Introduction

Are you ready to embark on a flavorful culinary adventure? Dive into a vibrant meal with our Shrimp and Avocado Bowls, accentuated by the zesty freshness of Mango Salsa and a velvety Lime-Chili Sauce. This dish effortlessly combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements into a colorful masterpiece that will please your taste buds and excite your senses. Whether you’re enjoying a summer dinner with friends or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and versatile enough to accommodate your culinary curiosities.

Ingredients Overview

Let’s break down the components of this flavorful dish. You’ll be working with fresh, vibrant ingredients that not only taste amazing but also bring various health benefits to the table.

Shrimp: The star of the dish! Packed with lean protein, shrimp is a fantastic source of selenium and vitamin B12. Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for easy preparation.

Mango Salsa: Made with a ripe mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, this salsa offers a delightful blend of sweetness and spice. Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, while cilantro adds a burst of freshness.

Lime-Chili Sauce: A creamy addition to the bowls, made with mayonnaise and zesty sriracha, providing a balance of heat and tang. The lime adds a refreshing citrus note, enhancing the flavors.

Avocado: Known for its healthy fats, avocado adds a creamy texture to the bowls. It’s loaded with fiber and essential nutrients, making your meal both satisfying and nutritious.

You’re ready to bring these ingredients together into a delightful and nourishing meal. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step preparation process!

Step-by-Step Preparation

With all your ingredients ready, you’re set to create a delicious and visually appealing dish. Each component adds its own unique flavor and texture to the bowl, offering a satisfying culinary experience.

Start by preparing the rice according to the package instructions. While the rice is cooking, you can concurrently grill the shrimp and prepare the mango salsa and lime-chili sauce to save time.

Cooking Tip: For best results, ensure your shrimp are fresh and properly deveined. A quick rinse under cold water helps to remove any residual veins. Pat them dry before seasoning to allow the flavors to adhere well and facilitate better grilling.

Once your rice is cooked, set it aside and focus on grilling. The aromatic blend of garlic and onion powder, paired with salt and pepper, will enhance the succulent taste of your shrimp. Remember to maintain a watchful eye while grilling, as over-cooking may lead to a rubbery texture.

While the grill works its magic, combine the bright colors and flavors of the mango salsa ingredients in a bowl. If you like a bit of heat, consider the optional jalapeño addition. The juicy sweetness of the mango complements the zesty lime juice perfectly, creating a refreshing bite.

Pro Tip: If you’re a fan of bold spices, experiment by adding a dash more sriracha to your lime-chili sauce.

Grilling the Shrimp

When preparing the shrimp, ensure they are peeled and deveined for the best results. Begin by patting the shrimp dry to promote even cooking. This step is crucial for a beautiful sear on the grill.

Seasoning Tips: To escalate the flavors, season the shrimp with a combination of 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preference or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra zingy touch.

Grilling Techniques: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for optimal cooking conditions. It’s all about achieving that perfect char without overcooking the shrimp. Place the shrimp on the grill and turn them gently after 2-3 minutes per side. This quick grill time ensures the shrimp remain juicy and tender, boasting a smoky flavor.

Achieving the Right Texture: The key is keeping an eye on the shrimp to avoid that rubbery texture that can occur if cooked too long. Look for a pink hue and opaque flesh, which indicates they’re perfectly cooked. Remember, shrimp continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the heat, thanks to residual heat.

Bonus Tip: Using a grill basket can prevent the shrimp from falling through the grates and make flipping them a breeze.

Making Mango Salsa

Creating a vibrant and tasty salsa is all about focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients that meld together beautifully with every bite. Start by gathering your ingredients: you’ll need a ripe mango, a red onion, a jalapeño for some heat (if you want it spicy), fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Preparing the Mango

Begin by dicing your mango into small, bite-sized pieces. A ripe mango is juicy and slightly soft to the touch. If you’re unsure how to cut a mango, slice off the sides from the pit, score the flesh without cutting through the skin, and then scoop it out with a spoon. These juicy chunks will give your salsa its signature sweetness.

Chopping the Onion

Next, finely chop 1/4 of a red onion. The onion adds a nice crunch and a sharp flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet mango. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the chopped pieces in water for a few minutes to mellow the flavor.

Optional Heat

If you’re up for a hint of spiciness, mince a jalapeño and add it to the mix. Remember to carefully remove the seeds and membrane if you prefer milder heat.

Cilantro and Lime Juice

Add 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro to the bowl, ensuring it is well combined. Then, pour in one tablespoon of fresh lime juice. This addition introduces a zesty kick and brightens up the flavors, creating a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the mango.

Seasoning

Finally, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust these, if necessary, to suit your taste.

Combine

Gently toss all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Allow the salsa to sit for a few minutes before serving, giving the flavors a moment to meld together.

This mango salsa is not just a sidekick to your shrimp and avocado bowls; it’s a vibrant addition that sings with every bite. Enjoy!

Lime-Chili Sauce

Creating the perfect sauce can elevate your Shrimp and Avocado Bowl from great to extraordinary. Here’s how you can craft a luscious Lime-Chili Sauce that will tie all the flavors together seamlessly.

Start by whisking together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of sriracha in a small bowl. This combination will provide the base for a creamy yet spicy delight. To add a touch of zesty freshness, incorporate 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Next, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. These spices will infuse the sauce with a subtle depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste.