This Grilled Shrimp Bowl is a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying meal that combines tender grilled shrimp, a bright corn and black bean salsa, and a luscious creamy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a flavor-packed dinner, offering a great balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
📝 Ingredients List
The bowl is broken down into three main components: the protein, the salsa, and the creamy sauce.
For the Grilled Shrimp:
- Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Seasoning: $1/2$ teaspoon cumin.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.
For the Corn and Black Bean Salsa:
- Corn: 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed) sweet corn kernels.
- Black Beans: 1 (15 oz) can, rinsed and drained.
- Red Onion: $1/4$ cup finely diced.
- Avocado: 1 large, diced.
- Cilantro: $1/4$ cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- Greek Yogurt: $1/2$ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or non-fat).
- Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons (adds richness).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Lime Juice: 1 teaspoon.
- Water or Milk: 1-2 tablespoons (to thin the sauce, if needed).
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Base (Optional):
- Rice or Quinoa: Cooked and warm, for serving.
- Mixed Greens: A handful, for serving.
🕒 Timing: Quick Assembly
This entire bowl comes together quickly, especially if the rice is pre-cooked.
| Phase | Time Estimate | Notes |
| Prep & Marinate | 10 minutes | Mixing shrimp seasoning and salsa ingredients. |
| Grilling | 5-7 minutes | Shrimp cooks very fast on high heat. |
| Sauce & Assembly | 5 minutes | Whisking the sauce and building the bowls. |
| Total Active Time | 20-22 minutes | Perfect for a weeknight meal. |
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate and Prep the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the other components.
2. Make the Corn and Black Bean Salsa
In a separate bowl, gently combine the corn, black beans, red onion, diced avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Whisk the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, salt, and pepper. If the sauce is too thick for drizzling, add water or milk one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Grill the Shrimp
Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers (if using) or place them directly on the hot grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp is pink, opaque, and lightly charred.
5. Assemble the Bowls
In each serving bowl, start with a base of cooked rice, quinoa, or mixed greens. Top with the grilled shrimp and a generous scoop of the Corn and Black Bean Salsa. Finish the bowl by drizzling the Creamy Garlic Sauce over the top. Serve immediately.
💡 Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery. Cook only until they just turn pink and form a “C” shape.
- Use Fresh Lime: The flavor of fresh lime juice is crucial for the salsa and the sauce; avoid bottled juice for this recipe.
- Pre-Cooked Base: To save time, use microwavable rice pouches or prep a large batch of quinoa ahead of time for the base.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I bake the shrimp instead of grilling?
A: Yes. To bake, preheat your oven to $400^\circ F$ ($200^\circ C$). Spread the seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
Q: How can I make the creamy garlic sauce lighter?
A: You can completely omit the mayonnaise and use only Greek yogurt. Alternatively, substitute the mayonnaise with an equal amount of olive oil for a slightly different richness.
Q: Is this bowl good for meal prep?
A: Yes, with minor adjustments. Prepare and store the shrimp, rice, and creamy garlic sauce separately. Prepare the salsa without the avocado, as avocado browns quickly. Add the fresh avocado just before assembling and eating to maintain its color and texture.
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