Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, textures, and colors, look no further than this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of smoky, juicy shrimp paired with a fresh and zesty corn salsa, all brought together by a luscious, garlicky sauce. Whether you’re serving this for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this bowl delivers on every front—refreshing, satisfying, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component brings its own magic to the bowl: the herbs and spices add depth, the corn salsa offers brightness and crunch, and the creamy sauce adds a dreamy finish that ties everything together beautifully.
- Large shrimp (1 lb.): Make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy grilling and eating.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps the shrimp get a nice char without sticking.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a gentle smokiness to the shrimp.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Brings savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt (1/4 tsp for shrimp, plus more to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): For a subtle peppery kick.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp, optional): Adds heat if you like things spicy.
- Frozen corn (1 cup, thawed): Sweet and juicy, it’s the heart of the salsa.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, diced): Gives a sharp crunch and color contrast.
- Cilantro (about 5 tbsp total, chopped): Fresh and herbaceous, it livens up the salsa and sauce.
- Jalapeño (1, seeded and minced, optional): Adds a zesty heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Lime juice (1 tbsp plus juice from 1 lime): Brightens the salsa and cream sauce with citrusy zing.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creates the creamy base of the garlic sauce.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a tangy, smooth texture to balance flavors.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Infuses the sauce with rich garlic aroma.
- Avocado (1, sliced or mashed): Creamy and buttery, it complements the other textures perfectly.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a nutty crunch and pretty finishing touch.
- Green onions (chopped, for garnish): Offers vibrant color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re going for a bit of heat. This simple seasoning not only flavors the shrimp but also helps develop a beautiful crust when grilled.
Step 2: Make the Corn Salsa
In a separate bowl, stir together thawed corn, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño if you like spice, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This salsa is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and fresh, and it adds a colorful crunch that’s essential to this bowl.
Step 3: Grill the Shrimp
Heat a grill pan over medium heat, then cook your shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want them to turn pink and develop lovely grill marks without drying out. This quick grilling locks in juiciness and layers the shrimp with smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the salsa.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the icing on the cake – it’s refreshingly tangy with just the right garlic punch, creating a luscious contrast to the grilled shrimp and salsa.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Start with a generous scoop of the vibrant corn salsa at the base of each bowl. Top it with the sizzling grilled shrimp and your creamy sliced or mashed avocado. Drizzle the luscious garlic sauce over everything and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that final pop of texture and color.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, don’t skip garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. They add a delightful crunch and fresh aroma that complement the creamy and smoky elements of the bowl perfectly.
Side Dishes
If you want to round out your meal, serve this bowl alongside a simple mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of the creamy garlic sauce. Alternatively, a light quinoa or brown rice pilaf could be a great base or side for extra heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this grilled shrimp bowl in pretty glass jars or shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant layers. You can also wrap it in warm tortillas for a fun shrimp taco variation. Adding a wedge of lime on the side encourages guests to add an extra splash of citrus if they desire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover grilled shrimp, salsa, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them separate helps preserve the textures and flavors for up to 2 days.
Freezing
While the shrimp can be frozen cooked, the salsa and creamy garlic sauce do not freeze well because of their fresh and creamy nature. For best results, freeze only the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for short bursts to avoid drying out. Add the salsa and creamy sauce fresh after reheating to maintain their vibrant taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for the salsa?
Absolutely! Fresh corn adds a wonderful sweetness and crunch, especially during the summer months. Just carefully cut the kernels off the cob and use them in the salsa.
Is it okay to skip the cayenne pepper in the shrimp seasoning?
Yes, the cayenne pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor. The paprika and garlic powder will still give the shrimp plenty of taste.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the creamy garlic sauce?
Yes, Greek yogurt works well and adds a bit of protein and tanginess while keeping the sauce creamy. Adjust the quantity to your taste.
How long can I keep the assembled bowls in the fridge?
For the best texture, it’s recommended to assemble and serve immediately. If you need to store them, assemble just before eating because the avocado may brown and the salsa can release liquid if left too long.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Definitely! This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe scales beautifully. Just be sure to grill the shrimp in batches and prepare enough salsa and sauce accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There really is something so satisfying about the combination of smoky grilled shrimp, bright and zesty corn salsa, and that dreamy creamy garlic sauce. This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want something fresh, flavorful, and effortless. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!
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Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Grilled Shrimp Bowl features succulent shrimp seasoned with a smoky spice blend, paired with a refreshing avocado corn salsa and a zesty creamy garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect balanced meal that’s flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
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
- Prep the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Make the Corn Salsa: In another bowl, mix together the thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, jalapeño if using, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and set this salsa aside to let the flavors meld.
- Grill the Shrimp: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the corn salsa evenly into serving bowls. Top each with the grilled shrimp and slices or mashed avocado. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the top, then garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in the corn salsa.
- Shrimp can be substituted with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- If you don’t have a grill pan, you can also cook the shrimp on an outdoor grill or a regular skillet.
- To keep it dairy-free, substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and ensure mayonnaise is vegan if needed.
- Serve with a side of brown rice or quinoa to make it more filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
