Imagine a breezy evening, the grill sizzling, and a vibrant bowl packed with bold flavors. The Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce is your go-to for a meal that feels like a coastal escape. My dad’s shrimp grilling sessions inspired this recipe, which I’ve turned into an easy, beginner-friendly bowl. With juicy shrimp, zesty salsa, and a creamy sauce, it’s a dish that pops with color and taste. Ready to whip up something special? Let’s get cooking!
Why This Grilled Shrimp Bowl Steals the Show
This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce will win you over. It’s bursting with flavor—spicy shrimp, tangy salsa, and rich sauce. It’s simple enough for new cooks, requiring minimal skills. You can tweak it to your liking, making it super versatile. Plus, it’s wallet-friendly, using affordable shrimp and staples. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this bowl feels gourmet without the fuss. You’ll love how it comes together in under 30 minutes for maximum enjoyment.
The Story Behind the Grilled Shrimp Bowl
The Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce has coastal roots. Here’s the lowdown:
- Origins: Shrimp bowls stem from Latin American and Southern U.S. traditions, mixing grilled seafood with fresh salsas.
- Global Flair: Corn and avocado scream Mexican cuisine, while the creamy garlic sauce adds a Mediterranean twist.
- Cultural Gem: Shrimp shines in seaside regions for its fast cooking and bold flavor.
- Modern Vibes: Today’s bowls are customizable and Insta-worthy, blending health and indulgence in one bite.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
And For the Bowl:
- 1 avocado, sliced, cubed, or mashed
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
How to Make a Grilled Shrimp Bowl
- Prep the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Make the Corn Salsa: In another bowl, mix corn, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Grill the Shrimp: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide corn salsa between bowls. Top with grilled shrimp, avocado (sliced, cubed, or mashed), and a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the freshest flavors!
Grilled Shrimp Bowl Tips and Twists
Nail your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce with these tips:
- Tip 1: Dry shrimp with paper towels before seasoning for a better sear.
- Tip 2: Adjust jalapeño in the salsa for your spice preference.
- Tip 3: Make extra sauce—it doubles as a veggie dip!
- Tip 4: Use a hot grill to avoid sticking; oil the grates lightly.
- Tip 5: Mash avocado for a creamier texture if slicing isn’t your thing.
Variations: - Swap shrimp for grilled tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Use pineapple in the salsa for a sweet kick.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Keep your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce fresh:
- Storage: Store shrimp, salsa, and sauce separately in airtight containers. Shrimp lasts 3 days in the fridge; salsa and sauce, 2 days. Avocado is best fresh.
- Reheating: Microwave shrimp on medium for 1–2 minutes. Don’t heat salsa or avocado to preserve texture.
- Make-Ahead: Prep salsa and sauce a day ahead. Season shrimp in the morning for quick grilling later. Assemble just before eating for optimal freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Make your Grilled Shrimp Bowl shine with these pairings:
- Crispy Side: Serve with tortilla chips for scooping extra salsa.
- Zesty Drink: Pair with a lime-infused sparkling water for refreshment.
- Veggie Boost: Add a side of grilled zucchini for smoky depth.
- Pretty Plating: Garnish with extra cilantro for a vibrant look.
- Wine Match: A chilled Pinot Grigio balances the shrimp’s richness. These enhance the bowl’s bright, summery flavors for a full-on feast.
FAQ About Grilled Shrimp Bowls
Questions about your Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce? Answers here:
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
- Is it dairy-free? Swap sour cream for dairy-free yogurt or mayo.
- Can I skip the jalapeño? Absolutely, the salsa is still delicious without it.
- No grill? Cook shrimp in a hot skillet on medium-high heat.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Freeze cooked shrimp for a month; avoid freezing salsa or sauce.
Enjoy Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl
You’ve just created a Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce that’s as stunning as it is delicious! This vibrant dish is perfect for quick dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Each bite—spicy shrimp, creamy avocado, tangy salsa—brings summer to your table. Grab a bowl, sprinkle those sesame seeds, and dig in. Hungry for more? Check out the recipes below to keep your kitchen sizzling with fresh ideas!
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa & Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Bowl:
- 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a bowl.
- Mix corn, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt for the salsa. Set aside.
- Grill shrimp over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper for the sauce.
- Assemble your Grilled Shrimp Bowl: layer corn salsa, shrimp, and avocado in bowls.
- Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
– Calories: 380 kcal
– Protein: 24g
– Fat: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 18g
– Fiber: 5g
– Sugar: 3g
– Sodium: 620mg
Explore More Delicious Recipes
Craving more fresh and flavorful meals? Check out these amazing recipes from Abby’s Recipes that pair perfectly with your Grilled Shrimp Bowl:
- Grilled Shrimp Recipe – Love the smoky flavor in this bowl? Try this simple grilled shrimp recipe for more quick and tasty ideas.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – If you loved the corn salsa, you’ll adore this smoky, buttery grilled corn side dish.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad – A refreshing, crunchy side that balances the richness of the garlic sauce.
- Mediterranean Spinach and Feta Cheese Crisps – A great appetizer to serve alongside your shrimp bowl for a full spread.
- Watermelon Feta Salad – A sweet-and-savory side that complements the dish’s bright flavors.
Looking for more easy, crowd-pleasing meals? Browse Abby’s Recipes for endless inspiration!