This Grilled Shrimp Bowl is packed with juicy shrimp and tender asparagus, all topped with a creamy garlic sauce that adds a rich flavor. It’s like a party in a bowl!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip this up. I like to serve it over rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Plus, you can’t go wrong with garlic – it’s like a hug for your taste buds! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for grilling as they cook quickly and have great flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use scallops or even cubed chicken breast.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a nice crunch and bright color to the bowl. If asparagus is out of season, try using green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers instead.
Olive Oil: This helps to grill the ingredients and adds flavor. You could substitute with avocado oil for a higher smoke point or even melted butter for richness.
Mayonnaise: A key element in the creamy sauce, it creates a smooth texture. If you’re avoiding mayo, try using tahini or a dairy-free yogurt as a substitute.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess. You can swap this with equal parts of cottage cheese blended for a lighter option.
How Do You Grill Shrimp and Asparagus Perfectly?
Grilling is easy and brings out the best flavors! Start by preheating your grill to medium-high. It’s crucial to toss the shrimp and asparagus in oil and seasonings to enhance their taste.
- Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side; they turn pink when done.
- For asparagus, grill for 4-5 minutes; keep turning until they’re tender.
- Be careful not to overcook either; they should have a nice char without being rubbery.
Once grilled, you can get creative with serving styles. Pair it with some lemon wedges or fresh herbs for that extra touch!
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Asparagus and Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and another 10 minutes for grilling, so you’re looking at a total of about 20 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This will give your shrimp and asparagus nice grill marks and a wonderful flavor.
2. Season the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated.
3. Prepare the Asparagus:
In another bowl, toss the asparagus with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. This will help enhance their flavor as they grill.
4. Grill the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the grill and set aside.
5. Grill the Asparagus:
Next, place the asparagus on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and set aside with the shrimp.
6. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While grilling, prepare the creamy garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
7. Assemble Your Bowls:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Divide the cooked rice or quinoa between serving bowls.
8. Add Shrimp and Asparagus:
Top each bowl with the grilled shrimp and asparagus. The colors will make the dish look inviting!
9. Drizzle the Sauce:
Generously drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top of the shrimp and asparagus.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy this tasty and healthy grilled shrimp bowl! Feel free to add fresh herbs or extra lemon wedges on the side if you’d like.
FAQ for Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Asparagus and Creamy Garlic Sauce
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While asparagus is delicious, you can easily swap it for other grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just adjust the grilling time based on the veggies you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in the microwave, or you can quickly sauté everything in a pan to retain the grilled flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you’re looking for a little kick, try adding some red pepper flakes to the shrimp seasoning or incorporating your favorite hot sauce into the creamy garlic sauce. Just remember to adjust the amount to your spice preference!
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can make the creamy garlic sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before using as ingredients may settle.
