Savory Shrimp Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa Recipe

Craving a fresh, vibrant meal? My Savory Shrimp Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa are the perfect solution. This dish combines juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty mango for a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, my easy recipe will guide you step-by-step. Let’s dive in and whip up a bowl that’s not just tasty, but also fun to make!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 2 ripe avocados, diced

– 1 cup cooked quinoa (1/2 cup uncooked)

Seasonings and Accompaniments

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– Juice of 1 lime

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Mango Salsa Components

– 1 ripe mango, diced

– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

– 1 jalapeño, finely minced (optional for added heat)

– 1 tablespoon lime juice

– Salt to taste

The main ingredients form the base of this dish. Fresh shrimp brings a sweet flavor and a firm texture. Avocados add creaminess and healthy fats. Quinoa serves as a nice, nutty base to hold all the flavors together.

For seasonings, olive oil helps in cooking the shrimp and adds richness. Garlic powder gives a savory kick. Lime juice brightens the entire dish, while salt and pepper elevate the taste. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and flavor at the end.

Mango salsa is the star of this bowl. Diced mango provides sweetness, while red onion adds crunch. The jalapeño can spice things up if you like heat. Lime juice keeps the salsa fresh, and salt brings all the flavors together.

You can find the full recipe in the article. Enjoy creating this vibrant and tasty dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Mango Salsa

Combine diced mango, red onion, minced jalapeño, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to mix everything well. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other parts of the dish. This salsa adds a fresh and zesty touch to our bowl.

Cook the Quinoa

First, rinse 1/2 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step helps remove any bitterness. Next, put the rinsed quinoa in a pot with 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When all the water is absorbed, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork. Let it cool for a bit.

Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, turning them until they turn pink and opaque. Before taking them off the heat, squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the shrimp and toss them to coat evenly.

Assemble the Bowls

Start by layering the fluffy quinoa in serving bowls. Next, add diced avocado on top. Arrange the sautéed shrimp over the avocado, making sure each bowl gets shrimp. Finally, spoon a generous helping of mango salsa over the shrimp. This layering makes your bowl look colorful and inviting.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over each bowl for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest tastes. Each bite will be a delightful mix of flavors and textures. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Shrimp

How to choose the freshest shrimp:

When selecting shrimp, look for a few key signs. Fresh shrimp should have a mild ocean smell, not a strong fishy scent. The shells should be shiny and firm, while the flesh should be translucent. If possible, buy shrimp from a trusted local fishmonger or market.

Cooking shrimp to the right level of doneness:

Cook shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes over medium heat. Avoid overcooking, as it makes shrimp tough. Always check for a slight curl in the shrimp. This means they are perfectly cooked!

Quinoa Cooking Tips

Common mistakes to avoid when cooking quinoa:

One common mistake is skipping the rinsing step. Rinsing removes bitterness. Another mistake is not using enough water. Always use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio for best results. Lastly, don’t forget to fluff the quinoa after cooking. This helps separate the grains.

How to enhance flavor in quinoa:

You can add flavor to quinoa by cooking it in broth instead of water. Consider adding herbs or spices to the cooking liquid. A bay leaf or garlic clove can add depth. Another option is to mix in lime juice after cooking for a fresh twist.

Customizing Mango Salsa

Alternative ingredients for salsa:

If you want to switch it up, try using pineapple or peaches instead of mango. You can also add bell peppers for crunch or swap red onion for green onions. This adds a fresh twist to your salsa.

Tips on adjusting spice levels:

To adjust the spice level in your salsa, add more or less jalapeño. You can also include chopped serrano peppers for extra heat. If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before adding.

Variations

Protein Substitutions

You can switch shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken gives a different taste, but it works well. Cook it the same way as shrimp, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Tofu is a great vegan option. Just press it to remove water and cut it into cubes. Sauté the tofu until golden and crispy.

You can also use scallops or fish. Scallops cook quickly and have a sweet flavor. Fish like salmon or tilapia adds a nice twist. Cook fish until it flakes easily with a fork, and season just like shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Add toppings to make your bowl exciting. Try fresh corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes. You could also add crunchy tortilla chips for texture. Serve the dish as a salad for a lighter meal. Just mix the shrimp, mango salsa, and avocado with leafy greens.

