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Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Asparagus and Creamy Garlic Sauce

Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Asparagus and Creamy Garlic Sauce

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb Large Shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1.5 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Sweet Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • For the Bowl Assembly
  • 1 bunch Fresh Asparagus trimmed
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil for asparagus
  • 3 cups Cooked Rice Quinoa, or Cauliflower Rice
  • Fresh Dill and Flat-Leaf Parsley chopped for garnish
  • For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1 clove Garlic finely grated
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest
  • 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Marinate Seafood: In a bowl, whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, 1.5 tbsp lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add dried shrimp, toss to coat, and marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Prep Asparagus: Toss trimmed asparagus spears with 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
  3. Grill: Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Grill the asparagus simultaneously for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp with visible char marks.
  4. Whisk Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1 tsp olive oil. Whisk until perfectly smooth.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Divide your prepared grains or grain salad among 4 bowls. Top with equal portions of grilled shrimp and charred asparagus. Drizzle generously with the creamy garlic sauce and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

The Golden Rule for Shrimp: Cook shrimp strictly for 2 to 3 minutes per side. They are perfectly done when they form a gentle "C" shape. If they curl tightly into a tight "O" shape, they are overcooked and will be rubbery.
  • Prep Dry for a Better Sear: Always pat the shrimp completely dry with a paper towel before adding the marinade. Excess moisture causes them to steam rather than develop beautiful grill marks.
  • Time-Sensitive Marinade: Do not let the shrimp sit in the marinade for longer than 15 minutes. The high acidity from the fresh lemon juice will begin to chemically "cook" and break down the delicate seafood texture.
  • Yogurt Hack: If your creamy garlic sauce is too thick, whisk in a single teaspoon of water or extra lemon juice at a time until it reaches a smooth, drizzlable consistency.
  • Meal Prep Storage: Store the grilled shrimp, asparagus, and grains together in your main airtight container, but keep the cold yogurt sauce in a separate small jar. Always add the cream sauce after you have reheated your bowl components.