Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to bring this delicious bowl to life. Most of these are pantry or fridge staples, which makes this recipe even more convenient.
🔥 For the 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 heat)
🌽 For the Corn Salsa:
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
🥣 For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
🥑 For the Bowl:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Cooked rice or grains (white rice, brown rice, or quinoa)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to assemble a bowl bursting with color and flavor.
1. Prep the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
Pro Tip: Using metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers makes grilling easier and prevents shrimp from falling through the grate.
2. Make the Corn Salsa
In a mixing bowl, stir together the thawed corn, diced red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed. Let it sit so the flavors can meld.
Flavor Boost: Lightly charring the corn on a skillet or grill adds smoky depth to your salsa.
3. Grill the Shrimp
Heat your grill (or a grill pan) over medium-high. Grill the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque with a slight char.
No Grill? No Problem. Use a stovetop pan with a splash of oil and cook for the same amount of time.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.
Lighter Option: Sub Greek yogurt for the mayo and sour cream to cut down on calories and boost protein.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Scoop your choice of cooked rice or grains into individual bowls. Top with grilled shrimp, generous spoonfuls of corn salsa, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of the creamy sauce. Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
💡 Tips, Tricks & Tweaks
Make this shrimp bowl uniquely yours with these expert tips:
🌶️ Crank Up the Heat
Love spice? Add extra cayenne pepper to the shrimp or mix sriracha into the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the final bowl also adds a zesty kick.
🥬 Make It a Meal
Round out your bowl with:
- A side of tortilla chips or plantain chips
- A light soup like gazpacho
- Fresh greens with lime vinaigrette
🌾 Go Low-Carb or Gluten-Free
Skip the rice and serve everything over cauliflower rice or greens. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
🍽️ Batch for Meal Prep
Grill a double batch of shrimp, make extra corn salsa, and store in separate airtight containers. Assemble bowls as needed for 3–4 days of quick, healthy lunches.
🥑 Nutritional Benefits
Eating delicious food is even more satisfying when you know it’s nourishing your body. Here’s what makes this bowl a powerhouse:
- Shrimp: High in lean protein, selenium, and vitamin B12
- Avocado: Full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber
- Corn: A great source of carbs, fiber, and antioxidants like lutein
- Cilantro & Lime: Rich in vitamin C and natural detoxifiers
- Creamy Sauce (homemade!): Skips the additives found in store-bought dressings
This bowl is well-balanced with carbs, fats, and proteins—great for post-workout meals, weight maintenance, or simply staying full and satisfied longer.