If you’re searching for a meal that’s both refreshing and satisfying, look no further than the Grilled Shrimp Bowl. This dish combines the perfect blend of smoky grilled shrimp, vibrant corn salsa, and creamy garlic sauce, all atop a base of creamy avocado. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will be a hit.

The beauty of a Grilled Shrimp Bowl lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The shrimp are perfectly seasoned and grilled to a juicy tenderness, while the corn salsa adds a sweet, tangy crunch. Topping it off with a rich, creamy garlic sauce enhances the overall experience, making every bite a combination of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy goodness.

In this article, we’ll walk you through each step of preparing this delightful dish, from grilling the shrimp to assembling the bowl, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love the Grilled Shrimp Bowl

Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients

One of the standout qualities of the Grilled Shrimp Bowl is its freshness. The grilled shrimp offers a satisfying protein base with just the right amount of seasoning, while the corn salsa provides a refreshing contrast. The addition of creamy avocado brings a rich, smooth texture that complements the spiced shrimp and crunchy salsa perfectly. The garlic sauce ties everything together with its creamy, zesty profile.

Versatile and Customizable

The Grilled Shrimp Bowl is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For instance, if you prefer a bit more heat, you can add extra cayenne pepper to the shrimp or increase the amount of jalapeño in the corn salsa. If you’re looking to keep things dairy-free, you can replace the mayonnaise and sour cream in the garlic sauce with dairy-free alternatives.

Quick and Easy to Make

Despite its delicious complexity, this dish is quick and easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels both satisfying and indulgent. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend barbecue.

Healthy and Balanced

The Grilled Shrimp Bowl is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also a healthy option. Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein food that’s rich in essential nutrients like iodine and selenium. Paired with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a light, homemade garlic sauce, this meal provides a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

Ingredients for the Grilled Shrimp Bowl

Grilled 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)

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

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 for the Perfect Grilled Shrimp Bowl

Step 1: Preheat the Grill and Prepare the Shrimp

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Grilling shrimp is quick, so it’s essential to have everything ready to go before you start cooking.

In a large bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure all the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 2: Grill the Shrimp

Place the seasoned shrimp on the grill, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough when grilled for too long.

Once the shrimp are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Corn Salsa

While the shrimp is grilling, prepare the corn salsa. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), and freshly squeezed lime juice. Add salt to taste, and stir everything together until well combined. The salsa adds a sweet and tangy element to the bowl, balancing the richness of the shrimp and avocado.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well-blended. This creamy garlic sauce will provide a tangy, savory finish to the dish, bringing all the flavors together in harmony.

Step 5: Assemble the Grilled Shrimp Bowl

Now it’s time to assemble your bowl! Start with a base of sliced or mashed avocado. The creamy avocado will serve as a delicious foundation for the grilled shrimp and corn salsa.

Next, arrange the grilled shrimp on top of the avocado. Follow with a generous spoonful of the corn salsa, ensuring it’s evenly spread across the shrimp. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top, making sure each bite gets a little of that flavorful sauce.

To finish, garnish the bowl with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These garnishes not only add a touch of flavor but also a nice visual contrast to the vibrant colors in the dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Grilled Shrimp Bowl is now ready to be served! This dish is perfect as a light lunch or dinner, and it can be easily customized based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or impressing guests at a barbecue, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp Bowl

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture. Keep a close eye on them as they grill, and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Customize the salsa: Feel free to experiment with the corn salsa by adding other ingredients like diced tomatoes, red bell peppers, or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Make it spicy: If you love a little heat, add more cayenne pepper to the shrimp or increase the amount of jalapeño in the corn salsa.
Meal prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can grill the shrimp and make the salsa and sauce ahead of time, then assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of the Grilled Shrimp Bowl is packed with lean protein from the shrimp, healthy fats from the avocado, and fiber from the corn salsa. The creamy garlic sauce adds a rich, indulgent flavor, but you can easily make it lighter by using reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. On average, each serving contains approximately 400 calories, making it a nutritious and filling meal.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love this Grilled Shrimp Bowl, you’ll definitely want to try these other delicious, fresh meal ideas:

FAQs About the Grilled Shrimp Bowl

1. How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking on the grill?
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. To avoid overcooking, monitor them closely, and remove them from the grill once they turn pink and opaque. If you leave them on too long, they can become rubbery and tough. Also, use medium-high heat to ensure they cook through without burning.

2. Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The creamy garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together more as they sit. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken a bit over time. This makes the Grilled Shrimp Bowl even more convenient for meal prep.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, there are several ways to add a spicy kick to your Grilled Shrimp Bowl. You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the shrimp seasoning or add more jalapeño to the corn salsa. For an even spicier twist, drizzle some hot sauce or chili oil over the top of the assembled bowl for an extra zing.

4. Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! While shrimp offers a light, delicate flavor, you can substitute it with other proteins like grilled chicken, salmon, or even steak if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times according to the protein you choose to ensure it’s cooked through and tender.

Conclusion

The Grilled Shrimp Bowl is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that brings together the best of grilled shrimp, fresh corn salsa, and creamy avocado. With its balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or prepping it for the week ahead, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl offers a healthy, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor.

By following these simple steps and using fresh ingredients, you’ll create a vibrant, delicious bowl that’s perfect for any occasion. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy the ultimate shrimp bowl experience!

Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce

Author: MastertheKitchen
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl is the perfect fusion of fresh, flavorful ingredients. With juicy grilled shrimp, zesty corn salsa, and a creamy garlic sauce, it’s a quick and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Top it off with sliced avocado, sesame seeds, and green onions for a burst of flavor in every bite. A versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, this bowl is both filling and light—ideal for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Grilled 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Grill Shrimp: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Toss shrimp in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
Prepare Corn Salsa: In a bowl, combine thawed corn, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Make Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Bowl: Start with a layer of avocado (either sliced or mashed) as the base. Top with grilled shrimp and corn salsa. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve the bowl immediately and enjoy your flavorful, fresh meal.

Notes

Customize your salsa: Feel free to add extra spice with more jalapeños or heat things up with hot sauce.
Protein options: If you prefer chicken or another protein, substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu.
Make ahead: Prepare the creamy garlic sauce and corn salsa ahead of time to save time on the day of serving.
Serving tip: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 160mg