Blackened Shrimp Avocado Bowl

Featured in: Spicy Entrées

This dish features shrimp coated in smoky spices and seared to a perfect char, served atop warm fluffy rice. A creamy avocado corn salsa brings fresh, zesty notes enhanced by lime and cilantro. Combining bold spices with bright, fresh ingredients creates a balanced meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Ideal for a satisfying and colorful main course with a southwestern flair.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:27:00 GMT
Spicy blackened shrimp bowl topped with creamy avocado corn salsa and fluffy rice.  Save
Spicy blackened shrimp bowl topped with creamy avocado corn salsa and fluffy rice. | pepperplume.com

A vibrant, flavor-packed bowl featuring spicy blackened shrimp, creamy avocado corn salsa, and fluffy rice—a fresh and satisfying meal with a Southwestern twist.

I first enjoyed this dish during a lively summer barbecue and immediately loved how the textures and flavors complemented each other perfectly.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp peeled and deveined, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Avocado Corn Salsa: 1 ripe avocado diced, 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen), 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes quartered, 1/4 cup red onion finely diced, 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional), Juice of 1 lime, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Bowl Base & Garnish: 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (hot), Lime wedges for serving, Extra cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
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.
Step 2:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
Step 3:
In another bowl gently combine avocado corn cherry tomatoes red onion cilantro jalapeño (if using) lime juice and salt.
Step 4:
Divide cooked rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with blackened shrimp and a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa.
Step 5:
Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Delicious blackened shrimp bowl bursting with fresh avocado corn salsa and lime.  Save
Delicious blackened shrimp bowl bursting with fresh avocado corn salsa and lime. | pepperplume.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table sharing stories and laughter over a delicious meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories 390 Total Fat 15 g Carbohydrates 39 g Protein 25 g

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp). Naturally gluten-free verify packaged ingredients if sensitive.

Required Tools

Large skillet Medium mixing bowls Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring spoons

Vibrant blackened shrimp bowl served with zesty avocado corn salsa over warm rice. Save
Vibrant blackened shrimp bowl served with zesty avocado corn salsa over warm rice. | pepperplume.com

This blackened shrimp bowl is a quick vibrant meal perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQ

What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, provide the best texture and flavor when blackened and cooked quickly in a hot skillet.

Can I use a different grain instead of rice?

Yes, quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent low-carb alternatives that pair well with the shrimp and salsa flavors.

How is the blackening spice blend made?

The blend combines smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper for a smoky, slightly spicy crust.

What adds freshness to the avocado corn salsa?

Ingredients like lime juice, cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and red onion brighten the salsa and complement the savory shrimp beautifully.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, naturally gluten-free ingredients are used, but always check packaged items to ensure no hidden gluten.

Blackened Shrimp Avocado Bowl

Spicy blackened shrimp paired with creamy avocado corn salsa and fluffy rice in a Southwestern style bowl.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage American, Southwestern

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations No dairy, No gluten

Components

Shrimp

01 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 2 tsp smoked paprika
04 1 tsp garlic powder
05 1 tsp onion powder
06 1/2 tsp dried thyme
07 1/2 tsp dried oregano
08 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
09 1/2 tsp salt
10 1/4 tsp black pepper

Avocado Corn Salsa

01 1 ripe avocado, diced
02 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or thawed
03 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
04 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
05 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
06 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
07 Juice of 1 lime
08 1/4 tsp salt

Bowl Base & Garnish

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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cook shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred; remove from heat.

Phase 03

Prepare avocado corn salsa: Gently mix avocado, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño if using, lime juice, and salt in a separate bowl.

Phase 04

Assemble bowls: Divide hot cooked rice evenly among four bowls; top each with blackened shrimp and a generous portion of avocado corn salsa.

Phase 05

Garnish and serve: Add extra cilantro and lime wedges to each bowl; serve immediately.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • Naturally gluten-free; verify packaged ingredients if sensitive.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 25 g