before grilling/pan-frying.
- Vegetable Additions (Optional): Feel free to add some quick-cooking vegetables like sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets to the skillet when cooking the shrimp for a more veggie-packed bowl.
- Spicy Kick (Optional): A pinch of red pepper flakes in the shrimp marinade or a drizzle of sriracha over the assembled bowl can add a pleasant heat.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Seasoned Rice: Rinse the 1 cup white rice or jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice. In a medium pot, bring the 2 cups chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Give the rice a quick stir once to combine. Cover the pot tightly with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit (covered) for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
2. Marinate the Shrimp: While the rice cooks, prepare the shrimp. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ½ cup teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon fresh or jarred ginger (grated or minced) until well combined. Add the 1 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss the shrimp in the marinade until evenly coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare other components. For deeper flavor, you can marinate for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of oil if not using a non-stick pan. Add the marinated shrimp to the hot pan (discard any leftover marinade). Grill or pan-fry the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink, curl into a C-shape, and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Remove from heat.
4. Warm and Caramelize the Pineapple: While the shrimp cooks, drain the pineapple chunks thoroughly if using canned, and pat them dry with paper towels. In the same skillet used for the shrimp (or on your grill), add the pineapple chunks. Grill or pan-fry for about 2 minutes per side until they are lightly golden brown and slightly caramelized. This step enhances their sweetness and adds a lovely char.
5. Assemble and Serve: Fluff the cooked, seasoned rice with a fork and spoon it onto individual serving plates or into bowls. Arrange the cooked teriyaki shrimp over the rice, then generously top with the warm, grilled pineapple chunks. If there are any delicious pan juices from cooking the shrimp, drizzle them over the top for extra flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the juicy shrimp and warm pineapple flavors!
Tips for Success
- Rinse Rice Thoroughly: This prevents sticky rice and ensures a fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat to keep them tender.
- Pat Pineapple Dry: Patting the pineapple chunks dry before grilling helps them caramelize instead of steam.
- Balance of Flavors: Taste the shrimp marinade and adjust honey or soy sauce as needed. The final dish should be a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
- Immediate Serving: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, allowing you to experience the warmth of the shrimp and pineapple with the fluffy rice.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowl is a complete and flavorful meal on its own, but you can enhance it with a few simple additions.
- A side of steamed or roasted broccoli, snap peas, or asparagus for extra vegetables.
- A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for garnish and added flavor.
- A side of Spicy Jalapeño Pineapple Relish if you crave more of that sweet-and-spicy pineapple kick!
- Beverage Pairings: A cold lager, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing glass of This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.
- For other quick and easy shrimp or rice-based meals, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture of the shrimp and the warmth of the pineapple.
- Store Components Separately: If you have leftovers or are meal prepping, store the cooked shrimp, cooked rice, and grilled pineapple in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Shrimp & Rice: Cooked shrimp and rice can be stored for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat the shrimp and rice gently in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through. The pineapple can be briefly re-warmed or enjoyed chilled. The texture of reheated shrimp can sometimes be a bit tougher than fresh.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the textures of cooked shrimp and rice can suffer upon thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Shrimp and Pineapple Rice Bowl is a fantastic way to enjoy a meal that’s both healthy and bursting with exciting flavors. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and brings a delightful tropical twist to your dinner table. Get ready to savor every bite of this perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh!
What are your favorite ways to combine savory and sweet in a main dish, or do you have a go-to quick rice bowl recipe? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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