Grilled Shrimp Avocado Corn Bowl

This vibrant grilled shrimp bowl combines smoky seafood with fresh avocado and a zesty corn salsa for a meal that feels like summer on a plate. The layers of flavor and texture create a satisfying dish that works perfectly for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

I created this recipe during a particularly hot summer when I wanted something filling yet refreshing. Now it has become our go to meal for backyard gatherings where I can prep most components ahead while guests mingle.

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp: Large shrimp peeled and deveined for optimal flavor absorption and quicker cooking time. Look for sustainably caught varieties when possible.
• Olive oil: provides a healthy fat base to help spices adhere to the shrimp
• Smoked paprika: adds that distinctive smoky depth that makes these shrimp irresistible
• Chili powder: contributes warmth without overwhelming heat
• Garlic powder: infuses savory notes throughout each bite
• Ground cumin: brings an earthy complexity that complements seafood surprisingly well
• Cayenne pepper: adds optional heat that can be adjusted to your preference
• Salt and pepper: enhance all the other flavors
• For the Avocado: Ripe avocados with slight give when gently pressed are perfect for this creamy base
• Fresh lime juice: prevents browning while adding brightness
• Salt: heightens the avocado's natural buttery flavor
• For the Corn Salsa: Fresh corn kernels provide sweet pops of flavor. In season sweet corn will elevate this dish tremendously.
• Red onion: offers sharp contrast and beautiful color
• Red bell pepper: contributes sweetness and crunch
• Jalapeño: delivers controlled heat that balances the sweetness
• Fresh cilantro: brings herbal freshness that ties everything together
• Lime juice: activates all the flavors and prevents oxidation
• Salt and pepper: round out the flavor profile perfectly
• For the Creamy Sauce: Mayonnaise creates the rich base for our drizzling sauce
• Greek yogurt: adds tanginess and reduces calories while maintaining creaminess
• Lime juice: brightens and thins the sauce to perfect consistency
• Fresh garlic: provides aromatic depth that jarred versions cannot match
• Chili powder: contributes color and mild heat
• Fresh cilantro: reinforces the herbal notes throughout the dish
• Salt and pepper: balance the overall taste profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

In a mixing bowl combine shrimp with all seasonings ensuring each piece gets evenly coated. The spice blend creates a flavorful crust that will caramelize beautifully on the grill. Make sure your grill is properly preheated to medium high to achieve those perfect char marks without overcooking the delicate shrimp. Watch carefully as they cook quickly usually 2 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque with slight charring. Remove immediately to prevent rubbery texture.

Make the Avocado Base:

Select perfectly ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Cut carefully around the pit then twist to open. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and add fresh lime juice immediately to prevent browning. Mash with a fork until you achieve a texture that still has some small chunks for interest. The lime juice not only preserves color but adds essential acidity that balances the richness of the avocado.

Prepare the Corn Salsa:

Combine all salsa ingredients in a bowl larger than you think you need to allow proper mixing without spilling. If using fresh corn consider briefly charring it first for enhanced flavor. The combination of sweet corn crunchy bell pepper sharp red onion and herbal cilantro creates a perfect texture and flavor contrast. The lime juice both seasons and preserves the mixture allowing you to make this component several hours ahead.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

Whisk all sauce ingredients together until completely smooth. The combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt creates the perfect balance of richness and tanginess. Adjust thickness with additional lime juice if needed. This sauce should be loose enough to drizzle but thick enough to cling to the other components. Refrigerating briefly helps flavors meld and thickens the consistency slightly.

Assemble the Bowl:

Start with a generous layer of the mashed avocado spread across the bottom of each bowl. Next add a substantial portion of the corn salsa alongside rather than on top of the avocado to maintain distinct flavors. Arrange the grilled shrimp attractively over both components. Finish with a generous drizzle of the creamy sauce in a pattern that ensures every bite will include some of this flavorful element.

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The smoked paprika is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power during a cooking class in Spain and now keep multiple varieties in my pantry. The depth it adds to the shrimp creates a flavor that guests always try to identify but rarely can without a hint.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this bowl?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. This ensures they'll grill properly and get that nice char without releasing too much moisture.

→ How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare all components separately up to a day in advance. Store the grilled shrimp, corn salsa, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Prepare the avocado mash just before serving to prevent browning, or add extra lime juice if making ahead.

→ What can I substitute for the creamy sauce if I'm dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, replace the Greek yogurt/sour cream with dairy-free yogurt alternatives or additional mayonnaise. You can also use avocado-based mayo or a cashew cream for a completely different but complementary flavor profile.

→ Is there a way to make this dish without a grill?

Absolutely! You can sauté the shrimp in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2-3 minutes per side, or broil them in the oven on a sheet pan for about 4-5 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Both methods will give you delicious results.

→ What can I serve with this bowl to make it more filling?

To make this a more substantial meal, serve it over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. You could also add black beans for extra protein and fiber, or include some sliced grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

→ How spicy is this dish, and how can I adjust the heat level?

The dish is mildly spicy with the cayenne and jalapeño as optional ingredients. To reduce heat, omit these entirely. For more spice, increase the cayenne in the shrimp rub, leave seeds in the jalapeño, or add a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.