This Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl is a tasty mix of juicy shrimp and crisp asparagus, all drizzled with a creamy garlic sauce. It’s fresh, colorful, and oh-so delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh large shrimp are the star of this dish, but you can use frozen shrimp if they’re unavailable. Just thaw them under cold water before cooking. If you prefer a different protein, chicken or tofu would work well too!
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus gives a nice crunch, but you can substitute green beans or zucchini if you’re not a fan. They’re delicious grilled too!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is perfect for grilling, but any vegetable oil works. For a buttery flavor, melted butter or ghee is a great alternative.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise makes the sauce creamy, but you can use avocado or even cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor for a lighter sauce.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Shrimp?
Grilling shrimp is quick and easy, but it can be tricky! Here are some tips to ensure perfect shrimp every time:
- Make sure your shrimp are thoroughly dried; this helps them get a nice char.
- Skewering them can make flipping easier. Use wooden skewers soaked in water to prevent burning.
- Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook fast—just 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough until they’re opaque.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly grilled shrimp and a delicious bowl every time! Happy cooking!
Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Asparagus and Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to grill. In total, you should set aside about 20 minutes to have everything ready and served hot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Shrimp:
Grab a bowl and toss the shrimp in 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well until all the shrimp are coated. Set them aside while you prepare the rest.
2. Preparing the Asparagus:
In a separate bowl, toss the asparagus pieces together with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and some pepper to taste. This will make those spears so flavorful!
3. Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover it and pop it in the fridge while you grill.
4. Preheating the Grill:
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. You want it good and hot to get some nice grill marks!
5. Grilling the Asparagus:
Once the grill is ready, place the asparagus on it. Cook them for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them tender and slightly charred, which means they’re packed with flavor. Remove them from the grill when done!
6. Grilling the Shrimp:
Next, place the shrimp on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. They should become opaque and have beautiful grill marks. Once they’re just right, take them off the grill!
7. Assembling the Bowl:
Now for the fun part! In your serving bowls, arrange the grilled asparagus at the bottom. On top of that, layer your grilled shrimp. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce—don’t be shy!
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Finish off by sprinkling some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, healthy shrimp bowl!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using. You can do this by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. Pat them dry before grilling to help achieve a nice char!
What Can I Use Instead of Asparagus?
If asparagus isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers—just adjust the grilling time as needed. All of these options are delicious and will add a vibrant touch to your shrimp bowl!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, try to do so gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Can I Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using it to freshen up the flavor!
