Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce

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Craving a meal that’s light, colorful, and packed with bold flavors? This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is your answer! Juicy, spice-rubbed shrimp are grilled to perfection and served over a bed of rice with crisp veggies and creamy, garlicky sauce that ties it all together. The lemony shrimp and fresh toppings like avocado and cherry tomatoes make every bite a burst of summer, while the sauce adds a rich, tangy kick. I love how this comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a vibrant lunch that feels like a treat. Let’s fire up the grill and dive into this fresh, flavorful bowl!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant shrimp bowl:

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined – Sweet, succulent seafood star.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps the spices stick and promotes grilling.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika – Smoky, vibrant flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Savory depth for the spice rub.
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder – Subtle sweetness to balance.
  • ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Warm, mild spice.
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional) – For a spicy kick.
  • Juice of ½ lemon – Bright, zesty marinade.

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) – Creamy, tangy base (yogurt for lighter, mayo for richer).
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – Smooths out the sauce.
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced – Bold, garlicky punch.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens the sauce.
  • ½ teaspoon salt – Seasons the sauce.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a warm note.
  • ½ teaspoon honey (optional) – Balances the tanginess.

For the Bowl:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice) – Fluffy or low-carb base.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Juicy, colorful pops.
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced – Crisp, refreshing crunch.
  • ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced – Sharp, zesty bite.
  • 1 avocado, sliced – Creamy, buttery richness.
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped – Bright, herby garnish.
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges – For a final zesty squeeze.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re set for a fresh, flavorful bowl!

Prep Time & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes – Marinating shrimp and prepping veggies.
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes – Grilling shrimp and assembling.
  • Total Time: 30 minutes – A vibrant meal in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make this Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce with ease—here’s how:

  1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon chili flakes (if using), and the juice of ½ lemon. Toss to coat and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the fridge).
  2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon honey (if using). Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld while you prep the rest.
  3. Grill the Shrimp: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers or place directly on the grill if large enough. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and slightly charred (internal temp of 145°F/63°C). Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide 2 cups cooked rice among 4 serving bowls. Arrange 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced cucumber, ½ cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1 sliced avocado evenly over the rice for a colorful base.
  5. Add the Shrimp and Sauce: Place the grilled shrimp on top of each bowl. Drizzle or dollop the creamy garlic sauce generously over the shrimp and veggies.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges for squeezing. Enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors!

Tips & Tricks

Make this bowl even better with these handy pointers:

  • Shrimp Size: Use large or jumbo shrimp for easier grilling—smaller shrimp work but may cook faster.
  • Sauce Swap: Greek yogurt keeps it light, but mayo makes it richer; try sour cream for a tangy middle ground.
  • Spice Control: Skip chili flakes for milder flavor, or add more for extra heat—taste the marinade to adjust.
  • Rice Options: Swap rice for quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb or gluten-free twist.
  • Meal Prep: Prep veggies and sauce a day ahead; grill shrimp fresh for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

This bowl is a complete meal, but these sides make it a spread:

  • Grilled Corn: Sweet, charred corn on the cob for summer vibes.
  • Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips for scooping up extra sauce.
  • Mango Salsa: A sweet, spicy side to complement the shrimp.
  • Sparkling Water: A lemon or lime-infused seltzer for a refreshing pairing.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to enjoy this bowl later (it’s great for prep!):

  • Storage: Store components separately (rice, veggies, shrimp, sauce) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat shrimp and rice in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 20-second bursts until warm. Serve veggies and sauce cold or at room temp to keep them fresh.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked rice and shrimp for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. Avoid freezing veggies or sauce, as they lose texture.

Nutrition Info

This bowl is balanced and satisfying! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings, using Greek yogurt):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 30g – From the shrimp and yogurt.
  • Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 4g) – From the olive oil, avocado, and yogurt.
  • Carbohydrates: 38g – Mostly from the rice.
  • Fiber: 5g – Thanks to the veggies and avocado.
  • Sugar: 5g – From the honey and veggies.
  • Sodium: 700mg – Varies with salt and seasoning; adjust to taste.

Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes. Using mayonnaise increases calories by ~50 kcal per serving.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a fresh, flavorful way to enjoy a healthy yet indulgent meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The smoky, zesty shrimp, crisp veggies, and tangy sauce make it a versatile dish for summer lunches, dinner parties, or meal prep. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to impress with its vibrant colors and bold tastes. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—or if you add your own twist! Happy grilling!