Why this bowl got me through a weird week
Honestly, I wasn’t planning to write about this dish. It just kind of happened. I was tired, cranky, and craving something familiar—something that could hit pause in the middle of chaos. Shrimp sizzling in garlic, the rice sticky and warm, and that spicy mayo—oh man, that mayo. It’s got this tang and a punch of heat I didn’t expect to crave so badly. I kept sniffing the bowl like a dog with a fancy treat, surprised by how good it smelled even after a long day. I think the magic is in how easy it is to throw together when everything feels like it’s falling apart—just cook, toss, and mess around a bit. Sometimes, I forget how simple food can be a real anchor when the world’s a little too much.
Why it matters right now
Seasons change, routines get weird, and handheld meals are what makes sense. This one’s perfect for when your brain is tired but your stomach demands something satisfying, fast. It’s also a reminder that sometimes all you need is a handful of ingredients, a bit of heat, and a happy accident.
Shrimp and Spicy Mayo Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the sticky rice in a rice cooker or pot according to package instructions until tender and slightly sticky. Fluff with a fork and set aside.1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- Peel and devein the shrimp if needed, then evenly toss with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Let marinate for 5 minutes.8 oz raw shrimp, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, until golden brown around the edges.3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and opaque, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.8 oz raw shrimp
- Mix mayonnaise with sriracha sauce in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust spice level to taste.0.5 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- To assemble, spoon warm sticky rice into bowls. Top with cooked shrimp, then drizzle generously with spicy mayo. Optional: Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture.
Kinda surprised I kept going with this, honestly. Not every dish needs to be a masterpiece; sometimes, it’s just about what sticks with you. Plus, it’s the kind of thing that, once you get the hang of, feels like your own secret snack—like a little rebellion against the usual.