Blackened Shrimp Avocado Salsa

Featured in: Simple Suppers

Enjoy a vibrant dish combining smoky, charred shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and cayenne, paired with a creamy avocado corn salsa bursting with fresh cherry tomatoes, lime, and cilantro. Served atop fluffy white or brown rice, this bowl offers a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and creamy textures infused with Southwestern flavors. Ideal for a quick, nutritious meal that’s rich in protein and naturally gluten-free.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:51:00 GMT
Blackened shrimp bowl featuring spicy shrimp, creamy avocado salsa, fluffy rice, garnished with cilantro and lime. Save
Blackened shrimp bowl featuring spicy shrimp, creamy avocado salsa, fluffy rice, garnished with cilantro and lime. | butterhollow.com

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

I first made this blackened shrimp bowl on a busy weeknight when I craved something lively but light. The bold shrimp spice and cool salsa brought smiles all around, and leftovers didn&t last past lunch the next day.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Smoked paprika: 2 tsp
  • Garlic powder: 1 tsp
  • Onion powder: 1 tsp
  • Dried thyme: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh or thawed from frozen)
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1/2 cup, quartered
  • Red onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced
  • Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped
  • Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Lime juice: Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Rice: 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (hot)
  • Lime wedges: for serving
  • Extra cilantro: for garnish

Instructions

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 evenly coated.
Cook Shrimp:
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.
Make 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 bowl with blackened shrimp and a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa.
Garnish & Serve:
Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Juicy blackened shrimp nestled on rice, bright avocado corn salsa—a vibrant, Southwestern blackened shrimp bowl. Save
Juicy blackened shrimp nestled on rice, bright avocado corn salsa—a vibrant, Southwestern blackened shrimp bowl. | butterhollow.com

My kids love customizing their bowls, adding extra cilantro or squeezing extra lime. It's a go-to meal for family nights, and everyone pitches in with chopping and assembling.

Required Tools

Large skillet, medium mixing bowls, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring spoons

Allergen Information

This meal contains shellfish and is naturally gluten-free when the ingredients are verified. Always check packaged ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 390 calories, 15 g total fat, 39 g carbohydrates, 25 g protein

Flavorful blackened shrimp bowl, a gluten-free meal, served hot with fresh avocado corn salsa and lime wedges. Save
Flavorful blackened shrimp bowl, a gluten-free meal, served hot with fresh avocado corn salsa and lime wedges. | butterhollow.com

Enjoy the bold taste of this shrimp bowl fresh, and don't forget to add your favorite toppings for more crunch or zest!

Kitchen Tips & Answers

How do I achieve the perfect blackened shrimp?

Coat shrimp evenly with spices and cook in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred for optimal flavor and texture.

Can I substitute the rice for a low-carb alternative?

Yes, quinoa or cauliflower rice can be used as a nutritious, low-carb base without compromising taste.

What is the best way to prepare the avocado corn salsa?

Gently mix ripe avocado with fresh or thawed corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to keep a creamy and vibrant texture.

How spicy is this dish, and can it be adjusted?

The cayenne and jalapeño add mild heat, but you can reduce or omit them for a gentler flavor.

What wine pairs well with this bowl?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the smoky shrimp and fresh salsa nicely.

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

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

Blackened Shrimp Avocado Salsa

A flavorful bowl with blackened shrimp, creamy avocado corn salsa, and fluffy rice for a fresh, satisfying meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat duration
10 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American, Southwestern

Output 4 Portions

Eating preferences No dairy, No gluten

What you'll need

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

Method

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, tossing to coat evenly.

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 with slight char. Remove from heat.

Phase 03

Prepare Avocado Corn Salsa: Gently mix diced avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño if using, lime juice, and salt in a separate bowl until combined.

Phase 04

Assemble Bowls: Distribute hot cooked rice evenly into four bowls. Top each with blackened shrimp and a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa.

Phase 05

Garnish and Serve: Finish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately to preserve freshness.

Kitchen tools needed

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

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp).
  • Naturally gluten-free; verify packaged ingredients if sensitive.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Proteins: 25 g