The tantalizing aroma of grilled shrimp wafts through the air, mingling with the zesty scent of fresh avocado and corn salsa. Imagine each succulent bite bursting with flavor, perfectly complemented by a creamy sauce that dances on your taste buds.
Remember that summer barbecue when your uncle tried to impress everyone with his “secret” shrimp recipe? Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well! This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is the winning dish you need for your next gathering. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience bursting with vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This grilled shrimp bowl is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for quick weeknight dinners
- Its combination of flavors and textures makes every bite exciting and delightful
- The colorful presentation brings a festive touch to any table, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prep
- Versatile enough to customize based on seasonal ingredients, this dish is a winner all year round
Honestly, I remember the first time I whipped this up for my friends during a lazy summer afternoon. They couldn’t stop raving about how good it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; if using frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
-
Avocado: Choose ripe avocados; they should yield slightly when pressed gently.
-
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is ideal, but canned or frozen works too—just ensure it’s sweet!
-
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness; bottled versions can be used in a pinch.
-
Cilantro: Optional but highly recommended for that fresh herb kick; chop finely for even distribution.
-
Greek Yogurt: A healthier alternative to sour cream that still delivers creaminess and tang.
-
Chili Powder: For seasoning the shrimp; adjust based on your spice tolerance!
-
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over grilled shrimp and veggies.
For the Sauce:
-
Garlic Powder: Enhance flavor without the fuss of fresh garlic—perfect if you’re short on time.
-
Sour Cream: Adds richness and balances the acidity from lime juice beautifully.
-
Honey or Maple Syrup: Just a hint for sweetness, balancing out the heat from chili powder nicely.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
The Marinade Magic: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and let it marinate for 20-30 minutes for maximum flavor.
The Shrimp Grill-Off: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Skewer the marinated shrimp onto skewers (soak wooden ones in water first). Grill until they turn pink and slightly charred—about 2-3 minutes per side.
Create Your Corn Salsa: While the shrimp grills away, mix diced avocado, corn (cut off cob if using fresh), cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gently toss everything together to avoid mashing the avocado.
Whip Up That Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, blend Greek yogurt with sour cream, honey or maple syrup, and a splash of lime juice until creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
The Assembly: Now comes the fun part! In bowls or plates, layer grilled shrimp atop a generous scoop of corn salsa. Drizzle creamy sauce over everything like you’re Picasso painting your culinary masterpiece.
And there you have it—your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is ready to dazzle! Enjoy every bite as you bask in compliments from family and friends alike. Happy grilling!
You Must Know
- This grilled shrimp bowl is not just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion
- The fresh ingredients create a vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or cozy dinners
- The combination of smoky shrimp, creamy sauce, and zesty corn salsa will make your taste buds dance
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp while preparing the corn salsa; this ensures both flavors meld perfectly. Grill the shrimp last to maintain their juiciness and avoid overcooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Add extra spices or use lime zest to elevate the freshness of your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for better flavor; frozen works but may lack some texture
- Always preheat your grill to avoid sticking
- Don’t skip resting the shrimp after grilling; this enhances juiciness and flavor absorption
Sharing this dish at a family barbecue brought everyone together, as they couldn’t resist going back for seconds! It’s always rewarding when friends rave about your cooking skills.
FAQ
What type of shrimp should I use for this bowl?
Fresh or frozen large shrimp work best for grilling due to their size and flavor.
Can I make the creamy sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days without losing its taste.
Is there a substitute for corn in the salsa?
Yes, diced bell peppers or black beans can add great flavor if you prefer alternatives.
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce is a vibrant dish that brings together smoky shrimp, fresh avocado, and zesty corn salsa topped with a creamy sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, this bowl offers an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 ripe avocado (diced)
- 1 cup fresh corn (cut from cob or canned)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and marinate for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Skewer shrimp and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink.
- To make corn salsa, combine diced avocado, corn, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- For the creamy sauce, blend Greek yogurt, sour cream, honey or maple syrup, lime juice until smooth.
- Serve grilled shrimp over corn salsa and drizzle with creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
