Name: Delicious Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn in 30 Mins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional); 2 cups Frozen Corn, thawed; 1/2 cup Red Onion, diced; 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped; 1 Jalapeño, optional, diced; 2 tablespoons Lime Juice; 1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup Sour Cream or dairy-free alternative; 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 Avocado, sliced or mashed; 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds (optional garnish); 2 tablespoons Green Onions, chopped (optional garnish)

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Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn has become my absolute go-to for a quick, vibrant weeknight dinner, and I think you’re going to adore it too! There’s something magical about the smoky char from the grill hitting sweet corn, paired with perfectly seasoned shrimp. I first whipped this up on a sweltering summer evening when I needed something healthy and fast, and the aroma of garlic and lime filling my kitchen was incredible. It’s a truly delightful shrimp and corn bowl that just screams summer. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn

This dish is a winner for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: The combination of smoky grilled shrimp, sweet corn, and a zesty lime dressing is simply irresistible.
Super Fast: With prep and cook times under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a guilt-free meal you can feel good about.
Budget-Friendly: Using frozen corn and simple pantry staples makes this an affordable option.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love the sweet corn and tender shrimp, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: Easily adapt it to your tastes with different spices or add-ins for a unique shrimp corn bowl every time.
Perfect for Summer: It’s a light and refreshing meal that tastes like sunshine in a bowl.

Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn

Gather these fresh ingredients for a fantastic bowl:

1 pound Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined – the star of our shrimp and corn bowl
2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil – for coating the shrimp before grilling
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional) – for a little kick
2 cups Frozen Corn, thawed – we’re using this for our vibrant corn salsa
1/2 cup Red Onion, diced – adds a nice bite to the salsa
1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped – essential for fresh flavor
1 Jalapeño, optional, diced – for an extra layer of heat
2 tablespoons Lime Juice – brightens up the corn salsa
1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt – the creamy base for our sauce
1/2 cup Sour Cream or dairy-free alternative – adds richness to the sauce
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice – for tanginess in the sauce
2 cloves Garlic, minced – essential for that savory garlic sauce
1 Avocado, sliced or mashed – provides healthy fats and creaminess
2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds (optional garnish)
2 tablespoons Green Onions, chopped (optional garnish)

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn

Let’s get this delicious meal on your table! This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a weeknight lifesaver.

Step 1: Start by preheating your grill to a nice medium-high temperature. While it heats up, grab a large bowl and toss your shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil. Then, sprinkle on the paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Make sure they’re all coated evenly.
Step 2: Now, carefully place the seasoned shrimp directly onto the hot grill grates. They cook super fast – just 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. The smell of the spices hitting the grill is amazing!
Step 3: While the shrimp are grilling, let’s make our vibrant corn salsa. In a separate bowl, combine the 2 cups of thawed frozen corn, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, and the optional diced jalapeño. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of lime juice and add a pinch of salt. This simple mix adds a fresh, zesty crunch to your shrimp and corn bowl.
Step 4: Time for the creamy sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and a bit more salt and pepper. Whisk until it’s nice and smooth. This sauce is key to that amazing flavor in our grilled shrimp bowl corn.
Step 5: Assemble your masterpiece! Start with a base of your sliced or mashed 1 avocado. Then, pile on the perfectly grilled shrimp.
Step 6: Top generously with the fresh corn salsa you just made. Finally, drizzle that luscious creamy garlic sauce all over everything.
Step 7: For an extra touch, garnish with 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds and 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions if you have them. Serve this amazing grilled shrimp corn bowl immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn

These little tricks will make your grilled shrimp bowl truly shine:

Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook quickly on the grill, so watch them closely to keep them tender.
Pat your shrimp dry before seasoning. This helps the oil and spices stick better.
For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes in the oil and spices before grilling.
If you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear the shrimp on the stovetop or even bake them.

What’s the secret to perfect grilled shrimp and corn?

The real secret to perfect grilled shrimp and corn lies in not overcrowding the grill and getting a nice char on both. For the shrimp, a quick 2-3 minutes per side is all they need to stay juicy. For more tips on grilling, check out this guide on grilling techniques.

Can I make Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn ahead of time?

You can prep most components ahead! Make the corn salsa and creamy sauce a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Grill the shrimp just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Learn more about meal prepping for busy weeks.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn?

A common pitfall is overcooking the shrimp, which makes them tough. Another mistake is not seasoning the corn salsa enough; a good punch of lime and cilantro makes all the difference for your grilled shrimp bowl corn. Proper seasoning is key to any good dish, as discussed in this article on flavor building.

Best Ways to Serve Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn

This vibrant bowl is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it with a few complementary sides to round out the meal. For a truly satisfying experience, try pairing it with some fluffy cilantro-lime rice or a side of black beans. You can also serve it alongside grilled corn on the cob for an extra corn-tastic meal. It’s a versatile dish that works wonderfully for a light lunch or a flavorful summer dinner.

Nutrition Facts for Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each delicious serving of this grilled shrimp bowl corn:

Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, you can consult resources like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Delicious Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn in 30 Mins - Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn

Leftovers of this delightful grilled shrimp bowl corn are a treat! Once your meal is finished, let any remaining components cool down completely before storing. It’s best to keep the grilled shrimp, corn salsa, and creamy sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor for up to 3-4 days. While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months, though the avocado might change texture slightly. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and corn salsa on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals. Drizzle with the sauce and add fresh avocado just before serving to enjoy your grilled shrimp and corn again. For more storage tips, see this guide on food storage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn

What makes this grilled shrimp bowl corn so special?

The magic is in the blend of smoky, grilled shrimp and sweet corn, brought together with a zesty lime-based corn salsa and a creamy, garlicky sauce. It’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly healthy and quick to make, perfect for a weeknight meal or a summer gathering.

Can I substitute the shrimp for another protein in this grilled shrimp bowl corn?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap the shrimp for grilled chicken, fish like salmon or cod, or even firm tofu or black beans for a vegetarian option. Adjust the grilling time accordingly for your chosen protein. For vegetarian protein ideas, check out this list of tofu recipes.

How do I make the corn salsa for my grilled shrimp bowl corn spicier?

To boost the heat, you can add more jalapeño, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to the corn salsa. For a different kind of heat, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the salsa or the creamy sauce. A spicy Cajun grilled shrimp corn bowl is also delicious!

What side dishes pair well with this grilled shrimp corn bowl?

This grilled shrimp bowl corn is quite complete on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with light sides. Consider serving it with a side of black beans, cilantro-lime rice, or a simple green salad. Grilled plantains or a side of avocado slices also complement the flavors beautifully.

Variations of Grilled Shrimp Bowl Corn You Can Try

This recipe is so adaptable, you can easily switch things up to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy Kick: For a real flavor punch, try a spicy grilled shrimp corn bowl by adding extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp marinade. You could also incorporate some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the corn salsa.
Southwestern Twist: Make it a Southwestern grilled shrimp corn bowl by adding a can of drained black beans and some diced bell peppers to the corn salsa. A sprinkle of cotija cheese or a dollop of avocado crema would be amazing here.
Cilantro Lime Flavor: Amp up the freshness with a cilantro lime grilled shrimp corn bowl by adding more cilantro and lime juice to both the corn salsa and the creamy sauce. You could even add lime zest for an extra bright note.
Vegetarian Option: Don’t eat shrimp? No problem! This makes a fantastic healthy grilled shrimp corn bowl alternative with grilled halloumi cheese, marinated and grilled tofu, or even hearty black beans as your protein.