Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce
These Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce are a delightful and colorful dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your table. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe combines smoky grilled shrimp, creamy avocado, fresh mango salsa, and a zesty lime-chili sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that will brighten any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Each component melds together to create a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and creaminess.
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh fruits, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Versatile Meal Option: Serve over rice or quinoa to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make for an eye-catching dish that impresses guests.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill pan or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill pan or skillet: Essential for cooking the shrimp evenly while achieving that lovely charred flavor.
- Mixing bowls: Perfect for preparing the mango salsa and lime-chili sauce without any mess.
- Whisk: Great for combining ingredients smoothly in the lime-chili sauce.
- Knife: Necessary for slicing avocados and dicing mangoes with precision.
Ingredients
These Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce require simple yet fresh ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1-2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp honey or agave
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 diced mango
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1-2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
How to Make Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Mango Salsa
- Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Set aside in the fridge to chill while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Make the Lime-Chili Sauce
- In another bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), chili powder, lime zest, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels. Season them with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Start by adding a base of cooked rice or quinoa into each bowl.
- Arrange grilled shrimp on top along with sliced avocado and mango salsa.
Step 5: Drizzle the Lime-Chili Sauce
- Generously drizzle the lime-chili sauce over each bowl.
- Garnish everything with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce
These Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
In a Wrap
- Use a large tortilla to create a wrap filled with shrimp, avocado, and mango salsa for an on-the-go meal.
As a Salad
- Serve the ingredients over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad option that’s light yet satisfying.
With Tortilla Chips
- Pair the bowls with crispy tortilla chips for added crunch. This makes the meal feel like a fun fiesta.
In Lettuce Cups
- Use large lettuce leaves as cups to hold the shrimp and toppings. It’s a great low-carb alternative and adds freshness.
Family Style
- Present all components in separate bowls for a family-style meal. Everyone can customize their own serving!
How to Perfect Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce
To elevate your Shrimp and Avocado Bowls, consider these handy tips for perfection every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, ripe avocados, and juicy mangoes make all the difference in flavor.
- Marinate Shrimp: For more flavor, marinate shrimp in lime juice and spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Grill for Flavor: Use a grill instead of a skillet to give your shrimp that smoky, charred taste.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or chili powder based on your heat preference.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the bowls right after assembling to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
- Experiment with Grains: While rice or quinoa is great, try using farro or barley for different textures.
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce
Complementing your main dish with sides can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas that pair well.
- Coconut Rice: A creamy addition made by cooking rice with coconut milk, offering sweetness that matches the tropical theme.
- Grilled Pineapple: Sweet grilled pineapple slices add a caramelized flavor that enhances the fresh ingredients in your bowl.
- Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad with black beans, corn, and lime dressing provides a hearty contrast to the shrimp bowl.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with lime butter offers sweetness and crunch alongside the savory flavors.
- Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil is a light, low-carb option that adds more veggies to your plate.
- Mango Chutney: A sweet-and-spicy chutney can be served on the side as an extra dip, enhancing the mango flavors in your bowl.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Not seasoning shrimp properly: Failing to season your shrimp can lead to bland flavor. Ensure you coat them evenly with spices for a delicious outcome.
- Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can ruin the creamy texture of your bowls. Always choose ripe avocados for optimal creaminess and flavor.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and slightly charred for the best texture.
- Skipping the rest period for salsa: Allowing your mango salsa to chill enhances its flavors. Don’t skip this step; let it sit in the fridge while you prepare other ingredients.
- Not balancing flavors in lime-chili sauce: If your lime-chili sauce lacks balance, it won’t elevate the dish. Adjust sweetness and acidity until it tastes just right.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep components separate (shrimp, avocado, salsa) to maintain freshness.
Freezing Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce
- Freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Avoid freezing avocado as it can become mushy; add fresh when serving.
Reheating Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bowls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even seasoning.
What can I substitute for mango in the salsa?
If you don’t have mango, try using diced pineapple or peach for a similar sweetness.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more jalapeño or incorporate hot sauce into the lime-chili sauce according to your taste preference.
Can I meal prep Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce?
Definitely! Prepare each component separately and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh.
What grains work best as a base?
Both rice and quinoa work well, but feel free to experiment with farro or couscous based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
These Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce are not only delicious but also versatile. Customize them with your favorite ingredients or proteins for a unique twist each time. Enjoy this tropical-inspired meal that is perfect for any occasion!
Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce are a vibrant, tropical-inspired dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. This quick meal features smoky grilled shrimp paired with creamy avocado, refreshing mango salsa, and a zesty lime-chili sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, these bowls are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a satisfying dinner at home. In just 25 minutes, you can create an experience that will transport you to sunny shores with each bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1–2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp honey or agave
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mango salsa by mixing diced mango, red onion, jalapeño (if desired), lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a bowl. Chill in the fridge.
- In another bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), chili powder, lime zest, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the lime-chili sauce. Set aside.
- Season the shrimp with chili powder and other spices; grill or sauté them on medium-high heat until pink and charred (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Assemble your bowls by placing a base of rice or quinoa in each bowl. Top with grilled shrimp, avocado slices, and chilled mango salsa.
- Drizzle generously with lime-chili sauce and garnish with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
