If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful meal that feels like a celebration in a bowl, you have just stumbled upon the perfect dish. The Crave the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe brings together tender, smoky shrimp, creamy ripe avocado, and a luscious garlic sauce that ties everything together beautifully. This dish is packed with textures and a medley of colors that make it as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this shrimp bowl will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crave the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one adds a unique flavor or texture that makes this bowl irresistible—from the smoky spices on the shrimp to the refreshing brightness of lime and cilantro.

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, providing juicy and tender bites with a satisfying char from grilling.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the shrimp and adds a subtle fruity richness.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth and beautiful red color.
Garlic powder: Gives a gentle savory undertone complementing the shrimp perfectly.
Chili powder: Brings a mild kick and warmth without overpowering the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all flavors.
Cooked rice: The comforting base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
Corn kernels: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch, either grilled or sautéed to intensify flavor.
Black beans: Provide earthiness, protein, and a creamy texture.
Avocado: Sliced for buttery creaminess that melts into the bowl.
Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of juicy freshness and vibrant color.
Fresh cilantro: Offers herbal brightness to enliven every bite.
Lime wedges: For zesty, tangy pops to personalize your bowl.
Mayonnaise and sour cream (for the sauce): Create a rich, silky base for the creamy garlic sauce.
Lime juice (for the sauce): Adds a refreshing tang that balances the richness.
Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
Water: To adjust the sauce’s consistency for drizzling.

How to Make Crave the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp

Start by heating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for that perfect sizzle. Toss the shrimp with olive oil and a fragrant blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until each shrimp is beautifully coated. This seasoning mix will give the shrimp an irresistible smoky and spicy edge.

Step 2: Grill the Shrimp

Place the shrimp on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Watch as they turn a gorgeous pink and develop those lovely char marks. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside. Juicy and packed with flavor, these perfectly grilled shrimp are the heart of this bowl.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick to drizzle, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. This sauce is what elevates the entire bowl from tasty to unforgettable.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide the cooked rice evenly into four bowls as the comforting foundation. Layer on the grilled corn kernels and black beans for texture and flavor contrast. Arrange the grilled shrimp on top followed by slices of creamy avocado and halved cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for that vibrant herbal note, then generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over everything. Don’t forget a fresh lime wedge on the side for an extra burst of brightness right before you dig in!

How to Serve Crave the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling on fresh cilantro adds a fresh pop of color and a citrusy bite that brightens the robust flavors. Lime wedges are a must—they allow everyone to add their perfect zing of acidity, balancing the creamy garlic sauce and smoky shrimp beautifully. If you love a bit of crunch, thinly sliced radishes or pickled red onions make excellent additions too.

Side Dishes

This shrimp bowl shines as a one-dish meal but pairs effortlessly with light sides like a mixed green salad or crisp cucumber slices. For something heartier, try a warm tortilla or slices of crusty bread to sop up any extra sauce. Each side adds a different texture and dimension to complement the lively flavors of the shrimp bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish in rustic bowls that highlight the bowl’s colorful ingredients for an inviting presentation. For a fun twist, turn it into a deconstructed taco bar using small tortillas and offering toppings like shredded lettuce, pickled onions, and jalapeños on the side. You can also layer the ingredients in mason jars or glass containers for a trendy and portable meal option perfect for lunch on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store shrimp, rice, beans, and corn separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The creamy garlic sauce should be kept in a sealed jar or container and will last about 3 days refrigerated. Keeping ingredients separate helps preserve their best texture and flavor.

Freezing

While the grilled shrimp bowl is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp and cooked rice individually in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Avoid freezing avocados or the creamy garlic sauce as they don’t thaw well. Simply thaw the shrimp and rice overnight in the fridge and reassemble with fresh avocado and sauce when ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat leftover shrimp and rice gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the shrimp. Fresh avocado should always be added after reheating to maintain its creamy texture. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce cold right before serving to keep its vibrant flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely. Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and grilling. This helps avoid excess moisture so they sear beautifully.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the creamy garlic sauce?

If you prefer, you can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce that still works wonderfully in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Swap the shrimp for grilled tofu or seasoned roasted chickpeas and use vegan mayo and sour cream to keep it plant-based and delicious.

What type of rice works best for the bowl?

Jasmine, brown, or white rice all work well. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture or a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is the Crave the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe?

The chili powder adds a mild warmth that complements the other flavors without overwhelming the dish, making it approachable for most palates. You can always adjust the spice by adding more or less chili powder depending on your taste.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Crave the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe. It’s a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent, bursting with fresh, bold flavors that come together perfectly every time. Whether you’re feeding yourself or sharing with loved ones, this bowl guarantees satisfaction and a happy dance for your taste buds. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite!

Crave the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 45 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado and Creamy Garlic Sauce combines smoky, spiced shrimp with fresh, vibrant ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro, all served over a bed of rice. The creamy garlic sauce adds a tangy, savory finish, making it a delicious and healthy main course perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp Bowl:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
1 cup corn kernels (grilled or sautéed)
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1–2 tablespoons water to thin, if needed

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Instructions

Prepare the grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the shrimp evenly.
Season the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until they are fully and evenly coated with the spices.
Grill the shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp on the preheated grill and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the creamy garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among 4 serving bowls. Top each bowl with corn kernels, black beans, grilled shrimp, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
Serve: Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over each bowl and garnish with lime wedges for squeezing over just before eating.

Notes

You can substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter or low-carb option.
Add pickled red onions or shredded lettuce for extra texture and flavor variation.
The creamy garlic sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American