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If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying meal that feels like a fiesta in every bite, then you’re going to absolutely love this recipe. The way fresh, smoky grilled shrimp meets a luscious avocado corn salsa is pure magic. Get ready to Savor the Best Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa Recipe, a dish bursting with bold flavors, creamy textures, and just the right hint of spice that comes together so effortlessly, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how simple and approachable the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in balancing texture and flavor, from the juicy shrimp to the zesty lime and the creamy avocado that keeps everything fresh and indulgent.
- 1 lb Large Shrimp: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best grill flavor; can substitute with chicken or tofu to switch things up.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Essential for marinade and grilling, adds a rich, healthy fatbase.
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice: Brightens the shrimp marinade and salsa; lemon juice works well too.
- 1 tsp Chili Powder: Brings a warm smoky kick; smoked paprika is a flavorful alternative.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Adds depth and subtle pungency; fresh minced garlic amps this up.
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin: Offers earthiness but can be left out for a gentler taste.
- 2 ears Corn: Grilled corn kernels add sweetness and crunch; frozen corn can be used in a pinch.
- 1/4 cup Red Onion: Finely diced for a little sharpness; green onions soften the bite.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro: A burst of herbal brightness; parsley makes a mild substitute.
- 1 Avocado: Creamy and rich, it balances spice; for a different texture, try Greek yogurt instead.
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the creamy sauce, smooth and luscious; swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter feel.
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess; plain yogurt is a fantastic substitute.
- Salt: To taste, critical for bringing all flavors together.
- Black Pepper: To taste, adds mild heat and complexity.
How to Make Savor the Best Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Marinade the Shrimp
Start by tossing the large shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. This mixture isn’t just about seasoning; it tenderizes and infuses the shrimp with vibrant layers of flavor. Let it chill in the refrigerator to soak up all those spices.
Step 2: Grill the Corn to Perfection
Brush the corn ears with olive oil, then grill them until lightly charred—about 10 to 12 minutes. That slight smokiness from the grill adds a sweet depth to the corn kernels once you cut them off from the cob. Don’t rush this step; the flavor payoff is so worth it.
Step 3: Prepare the Avocado Corn Salsa
In a fresh bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This salsa is not only colorful but also a perfect harmony of juicy crunch and zesty herbal notes.
Step 4: Whip up the Creamy Sauce
To bring more creaminess and zest, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This sauce adds a cooling contrast to the spicy shrimp and salsa.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Fire up the grill and cook the marinated shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that perfect opaque color and a slight char that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness and complements the spices.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowl
This is the fun, beautiful part. Start with a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa in the bowl, top with the hot grilled shrimp, layer on diced avocado, and drizzle the creamy sauce over. The colors alone are enough to make your mouth water!
How to Serve Savor the Best Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or a pinch of smoked paprika for an eye-catching finish. Adding lime wedges on the side invites everyone to brighten flavors as they like, and a few thinly sliced jalapeños bring extra heat for those who crave it.
Side Dishes
This grilled shrimp bowl shines on its own, but pairing it with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp green salad rounds out the meal beautifully. Each side brings an added texture or flavor that complements the bowl’s fresh, bold profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this bowl in individual mini mason jars layered attractively with salsa, shrimp, and avocado. Or turn it into stuffed tacos using soft corn tortillas for a handheld delight. Presentation can be as fun and casual or elegant as you want it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep the shrimp and salsa separate in airtight containers to preserve the textures and flavors. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick, healthy lunch the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen raw, it’s best not to freeze the avocado corn salsa or creamy sauce as their textures change. If you want to freeze the shrimp, grab some before grilling, and thaw gently in the fridge before cooking.
Reheating
Reheat grilled shrimp quickly in a hot skillet or microwave just until warm to avoid overcooking. Serve immediately with fresh salsa and cream sauce for the best experience—you want that bright, fresh vibe intact!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating so they grill evenly and develop a nice char.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild to medium because of the chili powder, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder or topping with fresh jalapeños.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or tempeh, use vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free sour cream to keep it both vegan and delicious.
How long does the marinade need to soak into the shrimp?
About 15 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator is ideal. This timeframe allows the flavors to penetrate without making the shrimp mushy.
What is the best way to grill the shrimp if I don’t have a grill?
You can easily use a grill pan or broil the shrimp in your oven. Just keep an eye as they cook quickly and you want that slightly charred finish for the fullest flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Savor the Best Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa Recipe, you’ll see why it’s quickly become one of those cherished go-to meals. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and perfectly balanced—a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. So fire up that grill and treat yourself to a taste sensation you’ll want to share with friends and family!
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Savor the Best Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delightful and colorful grilled shrimp bowl topped with a fresh avocado corn salsa, creamy sauce, and vibrant seasonings. Perfect for a nutritious and flavorful meal, this recipe combines grilled shrimp marinated in zesty spices, charred sweet corn salsa, and a smooth tangy dressing for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 lb Large Shrimp (Can substitute with chicken or tofu)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Used in marinade)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice (For shrimp, can use lemon juice as alternative)
- 1 tsp Chili Powder (Smoked paprika can be used)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder (Use fresh minced garlic for stronger flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin (Omit for milder flavor)
Avocado Corn Salsa
- 2 ears Corn (Grilled, can substitute with frozen corn)
- 1/4 cup Red Onion (Diced, can use green onions for milder flavor)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (Chopped, parsley can substitute)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice (for salsa)
- Salt (To taste)
- Black Pepper (To taste)
Creamy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (Can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream (Plain yogurt is a good substitute)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt (To taste)
Toppings
- 1 Avocado (Diced, Greek yogurt can be used instead)
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Ensure the shrimp are cleaned and peeled. Dice the red onion and avocado, chop the cilantro, and set aside.
- Marinate Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the large shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Mix everything well to coat the shrimp evenly. Cover and refrigerate to marinate while you prepare the rest.
- Grill Corn: Brush the ears of corn with olive oil and grill them over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes until they develop a nice char. Remove from the grill, let cool slightly, then carefully slice the kernels off the cob.
- Prepare Corn Salsa: In a bowl, combine the sliced corn kernels, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Place the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Grill Shrimp: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and have slight grill marks, indicating they are cooked through.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide the corn salsa among serving bowls, top it with the grilled shrimp, add diced avocado, and drizzle the creamy sauce on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn can be used as a substitute in the salsa.
- For a lighter creamy sauce, substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the chili powder and cumin quantities to suit your preferred spice level.
- Grilling times might vary depending on your grill – watch for shrimp turning opaque as a key doneness indicator.
