The combination of smoky, char-grilled shrimp with creamy avocado and tangy corn salsa is pure magic. Each bite feels like a burst of sunshine, with the shrimp adding a savory depth while the avocado provides a cooling contrast. The corn salsa brings a delightful crunch and a pop of sweetness, balancing out the richness of the sauce perfectly. When you drizzle that creamy garlic sauce over the top, it’s the finishing touch that ties everything together in the most satisfying way. The garlic sauce has just the right amount of zest, so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors, but rather enhances each component with a smooth, velvety texture. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity, yet each ingredient adds something special. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a weekend BBQ, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Key Ingredients in Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
These ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed, well-balanced meal. Each one plays a key role in bringing texture, color, and taste to the dish. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe so special:
– Large shrimp
The star of the dish! These shrimp are tender and juicy, providing a savory depth of flavor. Grilling them adds that irresistible smoky char.
– Olive oil
Used to coat the shrimp before grilling, this oil helps lock in moisture while adding a subtle richness to the shrimp.
– Paprika
A smoky, slightly sweet spice that gives the shrimp a warm, earthy flavor, enhancing the grill’s char.
– Garlic powder
A fragrant, savory touch that boosts the umami flavors, complementing the shrimp beautifully without overwhelming the other ingredients.
– Cumin
A warm and earthy spice that adds depth to the shrimp seasoning, offering a slight warmth that balances the freshness of the salsa.
– Chili powder
A mild heat that adds a little kick to the shrimp and sauce, giving the dish a subtle spiciness that keeps it exciting.
– Salt
Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients, the salt enhances the sweetness of the corn and the smokiness of the shrimp.
– Black pepper
Adds a gentle heat and spice, rounding out the flavor profile and enhancing the taste of the shrimp and sauce.
– Ripe avocado
Creamy, smooth, and cooling, the avocado adds a luscious texture that contrasts perfectly with the other vibrant ingredients.
– Corn kernels
Sweet, crunchy, and juicy, the corn adds both texture and a natural sweetness that balances the smoky shrimp and tangy salsa.
– Cherry tomatoes
Fresh and juicy, these tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and color, brightening up the bowl and complementing the corn.
– Red onion
The finely chopped red onion provides a mild sharpness and a pop of color to the salsa, balancing the richness of the avocado.
– Cilantro
This herb adds a fresh, aromatic note, giving the dish a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the lime and shrimp.
– Lime juice
A splash of tangy lime juice in both the salsa and the sauce gives the dish a zesty, citrusy lift that enhances all the flavors.
– Sour cream
The base of the creamy garlic sauce, sour cream offers a cool, tangy contrast that smooths out the rich flavors of the shrimp and avocado.
– Mayonnaise
Adds creaminess and a slight richness to the garlic sauce, balancing the tangy sour cream and giving the sauce a silky texture.
– Garlic, minced
Fresh garlic gives the creamy sauce its bold, aromatic flavor, tying everything together with a savory kick.
– Lemon juice
A splash of lemon juice brightens the creamy garlic sauce, adding a fresh citrus note to balance out the richness.
– Water
Helps to thin the garlic sauce to the perfect consistency, making it drizzle-friendly and easy to pour over the shrimp and salsa.
– Salt
A pinch of salt in the sauce rounds out the flavors, ensuring that the garlic and lemon shine through without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. While the grill is heating up, prepare the shrimp by placing them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the shrimp.
4. Toss the shrimp thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
5. Set the seasoned shrimp aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
6. Prepare the corn salsa by heating a small skillet over medium heat.
7. Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly charred and heated through.
8. Remove the corn from the heat and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
9. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice to the bowl with the corn.
10. Toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed.
11. Next, make the creamy garlic sauce by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, water, and salt in a small bowl.
12. Whisk the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
13. Once the shrimp have marinated, place them on the grill.
14. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque, making sure to flip them halfway through cooking.
15. While the shrimp is grilling, prepare your bowls by placing a base layer of your choice (such as rice, quinoa, or lettuce) in each bowl.
16. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the grill and arrange them on top of the base layer in each bowl.
17. Top the shrimp with a generous portion of the corn salsa.
18. Add diced avocado on top of the salsa.
19. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the shrimp, corn salsa, and avocado.
20. Garnish the bowls with additional cilantro, if desired.
21. Serve immediately and enjoy your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa, and Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
– *Pair with a crisp white wine or a cold margarita for the perfect refreshment.* The light, citrusy notes of a Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing margarita will complement the smoky shrimp and tangy salsa, making each bite even more delightful.
– *Add a side of crispy tortilla chips and guacamole.* The crunch of the chips and the creamy guacamole will elevate your meal, offering another layer of texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fresh, vibrant shrimp bowl.
– *Serve over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or quinoa for added heartiness.* The subtly flavored rice or quinoa will soak up the creamy garlic sauce and balance out the freshness of the salsa, making your bowl even more filling and satisfying.
How to Store Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries! Here’s how to store your delicious Grilled Shrimp Bowl to keep everything fresh and flavorful for later:
– Shrimp and Salsa: Store the grilled shrimp and corn salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This helps prevent the shrimp from getting soggy and keeps the salsa nice and fresh. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days.
– Avocado: Avocado tends to brown quickly, so it’s best to store it separately. To help prevent browning, squeeze a little lime juice over the diced avocado before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep for about 1 day.
– Creamy Garlic Sauce: The creamy garlic sauce can be stored in a small container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to maintain its smooth texture. You might want to give it a quick stir before using it again, as it could thicken slightly.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the shrimp in a pan over low heat to warm them up, and assemble the bowl with fresh avocado and a drizzle of that creamy sauce. Trust me, it’s almost as good as when it was first made!
Conclusion
And there you have it, friends! A perfectly balanced Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa, and Creamy Garlic Sauce that brings all the best flavors together in one dish. The smoky shrimp, creamy avocado, crunchy corn salsa, and that zesty, silky garlic sauce make for a meal that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re enjoying it for a casual dinner or sharing it with friends at your next BBQ, this recipe is bound to impress.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading through this recipe and that it inspires you to give it a try in your own kitchen. Feel free to print this article below and save it for later, so you can whip it up whenever you’re craving a fresh, vibrant meal.
If you give it a go, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out! Got any questions or feedback? Or maybe you have your own twist to add? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or reach out. I’m always here to chat about food and help you make it even better!
Happy cooking!
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
Description
Grilled shrimp, perfectly charred and smoky, are nestled alongside creamy avocado, a zesty corn salsa, and a velvety garlic sauce that ties it all together. Each bite is a burst of freshness, heat, and richness—an irresistible combo you won't want to miss!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
-
While the grill is heating up, prepare the shrimp by placing them in a large mixing bowl.
-
Add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the shrimp.
-
Toss the shrimp thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
-
Set the seasoned shrimp aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.
-
Prepare the corn salsa by heating a small skillet over medium heat.
-
Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly charred and heated through.
-
Remove the corn from the heat and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
-
Add the halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice to the bowl with the corn.
-
Toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed.
-
Next, make the creamy garlic sauce by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, water, and salt in a small bowl.
-
Whisk the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
-
Once the shrimp have marinated, place them on the grill.
-
Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque, making sure to flip them halfway through cooking.
-
While the shrimp is grilling, prepare your bowls by placing a base layer of your choice (such as rice, quinoa, or lettuce) in each bowl.
-
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the grill and arrange them on top of the base layer in each bowl.
-
Top the shrimp with a generous portion of the corn salsa.
-
Add diced avocado on top of the salsa.
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Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the shrimp, corn salsa, and avocado.
-
Garnish the bowls with additional cilantro, if desired.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa, and Creamy Garlic Sauce!
Note
- Let the shrimp marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse the flavor.
- For a smoky flavor, try grilling the corn before adding it to the salsa.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor in the corn salsa.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- To keep the shrimp from overcooking, don’t leave them on the grill for too long—just until they are opaque and pink.
