This Healthy Grilled Shrimp Bowl is bursting with flavor! It’s loaded with juicy grilled shrimp, creamy avocado, and sweet corn salsa, making it a delightful meal.
Seriously, who can resist a bowl full of colorful ingredients? I love how refreshing this dish is, especially on warm days. Just toss everything together and enjoy a tasty, guilt-free meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for a satisfying bite. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen works well. Just thaw and pat dry before marinating.
Smoked paprika: This ingredient adds a unique smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, use regular paprika or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Corn: Fresh corn gives the best flavor, but frozen corn is a great substitute. Just make sure it’s thawed and drained.
Jalapeño: If you’re not a fan of heat, omit the jalapeño. Bell peppers still provide crunch and color without spice.
Greek yogurt: For a lighter option, Greek yogurt is perfect for the drizzle. You can replace it with low-fat sour cream or even avocado for creaminess.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Shrimp?
Grilling shrimp can be quick, but it’s important to avoid overcooking them. Here’s how to nail it each time:
- Start with a hot grill. This ensures a nice char quickly.
- Cook shrimp for just 2 minutes per side. They turn from gray to pink when done.
- Keep an eye on them! Remove once they are opaque to prevent toughness.
Taking care during grilling makes a world of difference in texture and flavor. Enjoy your perfectly grilled shrimp!
Healthy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado & Corn Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For the Avocado Mash:
- 1 ripe avocado
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Drizzle Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder (optional)
Optional Base:
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or mixed greens
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare, which includes 10-15 minutes for marinating the shrimp and about 15 minutes for assembling the bowl. You’ll have a fresh, healthy meal on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp Marinade:
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until they are evenly coated. Let the shrimp marinate for about 10-15 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
2. Make the Corn Salsa:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the corn kernels, diced red onion, red bell pepper, minced jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Give it a gentle stir and set aside to let the flavors meld together.
3. Prepare the Avocado Mash:
In a small bowl, scoop out the flesh of the avocado. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper, then mash with a fork until it’s creamy but still has some chunks, for texture.
4. Make the Drizzle Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, pepper, and the optional smoked paprika or chili powder. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink, opaque, and slightly charred.
6. Assemble the Bowl:
If you’re using a base, start by adding a layer of cooked rice, quinoa, or mixed greens to each bowl. Then, add a scoop of avocado mash on one side and a generous serving of corn salsa on the other side.
7. Top with Grilled Shrimp:
Carefully pile the grilled shrimp in the center of each bowl, making it a colorful and appetizing sight!
8. Drizzle the Yogurt Sauce:
Finally, drizzle the prepared yogurt sauce over the shrimp and enjoy immediately!
Enjoy this vibrant, healthy grilled shrimp bowl packed with fresh flavors and creamy avocado goodness!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp is a convenient option. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! You can switch out spices based on what you have. For instance, regular paprika can replace smoked paprika, and you can skip the chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Separate the shrimp and sauce from the avocado mash to maintain freshness. Reheat the shrimp on the stove or in the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook.
Can I Make This Bowl Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can swap the grilled shrimp for grilled vegetables or chickpeas for a hearty plant-based protein option. The corn salsa and avocado mash will still provide delicious flavor to the bowl!
