Introduction to Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, some days the dinner rush hits and it feels like a race against the clock. That’s why I absolutely adore this Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s a quick solution for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without the fuss. Packed with bright flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that will impress your loved ones and leave them smiling. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl is a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. The vibrant flavors of the corn salsa and creamy garlic sauce dance on your palate, bringing joy to your dinner table. Plus, with just one bowl to serve, cleanup becomes a breeze, allowing you more time to enjoy with your family!
Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
Let’s gather our star players for this tantalizing Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large shrimp: The heart of our dish! Fresh or frozen shrimp will work. Just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.
- Olive oil: This adds richness and helps the spices cling to the shrimp, ensuring a flavorful bite.
- Paprika: For a hint of smokiness and a pop of color. It’s like sunshine on your plate!
- Garlic powder: A must-have for that garlicky goodness without chopping cloves.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Lemon juice: Freshens up the shrimp with a zesty kick. You can also use lime juice if you prefer.
- Corn: Sweet and crunchy, this can be fresh, frozen, or canned. It’s a versatile triumph of flavor!
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocados add delightful texture alongside the shrimp and salsa.
- Red onion: Provides a sharp bite that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of corn.
- Tomato: Juicy bites of tomato bring freshness to our corn salsa. Feel free to use cherry tomatoes for a sweet twist.
- Cilantro: A sprinkle of this herb adds brightness and a hit of flavor to the salsa.
- Mayonnaise: For the creamy garlic sauce, it serves as the base, making everything rich and decadent.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds wonderful depth to our sauce. Who can resist that aroma?
- Dijon mustard: A splash of tanginess that elevates the sauce, it’s like a secret ingredient!
Don’t forget, the exact measurements are at the bottom of the article and available for printing! Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to your heart’s content. Cooking is all about finding what you love!
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill or Grill Pan
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This step is crucial! A hot surface ensures that the shrimp cook quickly and evenly, locking in that juicy flavor. If you skip this, you risk overcooking the shrimp or not getting those beautiful char marks that make grilled shrimp so appealing.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Now it’s time to get our shrimp ready! In a mixing bowl, add the shrimp, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Give it a good toss so each shrimp is coated with those vibrant spices. Let everything marinate for about 10 minutes. This isn’t just waiting—it’s essential for flavor. Let those spices whisper sweet nothings to the shrimp!
Step 3: Prepare the Corn Salsa
While the shrimp is soaking up those flavors, let’s whip up our corn salsa! In a separate bowl, combine the corn, diced avocado, chopped red onion, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Just stir them gently and set aside. This salsa is a fresh burst of flavors that complements the grilled shrimp beautifully. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Next, let’s create our creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Trust me, this sauce adds an irresistible level of creaminess that ties the entire dish together. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! Set it aside, and we’re almost there.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Now for the exciting part! If you’ve skewered the shrimp, place them on the grill. Grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. You’ll know they’re done when they curl slightly and look like they’re basking in the sun. Keep an eye on them—overcooked shrimp turn tough, and nobody wants that!
Step 6: Assemble the Bowl
Finally, let’s put it all together! On a plate or in a bowl, spoon a generous serving of corn salsa at the bottom. Then, place the vibrant grilled shrimp on top. Drizzle that creamy garlic sauce like a finishing touch of art. You can add a sprig of cilantro for an extra flourish. Now, dig in and enjoy this colorful symphony of flavors!
Tips for Success
- Always preheat your grill for the best grill marks and flavor.
- Don’t over-marinate the shrimp; 10 minutes is enough to soak up the flavors.
- Keep the corn salsa refrigerated until you’re ready to serve—it enhances freshness.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely before marinating for even cooking.
- Feel free to add spices to the garlic sauce for a twist!
Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan: A must-have for that smoky flavor. A stovetop pan works too!
- Mixing bowls: Have a couple on hand for marinating and making salsa.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the creamy garlic sauce.
- Skewers (optional): Great for easy grilling if you choose to use them.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp marinade for a kick of heat that warms your soul!
- Swap the Shrimp: Feel free to use chicken, tofu, or even grilled veggies if shrimp isn’t your thing. It’ll still taste amazing!
- Creamy Alternatives: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the garlic sauce for a lighter, yet equally tasty option.
- Vegan Delight: Replace shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms or chickpeas, and use avocado to add creaminess to the bowl.
- Salsa Variations: Mix in black beans or diced bell peppers for added texture and color in your corn salsa. Each bite becomes a fiesta of flavors!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce with a crisp green salad for added freshness.
- Serve alongside tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast that brings joy to every bite.
- A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water enhances the meal’s vibrancy.
- For added flair, garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro on each plate.
FAQs about Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I make the corn salsa ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the corn salsa a few hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This actually enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious!
What if I don’t have a grill? No worries! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even bake the shrimp in the oven at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes. The idea is to cook them until they are pink and opaque.
Is this Grilled Shrimp Bowl suitable for meal prep? Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. You can store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Just assemble when you’re ready to eat!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Definitely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating them. This helps ensure even cooking and tender shrimp.
How can I make this dish spicy? If you’re craving a little heat, add diced jalapeños to the corn salsa or sprinkle some cayenne pepper in the shrimp marinade. It adds that extra kick without overpowering the dish!
Final Thoughts
Creating this Grilled Shrimp Bowl With Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce has truly been a delight. Each bite showcases vibrant flavors that remind me of warm summer evenings spent with loved ones. This dish not only brings convenience to busy nights but also adds a splash of joy to your family table. With its colorful ingredients and rich textures, it’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration. I hope you savor every moment you spend making it. Here’s to delicious food that bonds us together—enjoy every delightful scoop!
Description
A delicious grilled shrimp bowl topped with fresh avocado, corn salsa, and a creamy garlic sauce.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1 medium avocado, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
- While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the corn salsa. In a separate bowl, mix together the corn, avocado, red onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- For the creamy garlic sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Set aside.
- Skewer the marinated shrimp (if using skewers) and grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
- To assemble the bowl, place a serving of corn salsa at the bottom, add the grilled shrimp on top, and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the toppings of the bowl according to your preference.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Leftover corn salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 160mg