This Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl is a tasty treat! Juicy shrimp cooked on the grill meet creamy avocado and sweet corn salsa for a flavor explosion in every bite.
I love how colorful this dish is! It’s like a party in a bowl. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love shrimp? Add some tortilla chips, and you’ve got yourself a fun meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are great for this recipe, but you can use medium shrimp or even chicken if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, try grilled tofu or tempeh!
Smoked Paprika: This provides a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works in a pinch, or use a small amount of chipotle powder for some heat.
Olive Oil: While olive oil gives a nice flavor, feel free to use any cooking oil you have on hand, like avocado or canola oil. Just avoid oils with strong flavors.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but frozen corn is perfectly acceptable. You can also use canned corn; just make sure to drain and rinse it to reduce the sodium content.
Avocado: The creamy avocado is essential. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, mashed peas or guacamole can also work well.
How Do I Grill Shrimp Without Overcooking?
Grilling shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly. Here are some tips for perfection:
- Marinate the shrimp for at least 10-15 minutes to enhance flavors but don’t go too long, as the acid can break them down.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. This helps get those nice grill marks.
- Only grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They change color and become opaque when done.
- If you have skewers, consider threading the shrimp on them for easier flipping and handling!
Keeping these tips in mind will ensure your shrimp are juicy and perfectly grilled! Enjoy your vibrant bowl filled with freshness!
Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Corn Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime (for salsa)
For the Avocado Layer:
- 1 ripe avocado
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for sauce)
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (for sauce)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (for sauce)
- Juice of 1/2 lime (for sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 20 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes to cook the shrimp. Overall, you’ll spend around 30 minutes preparing this bright and flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let them marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
2. Make the Corn Salsa:
In a separate bowl, mix together the corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if you’re using it), and lime juice. Stir everything well, and add salt to taste. Set this yummy salsa aside for now.
3. Prepare the Avocado Layer:
Take your ripe avocado and mash it in a bowl with a pinch of salt. Set this aside to keep it fresh and ready to use.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped cilantro, chili powder, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until smooth and well combined.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Heat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated shrimp on the grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn opaque and have nice grill marks. Then remove them from the heat.
6. Assemble the Bowl:
Grab your serving bowl and spoon the mashed avocado at the bottom. Next, add a generous scoop of corn salsa right next to it. Finally, place the grilled shrimp beautifully on top.
7. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the creamy sauce over the grilled shrimp for that extra zing. If you want, garnish with extra cilantro for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant and fresh grilled shrimp bowl!
This bowl is packed with flavors, and it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!
FAQ about Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Corn Salsa
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before marinating. You can thaw them quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the components separate, if possible, to maintain freshness. Reheat the shrimp gently to avoid overcooking.
Can I Substitute the Avocado?
If you’re not a fan of avocado, you can use hummus or a dollop of guacamole instead. Mashed peas also provide a creamy texture if you’re looking for a different option!
What Can I Serve This Bowl With?
This shrimp bowl is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with rice, quinoa, or tortilla chips for some crunch. A side of grilled vegetables or a simple green salad would complement this meal well!
