7 Irresistible Spicy Shrimp with Quinoa Recipes You’ll Love

Introduction

Spicy shrimp with quinoa is a healthy, flavorful dinner option that’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals. Whether you’re craving something bold or want to meal prep, this protein-packed dish delivers. Quinoa is a complete protein and shrimp cooks in minutes—making this combo both nutritious and convenient. Spicy shrimp with quinoa is one of the best low-effort, high-reward meals you can add to your dinner rotation.

1. Classic Spicy Shrimp with Quinoa

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Simple Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa using 2 cups water or broth per cup of quinoa.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add chili flakes and paprika, stir briefly.
5. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, cook until pink.
6. Fold in the cooked quinoa and top with parsley.

📝 Tip: Quinoa can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

For another great take on shrimp and quinoa, try this Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa from Well Plated.

2. Easy Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry with Quinoa

Stir Fry Shrimp Prep

Marinate shrimp in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let rest 10 minutes.

How to Sauté with Quinoa

• Heat wok with 1 tbsp oil, add shrimp and stir fry for 2–3 minutes.
• Toss in cooked quinoa and additional chili garlic sauce.
• Add colorful veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas.

📝 Shortcut: Use pre-chopped frozen stir-fry vegetables to save time.

Spicy shrimp with quinoa stir fry is the perfect high-protein, quick meal for busy nights.

3. Spicy Shrimp and Quinoa with Vegetables

Best Veggies to Add

Some of the best vegetables for this recipe include zucchini, red bell peppers, spinach, corn, and green beans. They add color, nutrients, and flavor.

Cooking Techniques for a Balanced Meal

• Steam or sauté each vegetable until just tender.
• Toss with shrimp and quinoa just before serving to preserve color and texture.

📝 Nutrition Bonus: Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, and spinach adds iron and folate.

This spicy shrimp with quinoa and vegetables combo is delicious, wholesome, and satisfying.

4. Healthy Spicy Shrimp Quinoa Bowl

Low-Calorie Dressing Options

• Lemon herb vinaigrette (olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic)
• Greek yogurt dressing (yogurt, garlic, dill, cucumber)

Toppings and Garnishes

• Diced avocado, cucumber, radish slices, cherry tomatoes, and microgreens.

📝 Meal Prep Tip: Portion into containers with dressing on the side for 3-4 days of lunches.

Build a healthy lifestyle with this nourishing spicy shrimp with quinoa bowl recipe.

We also love this Stir-Fried Quinoa Shrimp Recipe by That Girl Cooks Healthy for a veggie-rich twist.

5. Shrimp and Quinoa with Chicken Combo

Protein Boost: Chicken Tips

Use grilled or baked chicken breast, sliced thin. Season with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder to match shrimp.

Cooking Both Proteins Perfectly

• Cook shrimp and chicken separately for optimal doneness.
• Combine with warm quinoa and your favorite sautéed vegetables.

📝 Macros Tip: This combo boosts your protein intake to 35–40g per serving.

Spicy shrimp with quinoa and chicken is a muscle-building meal you’ll crave weekly.

If you enjoy simple protein pairings, try our popular Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Asparagus.

6. Spicy Shrimp Quinoa with Rice Fusion

White or Brown Rice?

Brown rice provides more fiber and minerals, while white rice offers a softer bite and blends well with quinoa’s nuttiness.

How to Blend Grains and Texture

• Cook both grains separately.
• Use a 50/50 blend for variety in flavor and consistency.

📝 Bonus Flavor Tip: Cook quinoa in low-sodium chicken broth and rice in a bit of coconut milk.

Try this spicy shrimp with quinoa and rice for a fusion-inspired, comforting dinner.

Looking for more stir-fry inspiration? Check out Victor’s Shrimp Fried Quinoa on AllRecipes.

7. Chinese-Style Spicy Shrimp and Quinoa

Flavors from Chinese Cuisine

Use hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil as your base. Add red chili for heat.

Sauce Ideas & Seasonings

• Mix sauce: 2 tbsp soy, 1 tsp hoisin, 1 tsp sesame oil, pinch of sugar, dash of rice vinegar.
• Stir-fry with shrimp and then add quinoa.
• Top with chopped scallions and crushed peanuts.

📝 Serving Suggestion: Serve in lettuce cups for an Asian-inspired appetizer.

Chinese-style spicy shrimp with quinoa makes an ideal takeout alternative at home.

8. Common FAQs

9. Pro Tips for Cooking Quinoa Perfectly

Rinse or Not?

Yes—always rinse quinoa to remove saponins, which cause bitterness.

Best Broth for Flavor

• Chicken broth adds depth.
• Vegetable broth keeps it vegan-friendly.

📝 Bonus Tip: Toast quinoa in a dry pan before boiling for a nuttier taste.

Use these tips to enhance the flavor of your spicy shrimp with quinoa meals.

Spicy Shrimp with Quinoa

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A healthy and flavorful dish combining spicy shrimp with fluffy quinoa and fresh veggies. Perfect for quick dinners and meal prep.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp red chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Chopped fresh parsley (garnish)

Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa well under cold water and cook it in 2 cups of water or broth until fluffy.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
3. Add chili flakes and paprika, stirring briefly.
4. Toss in shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink.
5. Add lemon juice and stir in cooked quinoa.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels to your preference.
• Add steamed vegetables for more color and nutrients.
• Ideal for meal prep.

• Author: Rihana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sauté
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 530mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: spicy shrimp with quinoa, healthy dinner, shrimp bowl

Conclusion

Spicy shrimp with quinoa is more than a healthy meal—it’s a powerhouse of protein, flavor, and quick prep convenience. With multiple variations from stir fry to Chinese-style bowls, there’s a way to please every palate. Don’t forget to prep a few bowls ahead for lunches, or mix and match with veggies, rice, or even chicken for the ultimate balanced dinner.

For more protein-packed inspiration, explore our Low Calorie High Protein Dinner Recipes.