Are you ready to dive into a deliciously fresh dish? The Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Corn Salsa is the perfect meal for any day. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp grilled to perfection and topped with a vibrant corn salsa. This bowl is packed with flavor and color. Get ready to impress your taste buds with easy steps, fresh ingredients, and tips to make it shine. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels (cooked or grilled)
Seasoning and Grains
– Olive oil and spices (smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice
Additional Vegetables
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
– Juice of 2 fresh limes
I love using fresh ingredients for this grilled shrimp bowl. The shrimp are the star. They are sweet and tender when cooked just right. Avocado adds creaminess, while corn gives a pop of sweetness.
For seasoning, I mix olive oil with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. These spices add depth and flavor. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to enhance everything.
I like to use quinoa or brown rice as a base. They provide texture and nutrition. Together with the shrimp and salsa, they make a balanced meal.
The additional veggies bring color to the bowl. Red bell pepper adds crunch. Red onion brings a mild bite. Jalapeño gives a slight kick, and lime juice brightens it all up.
For the full recipe, check the list above. This bowl is not just tasty, it’s also fun to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Shrimp
Start by taking a large bowl. Add the shrimp, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, and salt. Mix it all well. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the shrimp evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step lets the flavors seep into the shrimp, making them tasty.
Preparing the Corn Salsa
In another medium bowl, mix together the fresh corn, diced avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño. Squeeze the juice of the limes over the mixture. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir everything together, but be careful not to mash the avocado. Set this aside. The salsa will get better as it rests.
Grilling the Shrimp
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you have skewers, thread the marinated shrimp onto them. You can also grill the shrimp directly on the grill. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Remove them from the grill when cooked.
Assembling the Bowl
Grab your serving bowls. Start by adding a base layer of cooked quinoa or brown rice in each bowl. Next, layer the grilled shrimp on top. Finish with several spoonfuls of the colorful corn salsa. This creates a beautiful and delicious dish.
Enjoy your grilled shrimp bowl right away! For a full recipe, check the Full Recipe section.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Grill
To grill shrimp perfectly, heat the grill to medium-high. This is about 375°F to 450°F. A hot grill cooks shrimp fast, keeping them juicy.
To stop shrimp from sticking, brush the grill grates with oil. You can also soak skewers in water if you use them. This helps prevent sticking too.
Avocado Handling
When dicing an avocado, cut it in half, twist, and remove the pit. Use a knife to score the flesh into cubes. Then, scoop them out with a spoon.
To stop browning, squeeze fresh lime juice over the diced avocado. This helps keep it green.
For ripe avocados, look for ones that yield slightly when you press them. They should feel soft but not mushy.
Flavor Enhancements
Add more fun to your bowl with toppings like sliced radishes or crumbled feta cheese. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill boost flavor too.
For extra spice, try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper. A drizzle of your favorite sauce can add kick.
These small changes can make your grilled shrimp bowl even more delightful. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy your cooking!
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can switch shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works great; just grill it like shrimp. Tofu is another option. It soaks up flavors well. For seafood lovers, try scallops or firm fish like salmon. Both give a nice twist to your bowl.
Vegetarian Version
If you want a vegetarian bowl, skip the shrimp. Use cooked beans or chickpeas instead. These add protein and texture. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or squash for more flavor. This way, you still get a hearty meal.
Additional Salsas
Salsa can be more than corn salsa. Try a mango salsa for sweetness. Mix diced mango, red onion, and lime juice. Black bean salsa is another tasty choice. Use black beans, corn, and cilantro. Seasonal fruits like peaches or tomatoes can add freshness. Experiment with what you have for fun flavors. For the full recipe, check out the link provided.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your grilled shrimp and corn salsa fresh, follow these tips:
– Shrimp: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container. Use a shallow container to cool shrimp quickly. This helps prevent bacteria growth.
– Corn Salsa: Place salsa in a separate container. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. This keeps the flavors intact and the ingredients crisp.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating shrimp and grains, keep them juicy and warm. Here’s how:
– Shrimp: Use a skillet. Heat on low with a splash of water or broth. Stir gently to avoid drying out.
– Grains: Microwave with a damp paper towel. This traps steam and keeps grains moist.
– Salsa: Reheat salsa on low heat in a pan. Stir often to prevent it from burning.
Freezing Options
You can freeze cooked shrimp and salsa, but keep these points in mind:
– Shrimp: Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn.
– Salsa: Freeze salsa in a container or a freezer bag. Leave space for expansion as it freezes.
– Thawing: To thaw, place shrimp and salsa in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently before serving.
For the full recipe, check out the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado, Corn Salsa Delight.
FAQs
What is the best way to grill shrimp?
To grill shrimp perfectly, start with large, fresh shrimp.
– Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking.
– Marinate shrimp for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor.
– Use skewers or grill directly for best results.
– Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
– Avoid overcooking, which can make shrimp tough.
Grilling shrimp is simple. Just keep an eye on them!
Can I make the corn salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare corn salsa ahead of time.
– Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
– Store it in an airtight container.
– Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
This makes meal prep easy! Just stir before serving to refresh the flavors.
What can I serve with the grilled shrimp bowl?
You can pair your grilled shrimp bowl with various side dishes.
– Fresh green salad adds crunch and color.
– Garlic bread is great for a hearty touch.
– Chips and salsa make a fun appetizer.
– For drinks, try a light beer or sparkling water.
These sides enhance your meal and keep it fun!
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
To keep avocado fresh, follow these tips:
– Use lime juice right after cutting. It slows browning.
– Store avocado with the pit in the dish if you can.
– Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This limits air exposure.
These steps help your avocado stay bright and tasty!
For the full recipe, check out the more detailed instructions provided above.
This article covered how to make a delicious grilled shrimp bowl. You learned about fresh ingredients, marinating shrimp, and making corn salsa. I shared tips for grilling shrimp and choosing the best avocados. You can customize this dish by using various proteins and salsas.
Remember, meal prep and storage are key for leftovers. Enjoy crafting your own tasty bowl!