You can wrap the filling in a tortilla for a tasty lunch. This gives you a fun way to enjoy the flavors on the go.

Dietary Adjustments

To make this dish gluten-free, ensure all ingredients are labeled as gluten-free. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, so you’re already good there!

For a vegetarian or vegan version, just use tofu or beans instead of shrimp. You can also use a plant-based yogurt for creaminess. Swap the honey in the salsa for agave syrup if you want sweetness without animal products.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To keep your Shrimp Avocado Bowls fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. This helps maintain their taste and texture. Place the shrimp, avocado, and quinoa in separate containers. This way, you prevent the avocado from browning. Consume leftovers within two days for the best flavor.

Freezing Options

You can freeze shrimp, but avoid freezing assembled bowls. Freezing affects the texture of the avocado and quinoa. Instead, freeze shrimp and quinoa separately. Wrap shrimp tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Cooked quinoa can go into a freezer-safe container. Use within three months for the best quality.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat shrimp, use a skillet over low heat. This method helps keep them juicy. For quinoa, add a splash of water and cover the pan. Heat on low until warm. Avoid high heat to keep the quinoa from becoming mushy. Enjoy your reheated Shrimp Avocado Bowls just like they were fresh!

For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier sections.

FAQs

How long do shrimp take to cook?

Shrimp cook quickly. It usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. You know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. If you overcook them, they can become tough. So, watch them closely.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make mango salsa ahead of time. I recommend preparing it a few hours before serving. Store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. The flavors will blend even better if you let it sit.

What can I serve with shrimp avocado bowls?

You can pair your shrimp avocado bowls with many sides. Some great options include:

– Corn on the cob

– Mixed green salad

– Tortilla chips

– Light white wine or sparkling water

These choices will enhance your meal.

Can I substitute frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can thaw shrimp by placing them in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, run them under cold water for about 10 minutes. This method works well and keeps the shrimp juicy.

What can I use instead of quinoa?

If you want to replace quinoa, try these options:

– Brown rice

– Couscous

– Cauliflower rice

These alternatives will still give you a delicious base for your bowl.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can store the shrimp, quinoa, and salsa separately. This helps keep everything fresh. Use airtight containers for best results. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble your bowl!

This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for shrimp avocado bowls. You learned about the key ingredients, from shrimp and quinoa to mango salsa. Step-by-step instructions guided you through preparing each part. We covered tips for perfect shrimp and cooking quinoa too.

In the end, these bowls offer a fresh meal, easy to customize. Remember, cooking is about fun, so feel free to experiment. Enjoy your healthy, tasty dish!

Shrimp Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa

Elevate your meal game with these Savory Shrimp Avocado Bowls featuring delicious mango salsa! Packed with succulent shrimp, creamy avocados, and zesty mango, this colorful dish is a feast for the eyes and palate. Perfect for all skill levels, my step-by-step recipe makes it easy to create a vibrant, healthful meal that’s sure to impress friends and family. Click to discover the full recipe and bring this flavorful bowl to your table!

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Ingredients

  

1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 ripe avocados, diced

1 cup cooked quinoa (1/2 cup uncooked)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lime

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Mango Salsa:

1 ripe mango, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño, finely minced (optional for added heat)

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt to taste

Instructions

 

Prepare the Mango Salsa: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño (if you prefer some heat), lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Gently stir the mixture to ensure everything is well combined, then set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other components.

Cook the Quinoa: Rinse 1/2 cup of quinoa under cold running water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 1 cup of water. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and fluff the quinoa gently with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly.

Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. Just before removing from heat, squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.

Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, add a generous layer of fluffy quinoa as the base. Top the quinoa with an ample scoop of diced avocado, ensuring that each bowl has a beautiful green layer. Arrange the sautéed shrimp on top of the avocado, followed by a heaping spoonful of the fresh mango salsa.

Garnish and Serve: Finish off each bowl by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4