This Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl is a colorful mix of juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and sweet corn salsa. It’s fresh, tasty, and super satisfying!
I love how quick it is to make! Just grill the shrimp, toss everything together, and you’ve got a perfect meal for any day. Plus, who can resist avocado? 🥑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for easy cooking. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp works well too; just make sure to thaw them before grilling.
Olive oil: This adds flavor and helps the spices stick to the shrimp. You can swap it out for avocado oil or any neutral oil if needed.
Smoked paprika: It brings a nice smoky taste to the shrimp. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can be a suitable alternative.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious in this dish, but canned or frozen corn also works just fine. Just make sure to drain canned corn well!
Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re avoiding it, you could try guacamole or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a similar texture.
How Do You Grill Shrimp Perfectly?
Grilling shrimp can be tricky, but following these steps will help you achieve perfectly grilled shrimp every time!
- First, ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat to get a good sear on the shrimp.
- Next, marinate the shrimp in olive oil and spices for at least 15 minutes. This helps infuse flavor.
- When grilling, place the shrimp directly on the grill grates or use skewers for easy handling. Grill for just 2-3 minutes per side, turning when they turn opaque and slightly charred. Don’t overcook!
Keep an eye on them; shrimp cook fast! Once done, remove them from the grill right away to prevent overcooking.
Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Corn Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Corn Salsa:
- 2 ears fresh corn, kernels removed (or 1.5 cups frozen corn, thawed)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Avocado and Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced or mashed
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (for dressing)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (for dressing)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for dressing)
- Salt and pepper (for dressing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for grilling, making it a total of roughly 25 minutes from start to finish. Quick, right? Perfect for a delightful weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures the shrimp will cook quickly and get those lovely grill marks.
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated for maximum flavor!
3. Grill the Shrimp:
Place the seasoned shrimp on the grill. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and have nice grill marks. Once done, remove the shrimp from the grill and set them aside.
4. Prepare the Corn Salsa:
While the shrimp are grilling, mix together the corn kernels, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, jalapeño (if you’re using it), and lime juice in a separate bowl. Stir well and season with a pinch of salt to taste.
5. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chili powder, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Assemble the Bowls:
To put it all together, start by placing a generous scoop of mashed or diced avocado at the bottom of your serving bowls. Then, top it with the grilled shrimp and a side of corn salsa.
7. Drizzle the Dressing:
Finally, drizzle the creamy dressing generously over the shrimp and enjoy the lovely flavors coming together!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Dig into your fresh and vibrant grilled shrimp bowl! It’s healthy, colorful, and absolutely delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before seasoning to avoid watery shrimp during grilling.
What Can I Substitute for Corn?
If you don’t have fresh corn, frozen corn works perfectly fine. You can also substitute it with black beans for a different flavor and texture, or even diced mango for a tropical twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet or microwave, but be careful not to overcook them again!
Can I Make This Bowl Vegan?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe by using plant-based shrimp alternatives or grilled tofu. Replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan versions, and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based for a delicious vegan bowl!
