Chef Mitchell preparing Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the joy of Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls while traveling through Mexico. The fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors inspired me to recreate this dish at home. After several attempts, I perfected the balance of spices and toppings. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, and I love sharing it with family and friends."

Chef Mitchell has a passion for Mexican cuisine, with over a decade of experience in creating flavorful lunch recipes. Having traveled extensively through Mexico, he has gained insights into authentic flavors and cooking techniques. His dishes are well-loved for their vibrancy and freshness.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls served on a plate

Why This Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls Recipe Works

This recipe combines fresh, wholesome ingredients that not only taste great but are also good for you. The grilled shrimp adds a smoky flavor, while the avocados provide creaminess that balances the dish perfectly. The addition of quinoa and fresh vegetables makes it a filling meal without being heavy.

Grilling the shrimp enhances their natural sweetness while keeping them tender. The marinade infuses the shrimp with flavor, ensuring that every bite is delicious. This method of cooking also allows for quick preparation, making it perfect for busy lunches.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least an hour before grilling. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, be sure to preheat the grill properly to achieve those lovely char marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Store the grilled shrimp, quinoa, and chopped vegetables separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls. However, it's best to add avocados just before serving to prevent browning.

If you don't eat shrimp, you can substitute with grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Both alternatives will work well with the marinade and provide a similar texture. Just adjust the cooking time according to the substitute you choose.

The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, typically after 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to guarantee they are fully cooked.

While you can freeze the grilled shrimp and quinoa, it's best to avoid freezing the avocados and fresh vegetables, as they can become mushy when thawed. To freeze, store the shrimp and quinoa in airtight containers. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

These bowls are quite filling on their own, but you can serve them with a side of tortilla chips and salsa or a fresh green salad for added crunch. A light Mexican-style soup could also pair nicely for a more elaborate meal.

In the fridge, Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls will last for about 2 days when stored in an airtight container. It's best to consume them within this timeframe for optimal freshness and flavor.

Yes, you can prepare all the components in advance and store them separately. This makes it easy to assemble your bowls when you're ready to eat. Just be cautious with the avocados to prevent browning.

To reheat, place the shrimp and quinoa in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Avoid reheating the avocados to maintain their texture. You can add fresh ingredients after reheating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your shrimp are too dry, it may be due to overcooking.

Solution: Ensure to monitor the cooking time carefully and remove the shrimp from the grill once they are opaque and slightly firm to the touch.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the shrimp are not crispy, they might have been steamed instead of grilled.

Solution: Make sure your grill is preheated and that the shrimp are placed directly on the grill grates to achieve a crispy exterior.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough.

Prevention: To prevent this, use a timer and check on the shrimp frequently while grilling. Remove them as soon as they are done.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If shrimp are undercooked, they will remain translucent in the center.

Recovery: Ensure to cook shrimp until they are opaque all the way through. If undercooked, return them to the grill for an additional minute.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior on the shrimp indicates they were cooked at too high a temperature.

Prevention: Adjust the grill temperature to medium heat and keep a close eye on the shrimp while grilling.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add more lime juice or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, add a little more quinoa or avocado to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: For bland flavors, increase the seasoning or add fresh herbs to enhance the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls

The key ingredients for these bowls include fresh shrimp, ripe avocados, and quinoa. Each component contributes to the overall texture and flavor of the dish. The shrimp provide protein, while avocados add healthy fats and creaminess. Quinoa is a fantastic base that enhances the nutritional value of the meal.

When selecting shrimp, opt for large, fresh varieties that are sustainably sourced. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed to ensure the best flavor and texture. Quality quinoa will stay fluffy when cooked and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients beautifully.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Large Shrimp: Look for fresh or frozen shrimp that are large and firm. They should have a slight sheen and should not smell overly fishy. Thawed shrimp should be cooked immediately to preserve their freshness.
  • Avocados: Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft but not mushy. If you buy them unripe, allow them to ripen at room temperature before refrigerating. This ensures a creamy texture for your bowls.
  • Quinoa: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can be bitter. Cooking it in vegetable or chicken broth adds an extra layer of flavor that's worth the effort.
Cooking process for Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls is straightforward and quick. Start by marinating the shrimp to enhance their flavor. While the shrimp marinate, you can prepare the quinoa and chop the vegetables. This multitasking approach saves time and ensures everything is ready simultaneously.

Grilling the shrimp adds a wonderful smoky flavor, and assembling the bowls becomes a fun and creative task. By layering the ingredients, you can customize each bowl according to personal preferences, making each meal unique and satisfying.

Key Technique for Perfect Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls

The key technique for perfect Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls is marinating the shrimp. This step not only infuses flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite. Allowing the shrimp to soak in the marinade for at least 15 minutes but not more than an hour strikes the perfect balance for flavor enhancement.

Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    For spice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    Adds depth
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb large shrimp
    Peeled and deveined
  • 2 ripe avocados
    Diced
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
    Cool before adding
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
    Halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion
    Diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
    Chopped
  • 1 lime
    Juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    For marinating
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    For flavor
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    For spiciness

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Shrimp

    In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp and marinate for at least 15 minutes.

  2. Prepare Quinoa

    Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Let it cool before adding to bowls.

  3. Grill the Shrimp

    Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque.

  4. Assemble Bowls

    In a bowl, place a scoop of quinoa, followed by diced avocado, grilled shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

  5. Add Toppings

    Top with chopped cilantro, feta cheese, and a drizzle of sour cream if desired.

  6. Serve

    Serve immediately with fresh lettuce leaves on the side.

  7. Enjoy!

    Dig into your colorful and nutritious Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bowls, keep the shrimp and quinoa in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Avocados should be stored separately to prevent browning. Consume within two days for the best quality.

Serving Suggestions

These bowls can be served with a side of tortilla chips and a fresh salsa or guacamole. You can also add a sprinkle of lime juice over the top just before serving to enhance the flavors.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize these bowls by adding ingredients like black beans, corn, or other seasonal vegetables. You could also switch the protein for grilled chicken or use a vegetarian protein like tofu.