This Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl is bursting with fresh flavors! It features juicy shrimp grilled to perfection, topped with creamy avocado and a zesty corn salsa. Yum!
I love how quick this dish is to prepare. Just grill the shrimp, mix the salsa, and you have a bright and tasty meal ready to go. Perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are perfect for grilling. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp works just fine! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Olive Oil: This is great for the marinade, but feel free to swap it with other oils like avocado or canola oil if you prefer. They will add a little different flavor but still work well.
Spices: Smoked paprika is a fantastic choice for deeper flavor, but you could use regular paprika or even cayenne for some heat. Adjust other spices based on your taste preferences!
Corn: Grilled corn gives a smoky flavor, but you can use canned or frozen corn as a simple alternative. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned corn well.
Avocado: Ripe avocados offer creaminess. If you can’t find any, mashed banana or even Greek yogurt can be a fun twist, but they will change the flavor somewhat!
How Do I Grill Shrimp Perfectly?
Grilling shrimp can be quick and easy, but achieving that perfect char takes a little care. Here’s how to get those juicy, tasty pieces every time:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. The right temperature is key!
- Use skewers or a grilling basket if you’re worried about shrimp falling through gaps. Soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prevents burning.
- Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and slightly charred. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so stay close!
- Remove from heat as soon as they’re done. They’ll continue to cook a little from residual heat.
Using these tips will ensure perfectly grilled shrimp for your delicious bowl!
Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado And Corn Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Marinade:
- 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
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup cooked or grilled corn kernels
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Avocado:
- 1 ripe avocado
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Salt, to taste
For the Drizzle Sauce (Creamy Cilantro Sauce):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take you about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. With a total of approximately 25 minutes, you’ll have a stunning meal ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp, and toss everything together until the shrimp are nicely coated. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb all those yummy flavors.
2. Prepare the Corn Salsa:
While the shrimp is marinating, take a separate bowl and mix together the cooked corn kernels, finely diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss it all together and set aside to let the flavors blend.
3. Mash the Avocado:
In a small bowl, mash your ripe avocado with the juice of half a lime and a pinch of salt until it’s smooth but still has a bit of texture. This will provide a delicious and creamy base for your bowl!
4. Make the Creamy Drizzle Sauce:
In another small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Assemble the Bowls:
Take your serving bowls and divide the mashed avocado equally among them. Top with the corn salsa and then add the grilled shrimp on top. Don’t forget to generously drizzle the creamy cilantro sauce over everything!
7. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your fresh, colorful, and flavorful grilled shrimp bowl right away! It’s perfect for sharing or for a hearty solo meal. Bon appétit!
This recipe is not only vibrant but also packed with flavor. The smoky grilled shrimp pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado and zesty corn salsa — a simple and healthy dinner that everyone will love!
FAQs for Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado And Corn Salsa
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before marinating them. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like a kick of heat, you can add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also serve the dish with a hot sauce drizzled on top for extra spice!
Can I Prepare the Salsa Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The corn salsa can be made up to a day ahead. Just mix all the ingredients and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep each component (shrimp, avocado, and salsa) separate if possible, to maintain freshness. Reheat the shrimp on a skillet and enjoy the salsa fresh!
This FAQ section can be a handy reference for anyone looking to make adjustments or store their delicious grilled shrimp bowls!