Blackened Shrimp Avocado Salsa

Featured in: Healthy Bowls

This dish combines spicy blackened shrimp with a vibrant avocado corn salsa, layered over fluffy rice for a flavorful bowl. The shrimp are coated in smoked spices and seared to a perfect char, while the salsa balances creaminess with zesty lime and fresh cilantro. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal with Southwestern flair, it’s naturally gluten-free, easy to prepare, and packed with bold, fresh ingredients. Substitutions like quinoa or cauliflower rice make it adaptable for varied diets.

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:58:00 GMT
Spicy blackened shrimp bowl with creamy avocado salsa served with fluffy white rice. Save
Spicy blackened shrimp bowl with creamy avocado salsa served with fluffy white rice. | bakozy.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 tried this blackened shrimp bowl on a summer evening with my family, and everyone loved the tangy salsa with spicy shrimp combo.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tossed with 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

Season and Toss Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Remove from heat.
Prepare 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 with blackened shrimp and a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish bowls with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Fresh lime wedges accent a vibrant Blackened Shrimp Bowl, a satisfying Southwestern meal. Save
Fresh lime wedges accent a vibrant Blackened Shrimp Bowl, a satisfying Southwestern meal. | bakozy.com

My kids helped scoop salsa onto their shrimp bowls and said this was their new favorite dinner.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp). Naturally gluten-free; always verify packaged ingredients. Double-check all labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 390, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 39 g, Protein: 25 g (per serving)

A close-up of a delicious Blackened Shrimp Bowl, bursting with colorful ingredients and flavors. Save
A close-up of a delicious Blackened Shrimp Bowl, bursting with colorful ingredients and flavors. | bakozy.com

This shrimp bowl is perfect for sharing with friends and easy to customize for everyone at the table.

Recipe FAQ

How do I achieve the perfect blackened shrimp?

Coat shrimp evenly with the spice blend and cook on medium-high heat in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.

Can I substitute the rice with other grains?

Yes, quinoa or cauliflower rice work well as low-carb or grain-free alternatives while maintaining texture.

What adds creaminess to the avocado corn salsa?

The ripe avocado provides a smooth, creamy texture that complements the sweetness of corn and brightness of lime juice.

Is the spice level adjustable?

Absolutely, cayenne pepper quantity can be reduced or omitted depending on your preferred heat tolerance.

Can I grill the corn before adding it to the salsa?

Grilling the corn adds a smoky depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the salsa.

Blackened Shrimp Avocado Salsa

Smoky blackened shrimp paired with creamy avocado corn salsa over hearty rice for a fresh meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American, Southwestern

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications No dairy, No gluten

Components

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 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
07 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
09 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 1/4 teaspoon 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 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
06 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
07 Juice of 1 lime
08 1/4 teaspoon 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: In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper until fully 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 combine diced avocado, corn, 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 scoop of avocado corn salsa.

Phase 05

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • Naturally gluten-free; verify packaged ingredients for cross-contamination.

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