This Grilled Shrimp Bowl is a sunny dish filled with juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and fresh corn salsa. It’s colorful, tasty, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Every bite brings a little tropical vibe, and the avocado makes it oh-so-creamy. I love adding a squeeze of lime on top—just takes it to the next level! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this dish, but you can use medium shrimp or even scallops if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, try using frozen shrimp; just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps the spices stick to the shrimp. You could substitute it with avocado oil or even melted butter for a richer taste.
Corn: Fresh corn is the star of the corn salsa, but frozen corn also works great! If you’re out of corn, diced tomatoes or black beans can be a nice alternative.
Avocado: Use a ripe avocado for creamy mash. If avocados are hard to find, you could switch to guacamole or even a dollop of sour cream as a substitute.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the flavor. If you’re not a fan, try fresh parsley or omit it altogether for a different twist!
How Do I Grill Shrimp Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Grilling shrimp requires careful attention since they cook quickly. Here’s how to achieve the best results:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear.
- Toss the shrimp with your spices and let them marinate for at least 10 minutes. This adds flavor and moisture.
- Grill shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch closely; they turn pink and opaque when done.
- Avoid overcooking! Shrimp become rubbery when cooked too long, so remove them from heat as soon as they’re opaque.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly grilled shrimp every time!
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Corn Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, grilled or thawed frozen)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For the Avocado Mash:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Grilled Shrimp Bowl takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes marinating the shrimp, followed by grilling and assembling the vibrant bowls! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Shrimp:
Start by marinating the shrimp! In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, the optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each shrimp is coated well in the seasoning. Let them sit and marinate for at least 10 minutes. This will help the flavors develop!
2. Making the Corn Salsa:
While the shrimp marinates, prepare your refreshing corn salsa. In a medium bowl, mix the corn kernels, finely diced red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and set it aside to let the flavors meld. Yummy!
3. Preparing the Avocado Mash:
In a small bowl, mash the ripe avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper until it’s creamy and smooth. This will give your bowl a deliciously rich texture that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and salsa.
4. Making the Cilantro Lime Sauce:
Next, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a separate small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. This sauce will take your dish to the next level!
5. Grilling the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the marinated shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and have lovely grill marks. Remember not to overcook them!
6. Assembling the Bowl:
To assemble your bowl, start by dividing the creamy avocado mash between each bowl. Add a generous scoop of your fresh corn salsa next to it. Then, top with the perfectly grilled shrimp. It’s starting to look delicious!
7. Drizzling with Sauce:
Finally, drizzle the creamy cilantro lime sauce over the grilled shrimp for that extra burst of flavor. Serve the bowls immediately with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish!
Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Grilled Shrimp Bowl with creamy avocado mash, fresh crunchy corn salsa, and tangy cilantro lime drizzle! It’s a delightful treat for your taste buds!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best texture, keep the components separate and reheat the shrimp gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make the Corn Salsa Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the corn salsa a few hours in advance! Just be sure to give it a stir before serving, as some of the liquid may settle. It will become even more flavorful as it sits!
What Can I Use Instead of Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, parsley is a great substitute! Or simply omit it altogether for a different flavor profile. The dish will still be delicious without it!
