If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. This dish perfectly balances smoky, juicy shrimp with the bright sweetness of corn salsa and the lusciousness of a garlicky creamy sauce. It’s colorful, satisfying, and so simple to pull together, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but don’t underestimate their impact. Each one brings something special to the table, from texture to zest and color. Together, they create a harmony of flavors that make this bowl truly unforgettable.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for quick grilling and perfect tenderness.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a smooth richness to the shrimp.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky depth that complements grilled shrimp beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out every flavor.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): A subtle hint of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Frozen corn: Sweet and juicy, it’s the heart of the vibrant salsa.
- Red onion: Adds a crunchy bite with a mild pungency.
- Cilantro: Fresh and bright, tying the salsa and sauce together.
- Jalapeño (optional): For a spicy splash that enlivens the salsa.
- Lime juice: Brings zesty brightness that wakes up every ingredient.
- Mayonnaise and sour cream: The creamy base for the luscious garlic sauce.
- Lemon juice: Adds a pleasant tang that balances the creamy sauce.
- Garlic clove: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a punch of flavor.
- Avocado: Creamy and smooth, perfect for cooling the dish and adding richness.
- Sesame seeds: A nutty garnish that adds a delightful crunch.
- Green onions: Fresh and mild, they provide an attractive finishing touch.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want to spice things up a bit. This simple seasoning blend gives the shrimp a smoky, savory flavor that will stand out as they grill.
Step 2: Prepare the Corn Salsa
Mix together thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (optional), fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This salsa bursts with sweetness and tang, creating a fresh contrast to the seasoned shrimp.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Heat your grill pan to medium. Place the shrimp on the pan and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Grilling gives the shrimp a fantastic char and smoky flavor that’s irresistible.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This sauce is where the magic happens—garlicky, tangy, and cool, it brings the whole bowl together beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowl
Divide the corn salsa into each serving bowl first. Then top with the warm grilled shrimp, add sliced or mashed avocado, and generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Don’t forget to finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a little extra flair and crunch.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your dish with fresh, zesty garnishes like additional cilantro, a wedge of lime for squeezing, or even some thinly sliced radishes for crunch and color. These little touches brighten the bowl visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
This shrimp bowl pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp garden salad, steamed jasmine rice, or warm pita bread. Each side complements the main dish by balancing texture or adding mild flavors that let the bowl shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to impress, consider serving this in hollowed-out avocado halves or colorful mason jars for a delightful individual presentation. You can also use grilled tortillas as a bowl liner or serve the shrimp and salsa as taco fillings for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover shrimp and salsa separate in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp is best eaten within two days for optimal freshness, and the salsa can last up to three days without losing its punchy flavor.
Freezing
Grilled shrimp doesn’t freeze well due to its delicate texture, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh. However, the creamy garlic sauce can be frozen in small portions if desired. Thaw gently and whisk well before using.
Reheating
When reheating shrimp, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid toughening them up. The creamy garlic sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so add it after reheating the shrimp and assembling the bowl.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for the salsa?
Absolutely, fresh corn cut off the cob adds even more sweetness and a delightful crunch to the salsa. Just be sure to cook it lightly or blanch it to soften the kernels if desired.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I adjust the heat?
The recipe offers optional jalapeño and cayenne for heat, so you can easily control the spice level. Omit these for a milder version or increase the jalapeño for more kick.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the creamy garlic sauce?
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. It will change the texture slightly but keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients in this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long can I marinate the shrimp?
Since the shrimp only needs a quick toss in the seasoning and oil, it’s best to marinate for just 10 to 15 minutes before grilling. This helps maintain their tender texture and prevents over-seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is one of those meals that feels special but comes together quickly, making it perfect for any day. It’s colorful, flavorful, and sure to impress everyone at the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy all those fresh, vibrant flavors dancing in every bite!
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Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is a vibrant and healthful meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. It features succulent grilled shrimp seasoned with a smoky spice blend, paired with a fresh and zesty avocado corn salsa. The bowl is finished with a luscious and tangy creamy garlic sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl:
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Prepare the corn salsa: In a separate bowl, mix together thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt to taste. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Grill the shrimp: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the seasoned shrimp on the pan and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- Make the creamy garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the corn salsa evenly between serving bowls. Top each with the grilled shrimp and sliced or mashed avocado. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor and crunch.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add more cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning.
- Frozen corn can be substituted with fresh corn if available for a sweeter salsa.
- The creamy sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days to save prep time.
- To make this dish gluten-free, confirm your mayonnaise and sour cream are gluten-free brands.
- Serve with a side of rice or quinoa to make it more filling if desired.
