Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Hot Honey Shrimp Bowl (Sweet, Spicy & Mediterranean-Inspired)

Sarah Smith
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

A bowl with grilled shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onions, and rice, garnished with parsley. Bright, colorful, and fresh.

This Hot Honey Shrimp Bowl is bold, cozy, and full of contrast, combining tender shrimp coated in sweet-spicy hot honey with fluffy rice or orzo and fresh Mediterranean toppings. The shrimp cook quickly in a skillet, developing a lightly caramelized glaze that balances heat and sweetness without overpowering the dish. Every bite feels vibrant, satisfying, and perfectly suited for busy weeknights.

If you enjoy sweet-heat favorites like Hot Honey Chicken, Hot Honey Salmon, or bowl-style dinners such as Garlic Shrimp Mediterranean Bowl and Quick Gyro Bowl, this recipe fits seamlessly into your rotation. It pairs beautifully with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta, making it an easy, flavorful option when you want something fresh but comforting.

Why You’ll Love This

Quick and easy shrimp bowl made with simple, flavorful ingredients
Light yet filling Mediterranean-style dinner with protein-rich shrimp
Fresh toppings add balance, texture, and brightness
Meal prep–friendly and perfect for easy lunches or stress-free weeknights

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 bowls

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, without optional add-ins)

Calories: 410 kcal Carbohydrates: 42 g Protein: 30 g Fat: 14 g Fiber: 4 g Sugar: 10 g

Ingredients

Hot Honey Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons hot honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Bowls

2 cups cooked rice or orzo
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup kalamata olives
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Instructions

Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and cooked through.

Reduce the heat to low and drizzle the hot honey and lemon juice over the shrimp. Toss gently and cook for 30–60 seconds until glossy and lightly caramelized. Remove from heat.

Divide rice or orzo among bowls. Top with hot honey shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.

Finish with fresh herbs and an extra drizzle of hot honey if desired.

Notes

Shrimp cook very quickly — avoid overcooking to keep them tender and juicy. Hot honey adds warmth rather than intense heat; adjust to taste. Orzo gives this bowl a more Mediterranean feel, while rice keeps it classic. This bowl reheats well if the shrimp are warmed gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hot Honey Shrimp spicy? It’s mildly spicy with a sweet finish. You can easily adjust the heat by using more or less hot honey.

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes. Simply skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What else can I add to the bowl? Roasted vegetables, hummus, or a dollop of tzatziki all work beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Shrimp Bowl is a fast, flavorful way to bring sweet-spicy comfort to the table without extra effort. Fresh, vibrant, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a recipe that earns a regular spot in your dinner rotation — especially when you want something cozy, bold, and satisfying.