Save It A vibrant, flavor-packed bowl featuring spicy blackened shrimp, creamy avocado corn salsa, and fluffy rice. This is a fresh and satisfying meal with a Southwestern twist.
I still remember the first time I made this Blackened Shrimp Bowl for my friends. The combination of spicy shrimp and creamy avocado salsa was an instant hit.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 2 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onion powder: 1 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Ripe avocado: 1, diced
- Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- Cherry tomatoes: 1/2 cup, quartered
- Red onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional)
- Lime juice: from 1 lime
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Bowl base: 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (hot)
- Lime wedges: for serving
- Extra cilantro: for garnish
Instructions
- Season Shrimp:
- In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook Shrimp:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until opaque and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
- Make Salsa:
- In another bowl, gently combine avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt.
- Assemble Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with blackened shrimp and a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Save It This dish quickly became a favorite at our family dinners. Even picky eaters love building their own bowls at the table together.
Required Tools
Large skillet, medium mixing bowls, chefs knife, cutting board, and measuring spoons are all you need for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish. Naturally gluten-free. Always double-check packaged ingredients for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 390 calories, 15 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, and 25 g protein.
Save It This Blackened Shrimp Bowl is delicious served fresh and makes terrific leftovers the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve perfectly blackened shrimp?
Coat shrimp evenly with olive oil and spices. Sear in a hot skillet until opaque and slightly charred, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- → Can I substitute rice with other grains?
Yes, quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives for a lower-carb or gluten-free option.
- → Is the avocado corn salsa spicy?
The salsa offers mild heat from jalapeño. Adjust by omitting or increasing jalapeño to suit your taste.
- → Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Salsa and rice can be made in advance. Cook shrimp fresh for best texture and flavor before serving.
- → What wine or beer pairs well?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complement the bowl’s fresh and spicy notes beautifully.
- → Is this bowl gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, but always check packaged ingredient labels to ensure safety.