This Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl is colorful and packed with tasty shrimp, fresh asparagus, and a creamy garlic sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s a quick meal you’ll love!
I can’t resist those juicy shrimp paired with crunchy asparagus! Plus, that creamy garlic sauce brings everything together. Trust me, you’ll want this on your dinner table often!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best for this recipe. If you’re looking for substitutes, feel free to use medium shrimp or even chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds crunch and flavor. If it’s out of season or unavailable, you could substitute with green beans or zucchini, which also grill nicely.
Olive Oil: This is great for grilling. If you’re out, avocado oil is a solid alternative with a similar flavor and high smoke point.
Mayonnaise: For the creamy sauce, mayo is key, but you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, or even vegan mayo if you prefer a plant-based option.
How Can I Grill Shrimp Without Overcooking It?
Grilling shrimp perfectly is all about timing! Start by prepping your shrimp with some olive oil and seasonings to enhance flavor. Remember, shrimp cook quickly. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high. This helps sear the shrimp, giving them nice grill marks.
- Grill shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink color and that they curl up; that’s a good sign they are done!
- Remove them right away! They’ll continue to cook from the residual heat if left too long.
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 fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, so you can expect a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your shrimp and asparagus cook evenly and develop a nice char.
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure all the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
3. Prepare the Asparagus:
In a separate bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will add flavor to the asparagus as it grills.
4. Grill the Asparagus:
Place the seasoned asparagus on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are tender and have beautiful grill marks. Once done, remove the asparagus from the grill and set it aside.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to grill the shrimp! Place the seasoned shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, and they should have nice grill marks.
6. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and set aside.
7. Assemble Your Bowl:
To assemble your grilled shrimp bowl, start by arranging the grilled asparagus as the base. Next, add the grilled shrimp on top of the asparagus.
8. Add the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce generously over the shrimp and asparagus. This is where the magic happens!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious grilled shrimp bowl!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Asparagus and Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using them. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
What Can I Substitute for Asparagus?
If asparagus isn’t available, you can easily replace it with green beans, zucchini, or even bell peppers, which all grill beautifully and provide a nice crunch!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and asparagus in a pan over low heat, ensuring they don’t overcook.
Can I Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can! The creamy garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to freshen it up!
