This Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl is packed with juicy shrimp and crunchy asparagus, all drizzled with a tasty garlic sauce. It’s fresh, colorful, and just plain awesome!
I love how quick this dish comes together. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, and it makes me feel like a gourmet chef—even if I only grilled a few shrimp! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for grilling because they cook quickly and have a delightful texture. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp work well too; just make sure to thaw them beforehand. I often go for wild-caught for added flavor!
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds great crunch and color. You can use other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on how thick they are.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its rich flavor. However, you can substitute it with avocado oil or melted butter if you want to switch things up. Both work great for grilling!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use 1/2 tsp of garlic powder if you’re in a pinch. I think extra garlic adds to the yum factor, so don’t be shy!
Mayonnaise: For the garlic sauce, I prefer regular mayonnaise, but you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or a vegan mayo if needed.
How Do I Grill Shrimp and Asparagus Perfectly?
Grilling can seem tricky, but it’s quite straightforward. The key is to keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Make sure your grill is hot. This helps achieve those lovely grill marks!
- Grill asparagus first, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender. Turn them occasionally for even cooking.
- Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; give everything some space to cook evenly.
Enjoy the fresh flavors of this dish! It’s a great mix of protein and veggies, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.
Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Asparagus and Garlic Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes of grilling time. Altogether, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 20 minutes—perfect for a quick and healthy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This is important to ensure your shrimp and asparagus cook properly and get those nice grill marks!
2. Prepare the Asparagus:
In a medium bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Make sure they are well-coated and set the bowl aside for a moment.
3. Season the Shrimp:
In another bowl, combine the shrimp with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, smoked paprika (if using), garlic powder, and more salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated.
4. Grill the Asparagus:
Place the asparagus on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are tender and slightly charred. Once done, remove them from the grill and set them aside.
5. Grill the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to grill the shrimp! Add them to the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook them! Remove from grill.
6. Make the Garlic Sauce:
While the shrimp and asparagus are grilling, mix the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce is going to add a wonderful flavor!
7. Assemble the Bowl:
Take a bowl and arrange the grilled asparagus at the bottom. Top it with the grilled shrimp to create a beautiful and colorful dish.
8. Add the Garlic Sauce:
Drizzle the garlic sauce generously over the shrimp and asparagus. Feel free to add more sauce if you love that creamy garlic flavor!
9. Garnish:
Finish off by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Grilled Shrimp Bowl immediately and enjoy this delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect meal on its own!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less spice, simply omit the cayenne pepper from the garlic sauce and adjust the garlic accordingly. Conversely, if you enjoy more heat, you can add extra cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can grill the shrimp and asparagus ahead of time. Just store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving to maintain their texture.
What Are Some Serving Suggestions?
This shrimp bowl is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it over cooked quinoa, rice, or mixed greens for a more substantial meal. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can also enhance the flavors!
