Blackened Shrimp Avocado Corn

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Dinners

This dish combines spicy blackened shrimp with a creamy avocado corn salsa, served over fluffy rice for a fresh and satisfying Southwestern-inspired meal. The shrimp is seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and herbs, then quickly seared to a perfect char. The avocado corn salsa adds a cool, tangy balance with lime, cilantro, and optional jalapeño for heat. Easy to prepare in about 30 minutes, it’s a colorful, flavorful bowl ideal for a quick main course.

Updated on Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:43:00 GMT
Blackened Shrimp Bowl drizzled with avocado salsa, a Southwestern delight ready to eat. Save
Blackened Shrimp Bowl drizzled with avocado salsa, a Southwestern delight ready to eat. | dashnosh.com

A vibrant, flavor-packed bowl featuring spicy blackened shrimp, creamy avocado corn salsa, and fluffy rice with a Southwestern twist. This Blackened Shrimp Bowl is easy to make and delivers bold flavors in every bite.

I first made this bowl for a weekend lunch, and it instantly became a family favorite. The combination of spicy shrimp and creamy salsa makes every spoonful memorable.

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, 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 (for salsa)
  • Rice (white or brown): 2 cups cooked, 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 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 with blackened shrimp and a scoop of avocado corn salsa.
Garnish & Serve:
Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Spicy blackened shrimp atop fluffy rice, generously topped with vibrant avocado corn salsa. Save
Spicy blackened shrimp atop fluffy rice, generously topped with vibrant avocado corn salsa. | dashnosh.com

My kids love assembling their own bowls, adding extra lime or cilantro on top. Sharing this meal together always brings a burst of energy and smiles to the table.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp). Naturally gluten-free; always check ingredient labels for sensitivities.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Close-up of a Blackened Shrimp Bowl, showcasing charred shrimp and fresh, colorful ingredients. Save
Close-up of a Blackened Shrimp Bowl, showcasing charred shrimp and fresh, colorful ingredients. | dashnosh.com

This bowl is perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining. Enjoy every bite and tweak the salsa ingredients to suit your taste!

Kitchen Q&A

How do I make the shrimp blackened?

Coat the shrimp evenly with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, onion powders, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper, then cook in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until slightly charred and opaque.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw completely, pat dry to remove excess moisture, and proceed with seasoning and cooking as directed.

What is a good substitute for rice in this bowl?

Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be used as a low-carb alternative while maintaining the bowl’s structure and texture.

How can I enhance the flavor of the avocado corn salsa?

Try grilling the corn kernels before mixing to add a smoky depth or add black beans for extra texture and protein.

What beverages pair well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager complements the spices and freshness of the bowl nicely.

Blackened Shrimp Avocado Corn

Spicy blackened shrimp paired with creamy avocado corn salsa over fluffy rice for a fresh, flavorful meal.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cook Duration
10 min
Complete Duration
30 min
Created by Tyler Morgan


Skill Level Easy

Cultural Heritage American, Southwestern

Output 4 Portion Size

Nutritional Categories No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

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 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
07 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
09 ½ teaspoon salt
10 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Avocado Corn Salsa

01 1 ripe avocado, diced
02 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or thawed
03 ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
04 ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
05 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
06 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
07 Juice of 1 lime
08 ¼ teaspoon salt

Bowl Base & Garnish

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

Method

Step 01

Prepare shrimp seasoning: 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 shrimp are evenly coated.

Step 02

Cook shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Combine salsa ingredients: Gently mix avocado, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño if using, lime juice, and salt in a separate bowl until well combined.

Step 04

Assemble bowls: Divide warm cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with blackened shrimp and a generous scoop of avocado corn salsa.

Step 05

Garnish and serve: Add extra cilantro and lime wedges to each bowl. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains shellfish (shrimp)
  • Naturally gluten-free; verify packaged ingredients if sensitive

Nutrition Details (serving size)

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