Blackened Shrimp Avocado Corn

Featured in: Quick Lunch Fixes

This vibrant dish combines blackened shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and cayenne with a creamy avocado corn salsa. Served atop fluffy rice, the mix offers bold Southwestern flavors and a satisfying texture contrast. Quick to prepare, it incorporates fresh ingredients like lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño for a lively taste. Perfect for an easy, gluten-free meal option with rich protein and wholesome ingredients.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:18:00 GMT
Blackened shrimp bowl with avocado corn salsa served in a vibrant, delicious meal for the family. Save
Blackened shrimp bowl with avocado corn salsa served in a vibrant, delicious meal for the family. | meanwhilerecipe.com

A vibrant, flavor-packed bowl featuring spicy blackened shrimp, creamy avocado corn salsa, and fluffy rice with a Southwestern twist. This meal is fresh and satisfying, perfect for anyone craving bold flavor without much fuss.

The first time I made this for friends, I was amazed by how fast the shrimp cooked and how everyone loved the creamy salsa with each bite. I always reach for this recipe when I want something both impressive and simple.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Smoked paprika: 2 tsp
  • Garlic powder: 1 tsp
  • Onion powder: 1 tsp
  • Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Avocado: 1 ripe, diced
  • Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh or thawed from frozen)
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1/2 cup, quartered
  • Red onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced
  • Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Lime juice: Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Cooked white or brown rice: 2 cups (hot)
  • Lime wedges: for serving
  • Extra cilantro: for garnish

Instructions

Season the shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
Make salsa:
In another bowl, gently combine avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt.
Assemble bowls:
Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with blackened shrimp and a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
A fresh, colorful Blackened Shrimp Bowl, showcasing perfectly cooked shrimp and creamy avocado salsa. Save
A fresh, colorful Blackened Shrimp Bowl, showcasing perfectly cooked shrimp and creamy avocado salsa. | meanwhilerecipe.com

My kids love assembling their own bowls with extra lime and salsa. This is a fun way for us to share a tasty dinner together at the table.

Required Tools

Large skillet, medium mixing bowls, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring spoons

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish. Naturally glutenfree. Always check ingredient labels if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 390 calories, 15 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, 25 g protein

Enjoy a Southwestern-style Blackened Shrimp Bowl, piled high with rice and garnished with lime wedges. Save
Enjoy a Southwestern-style Blackened Shrimp Bowl, piled high with rice and garnished with lime wedges. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This bowl is quick to make but never fails to impress. Enjoy every bite while knowing you created something flavorful and nourishing.

Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve the perfect blackened shrimp?

Ensure the shrimp is evenly coated with a spice blend including smoked paprika, cayenne, and herbs. Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until slightly charred and opaque.

Can I use different rice types for the bowl?

Yes, white or brown rice works well. For low-carb alternatives, quinoa or cauliflower rice can be substituted without altering the dish’s flavor balance.

How to make the avocado corn salsa more flavorful?

Try grilling the corn before mixing it with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro to add a smoky depth to the salsa.

What can I add for extra texture?

Incorporate black beans or shredded lettuce to introduce a varied texture and enhance the nutritional profile.

What beverages pair well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the smoky spices and fresh salsa perfectly.

Blackened Shrimp Avocado Corn

Spicy blackened shrimp paired with creamy avocado corn salsa over fluffy rice for a fresh meal.

Time to Prepare
20 mins
Time to Cook
10 mins
Complete Time
30 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Quick Lunch Fixes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American Southwestern

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations No Dairy, No Gluten

Ingredient List

Shrimp

01 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
07 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
09 ½ teaspoon salt
10 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Avocado Corn Salsa

01 1 ripe avocado, diced
02 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen)
03 ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
04 ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
05 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
06 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
07 Juice of 1 lime
08 ¼ teaspoon salt

Bowl Base & Garnish

01 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, hot
02 Lime wedges, for serving
03 Extra cilantro, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Season the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 02

Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a slight char. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Prepare the avocado corn salsa: Combine the diced avocado, corn kernels, quartered cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt gently in a separate bowl.

Step 04

Assemble the bowls: Distribute the hot cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with the blackened shrimp and a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa.

Step 05

Garnish and serve: Finish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Medium mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Naturally gluten-free, but verify packaged ingredients for potential allergens

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 390
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 25 g