Grilled Prawns Avocado Corn: A Delicious Summer Recipe

Grilled Prawns Avocado Corn – just the name conjures up images of sun-drenched patios, the sizzle of the grill, and the vibrant flavors of summer! Have you ever tasted something so fresh and satisfying that it instantly transports you to a happy place? This recipe does exactly that. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of combining these ingredients are modern, the individual components boast rich histories. Prawns, a delicacy enjoyed for centuries across coastal cultures, bring a touch of elegance. Avocados, revered by the Aztecs and Mayans, offer a creamy, luxurious texture. And corn, a staple grain that has nourished civilizations for millennia, provides a sweet and comforting base. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that’s both familiar and exciting.

People adore this dish for its incredible taste and ease of preparation. The sweetness of the grilled prawns perfectly complements the creamy avocado and the juicy corn. The slight char from the grill adds a smoky depth that elevates the entire dish. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it as a light lunch, a vibrant appetizer, or even as a topping for tacos or salads. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this grilled prawns avocado corn recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience a burst of sunshine in every bite!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Large Prawns, peeled and deveined (about 20-24 prawns)
• 2 ripe Avocados, pitted and diced
• 2 ears of Corn, kernels removed (about 1.5 cups)
• 1/2 Red Onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 2 Limes, juiced
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Optional: Tortilla chips or lettuce cups for serving

Preparing the Prawns:

1. First, let’s get those prawns ready for the grill! Make sure they are peeled and deveined. If you bought them frozen, ensure they are completely thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting a good sear on the grill. Excess moisture will steam them instead of grilling them properly.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the prawns with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the prawns are evenly coated with the spices. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! We want these prawns to be bursting with flavor.
3. Let the prawns marinate for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and penetrate the prawns. You can marinate them for up to an hour in the refrigerator, but don’t go much longer than that, as the lime juice (which we’ll add later) can start to “cook” the prawns.

Grilling the Prawns:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the prawns quickly, but not so hot that they burn. If you’re using a gas grill, this usually means setting it to around 400-450°F. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are glowing red with a light coating of ash.
2. Clean the grill grates thoroughly. This will prevent the prawns from sticking. You can use a grill brush to scrape off any residue.
3. Lightly oil the grill grates. This is another important step to prevent sticking. You can use a grill spray or brush the grates with olive oil.
4. Thread the prawns onto skewers. This makes them easier to handle on the grill and prevents them from falling through the grates. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. You can also use metal skewers.
5. Place the prawn skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the prawns are pink and opaque and have nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
6. Remove the prawns from the grill and set them aside.

Preparing the Avocado Corn Salad:

1. While the prawns are grilling, let’s prepare the avocado corn salad. This salad is the perfect complement to the grilled prawns, adding a creamy, sweet, and tangy element to the dish.
2. If you’re using fresh corn on the cob, grill it alongside the prawns for a few minutes until lightly charred. Let it cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cob. Alternatively, you can use frozen corn kernels, thawed, or canned corn, drained.
3. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, corn kernels, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the minced jalapeño (if using), salt, and pepper. This is our simple but flavorful dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the avocado corn salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lime juice for extra tanginess, or more salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Now it’s time to put everything together! There are several ways you can serve this dish.
2. Option 1: Grilled Prawn and Avocado Corn Salad Bowls. Divide the avocado corn salad among bowls. Top each bowl with several grilled prawns. This is a great option for a light and healthy meal.
3. Option 2: Grilled Prawn and Avocado Corn Salad Tacos. Warm up some tortillas. Fill each tortilla with avocado corn salad and top with grilled prawns. This is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy the dish. You can add other toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or hot sauce.
4. Option 3: Grilled Prawn and Avocado Corn Salad Lettuce Cups. Use large lettuce leaves as cups. Fill each lettuce cup with avocado corn salad and top with grilled prawns. This is a low-carb and refreshing option.
5. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served fresh, as the avocado can brown over time.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like your food spicy, add more jalapeño to the avocado corn salad, or use a hotter pepper like serrano. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the prawn marinade.
• Add some sweetness: For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the lime dressing.
• Make it creamy: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the avocado corn salad for extra creaminess.
• Add some crunch: Sprinkle some toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or chopped nuts over the salad for added crunch.
• Use different herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use other herbs like parsley, mint, or basil.
• Grill the avocado: For a smoky flavor, grill the avocado halves for a few minutes before dicing them.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the avocado corn salad a few hours in advance, but add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning. The prawns can also be grilled ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as rice, quinoa, black beans, or a simple green salad. It’s also great with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g

Why This Recipe Works:

This Grilled Prawn and Avocado Corn Salad recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to the combination of smoky grilled prawns, creamy avocado, sweet corn, and tangy lime dressing. The chili powder and smoked paprika add a subtle warmth and depth of flavor to the prawns, while the jalapeño provides a touch of heat. The fresh cilantro and red onion add brightness and freshness to the salad.

Second, it’s relatively healthy. Prawns are a great source of lean protein, while avocado is packed with healthy fats and nutrients. Corn provides fiber and carbohydrates, and the lime juice adds vitamin C. This dish is also naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to be dairy-free.

Third, it’s easy to make. The recipe requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The grilling process is straightforward, and the avocado corn salad is simple to assemble. This makes it a perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a summer barbecue.

Finally, it’s versatile. You can serve it in bowls, tacos, or lettuce cups, and you can easily customize the ingredients to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a light and healthy meal or a fun and flavorful appetizer, this Grilled Prawn and Avocado Corn Salad is sure to be a hit!

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Grilled Prawn and Avocado Corn Salad!

Conclusion:

This recipe for Grilled Prawns with Avocado and Corn isn’t just another summer dish; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavor that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched beach! The sweetness of the grilled corn perfectly complements the succulent prawns, while the creamy avocado adds a luxurious richness that ties everything together. Trust me, once you taste this combination, you’ll be hooked.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s simple: it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend barbecue. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with healthy fats and protein, so you can indulge guilt-free! The beauty of this recipe also lies in its versatility.

Looking for serving suggestions? I’ve got you covered! Serve these grilled prawns with avocado and corn as a light and refreshing appetizer at your next gathering. Arrange them artfully on a platter with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an elegant presentation. Alternatively, transform them into a satisfying main course by serving them over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. The grains will soak up all the delicious juices from the prawns and avocado, creating a complete and balanced meal.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some variations? For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade or drizzle with a sriracha mayo. If you’re not a fan of corn, substitute it with grilled bell peppers or zucchini for a different flavor profile. You could even add some crumbled feta cheese for a salty and tangy twist. The possibilities are endless! Another great variation is to add some grilled pineapple to the mix. The sweetness of the pineapple will complement the savory prawns and creamy avocado beautifully.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. That’s the beauty of cooking, after all! I truly believe that this grilled prawns avocado corn recipe will become a staple in your summer rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to see your creations and hear about any variations you’ve tried. Tag me in your photos on social media or leave a comment below. I can’t wait to hear from you and see your delicious grilled prawn masterpieces! Happy grilling! I am sure you will enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think!

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