Chef Mitchell preparing Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl while experimenting with fresh ingredients from my local market. The combination of creamy avocado and zesty shrimp felt like a match made in heaven. Over the years, I've perfected the technique to ensure the shrimp are perfectly cooked and the flavors balanced. It's become a beloved recipe that I share with friends and family."

With over a decade of experience in Mexican cuisine, I specialize in creating delicious and healthy lunch recipes. My passion for cooking began in my grandmother's kitchen, where I learned the importance of using fresh ingredients. I strive to bring vibrant and authentic flavors to every dish I create.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl served on a plate

Why This Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl Recipe Works

This Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl is a standout dish that perfectly combines flavors and textures. The creamy avocados pair beautifully with the seasoned shrimp, while the quinoa adds a delightful nuttiness. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to enhance the overall taste, making this bowl a nourishing and satisfying option.

The technique of sautéing the shrimp with garlic and spices ensures that they are packed with flavor. Cooking the quinoa to fluffy perfection provides a great base, while the fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness. The lime juice ties everything together, creating a dish that is vibrant and delicious.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use fresh shrimp and avoid overcooking them. They should be just opaque and firm when cooked. Additionally, make sure to use ripe avocados for the best texture and flavor. If you're prepping ahead, keep the avocado separate until serving to prevent browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare most of the components ahead of time. Cook the quinoa and shrimp and store them separately in the fridge. However, it's best to add the avocado just before serving to maintain its freshness and prevent browning.

If you're not a fan of shrimp or have allergies, you can substitute with grilled chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas. Each of these alternatives pairs well with the other ingredients and will maintain the dish's flavor profile.

The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, typically within 3-5 minutes of cooking. To ensure that the quinoa is cooked, it should be fluffy and all the water should be absorbed. Taste the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined and flavorful.

While you can freeze portions of the shrimp and quinoa, it's not recommended to freeze the entire bowl as the avocado won't freeze well. If you do freeze, store the shrimp and quinoa separately and assemble the bowl fresh when ready to eat.

This bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or some fruit for a light dessert. A cold beverage like agua fresca or a light beer would pair nicely as well.

The Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl can last in the fridge for up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container. However, the avocado may start to brown, so it's best to consume it as soon as possible.

You can prepare the quinoa and shrimp in advance but keep the avocado separate until you are ready to serve. This will help maintain the quality and prevent browning in the avocado.

To reheat the shrimp and quinoa, do so gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to avoid drying them out. Avoid reheating the avocado; instead, add fresh avocado on top after reheating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl is too dry, the shrimp or quinoa may not have enough moisture.

Solution: Add a splash of lime juice or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance moisture and flavor.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If your shrimp aren't crispy, they may have been overcrowded in the pan while cooking.

Solution: Make sure to cook the shrimp in batches to allow them to sear properly and develop a crispy exterior.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

Prevention: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, and remove them from heat immediately.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If shrimp are undercooked, they will be translucent in the center.

Recovery: Return the shrimp to the skillet and cook for an additional minute or two until cooked through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Shrimp can burn if the heat is too high or they are cooked for too long.

Prevention: Adjust the heat to medium and monitor the shrimp closely to prevent burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bowl tastes too sweet, add a squeeze of lime juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: For a dish that's too salty, add a bit more quinoa or avocado to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: If your dish tastes bland, consider adding more lime juice, salt, or spices to enhance the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl

Essential Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl

Key ingredients like fresh shrimp, avocados, and quinoa are essential for creating a flavorful and nutritious bowl. The shrimp provide protein, while avocados add creaminess and healthy fats. Quinoa serves as a hearty base that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the dish.

Choosing high-quality ingredients is crucial. Opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp when possible, and select ripe avocados for the best texture. Cooking the quinoa properly will ensure a fluffy and enjoyable consistency, making each bite satisfying.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Shrimp: Always choose fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight ocean scent.
  • Avocado: When selecting avocados, pick ones that yield slightly to pressure but are not overly soft. They should be a deep green color, indicating ripeness.
  • Quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can make it taste bitter. Cook it in a ratio of 2:1 water to quinoa for best results.
Cooking process for Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

This cooking process is straightforward and allows for flexibility. Begin by prepping all your ingredients, which sets you up for success. Cooking the shrimp quickly ensures they remain tender and juicy, while the quinoa provides a satisfying base.

Achieving perfect results involves careful attention to cooking times and temperatures. Monitor the shrimp closely and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. The combination of fresh ingredients and careful cooking will result in a vibrant and tasty bowl.

Key Technique for Perfect Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl

The key technique for perfecting the Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl is the sautéing of shrimp. This method allows the garlic and spices to infuse into the shrimp, enhancing their flavor. Quick cooking over medium heat prevents overcooking, ensuring the shrimp remain tender and juicy.

Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
    For sautéing
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    Freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    For extra flavor
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste
  • 1 tablespoon honey
    Optional sweetener

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb large shrimp
    Peeled and deveined
  • 2 ripe avocados
    Diced
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
    Fluffy
  • 1 red bell pepper
    Diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
    Halved
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
    Chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 lime
    Juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    For cooking
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
    For seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Start by gathering all the ingredients. Dice the avocados, and chop the cilantro, red bell pepper, and garlic.

  2. Cook Quinoa

    Rinse the quinoa under cold water, then cook according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

  3. Sauté Shrimp

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  4. Season Shrimp

    Add shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

  5. Combine Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. Gently stir in the cooked shrimp.

  6. Prepare Avocados

    Add the diced avocados to the mixture and squeeze lime juice over everything. Toss gently to combine.

  7. Serve

    Divide the mixture into serving bowls. Garnish with lime wedges and tortilla chips.

  8. Enjoy

    Enjoy your delicious Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl immediately!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the avocado fresh, store it separate from the other ingredients if possible.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl with lime wedges and tortilla chips on the side. Consider pairing it with a light salad or fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize your Garlic Shrimp Avocado Bowl with other vegetables like corn or black beans. You can also swap shrimp for grilled chicken or use different grains like brown rice for variety.