Shrimp Avocado Bowls are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that make for a perfect meal any time of the day. As I prepared this dish for the first time, I was instantly captivated by the vibrant colors and the fresh aroma wafting through my kitchen. This recipe not only celebrates the succulent taste of shrimp but also highlights the creamy richness of ripe avocados, creating a harmonious balance that is simply irresistible.
Originating from coastal regions where seafood is abundant, Shrimp Avocado Bowls have become a beloved staple in many households. The combination of protein-packed shrimp and nutrient-dense avocados makes this dish not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. People adore this recipe for its versatility; whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s both convenient and satisfying. Join me as we dive into the world of Shrimp Avocado Bowls, where every bite is a celebration of freshness and flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: hot sauce or salsa for serving
Preparing the Shrimp
1. Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water to remove any residual grit. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear nicely later on. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated. I love using my hands for this part; it’s the best way to ensure every shrimp is seasoned perfectly! 3. Let the shrimp marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the shrimp to absorb all that delicious seasoning.Cooking the Shrimp
4. While the shrimp are marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. 5. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if left on the heat too long. 6. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. I like to cover them with foil to keep them warm while I prepare the rest of the ingredients.Preparing the Quinoa
7. If you haven’t already cooked your quinoa, now is the time! Rinse 1/2 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness. 8. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. 9. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork before using.Preparing the Vegetables
10. While the quinoa is cooking, chop your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl. 11. Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow its flavor. 12. If you’re using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, simply thaw it. Add the corn to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes and onion. 13. Finally, scoop the flesh out of the avocado halves and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add the avocado to the bowl, being careful not to mash it.Assembling the Bowls
14. Now that everything is prepped, it’s time to assemble the bowls! Start by placing a generous scoop of quinoa at the bottom of each bowl. 15. Next, layer on the shrimp. I like to arrange them in a circular pattern for a beautiful presentation. 16. Add a generous helping of the vegetable mixture on top of the shrimp. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes, corn, and avocado make the dish visually appealing. 17. Drizzle fresh lime juice over the top of each bowl. This adds a zesty brightness that complements the shrimp and avocado perfectly. 18. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the bowls. If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add a few dashes of hot sauce or a spoonful of salsa on top.Serving Suggestions
19. Serve the shrimp avocado bowls immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant. These bowls are perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and they’re also great for meal prep! 20. If you haveConclusion:
In wrapping up this delightful journey into the world of Shrimp Avocado Bowls, I can confidently say that this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meal game. The combination of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, these bowls are sure to be a hit. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Shrimp Avocado Bowls with a zesty lime vinaigrette or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. You can also customize your bowls by adding your favorite grains like quinoa or brown rice, or even tossing in some black beans for added protein. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you add to your Shrimp Avocado Bowls. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy cooking! PrintShrimp Avocado Bowls: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe for Any Meal
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Shrimp Avocado Bowl is a delicious and healthy dish featuring marinated shrimp, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables served over quinoa. Perfect for a light meal, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy the vibrant combination of ingredients and the refreshing taste of lime!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: hot sauce or salsa for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any residual grit and pat dry with a paper towel.
- In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Rinse 1/2 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.
- In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the red onion and add to the bowl. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes if desired to mellow flavor.
- If using fresh corn, cut kernels off the cob; if using frozen, thaw it. Add to the mixing bowl.
- Scoop out avocado flesh and chop into bite-sized pieces. Add to the bowl gently.
- Place a generous scoop of quinoa at the bottom of each bowl.
- Layer on the shrimp, arranging them in a circular pattern.
- Add the vegetable mixture on top of the shrimp.
- Drizzle fresh lime juice over each bowl.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and add hot sauce or salsa if desired.
- Serve immediately while fresh. These bowls are great for a light meal or meal prep!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
- For added flavor, consider marinating the shrimp longer or adding spices of your choice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
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