"Dean Cooks" avocado recipes for the big game
"Dean Cooks" avocado recipes for the big game is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by WGN News on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min
Cost: $7.38 total, $3.69 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 large Cooked Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 1 large Ripe Avocado (peeled, pitted, diced)
- 0.5 cup Corn Kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed from about 2 limes)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Shrimp
If using frozen cooked shrimp, thaw under cold running water and pat dry. Remove the tails if still attached.
Time: PT5M
Dice Avocado
Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, scoop out the flesh and dice into bite‑size cubes.
Time: PT5M
Combine Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the shrimp, diced avocado, and corn kernels.
Time: PT2M
Add Seasonings
Sprinkle cumin, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce over the mixture. Pour the fresh lime juice on top.
Time: PT2M
Toss Gently
Using a wooden spoon, toss everything just until the dressing coats the ingredients evenly.
Time: PT1M
Finish and Serve
Transfer the bowl to serving plates, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately over rice, cold noodles, or with tortilla chips.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Paleo-friendly (if corn omitted)
Allergens: Shellfish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cooked Shrimp: cooked crab meat, cooked chicken breast, diced
- Instead of Ripe Avocado: mashed ripe banana (for texture only), silken tofu (for vegan version)
- Instead of Corn Kernels: diced red bell pepper, black beans
- Instead of Lime Juice: lemon juice, vinegar (white or apple cider)
- Instead of Ground Cumin: coriander powder, taco seasoning (use less salt)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, soy sauce (reduce other salt)
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper, paprika
- Instead of Hot Sauce: sriracha, chili flakes (use less)
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: parsley, green onions
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Juicer or Reamer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Remove shrimp tails to keep the bowl tidy.
- Dice avocado just before mixing and add lime juice to prevent browning.
- Toss gently to avoid mashing avocado.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radish or cucumber.
- A drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil adds richness without overpowering the lime.
Troubleshooting
Avocado turns brown before serving.
Add extra lime juice and keep the bowl tightly covered with plastic wrap; a thin layer of water on top also helps.
Shrimp is rubbery.
Use pre‑cooked shrimp that has been gently thawed; do not re‑heat in the bowl.
Dish is too salty.
Add a splash more lime juice and a little extra avocado to balance the flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; avocado may darken but flavor remains.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture of avocado and shrimp deteriorates.
Room temperature: Best served within 2 hours at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep shrimp and corn ahead of time and store separately.
- Dice avocado and keep it in a bowl with lime juice, covered with plastic wrap, to keep green.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of avocado shrimp bowls in American cuisine?
Avocado shrimp bowls are a modern American fusion dish that combines the West Coast love of fresh avocado with the popularity of quick, protein‑rich seafood salads. They reflect a health‑focused trend that grew with the rise of fast‑casual dining and meal‑prep culture.
What regional variations of avocado shrimp bowls exist within the United States?
In the Southwest, the bowl often includes black beans, corn, and a chipotle‑lime dressing. On the Pacific Northwest coast, smoked salmon or Dungeness crab may replace shrimp, and local berries are added for sweetness.
How is an authentic avocado shrimp bowl traditionally served in American casual dining?
It is typically served chilled in a shallow bowl or on a plate, sometimes over a bed of rice, quinoa, or mixed greens, and accompanied by tortilla chips or a side of crusty bread for added texture.
What occasions or celebrations is avocado shrimp bowl commonly associated with in the United States?
Because it is quick, light, and protein‑rich, it is popular for game‑day gatherings, summer picnics, and as a post‑workout meal. It also appears on many brunch and lunch menus.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for an avocado shrimp bowl versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include cooked shrimp, ripe avocado, corn or fresh tomatoes, lime juice, cumin, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce. Substitutes can be cooked crab, chicken, or tofu for the protein, and mango or cucumber for added sweetness or crunch.
What other American dishes pair well with an avocado shrimp bowl?
It pairs nicely with a crisp green salad, grilled corn on the cob, a side of black bean salsa, or a chilled cucumber‑mint water for a refreshing balance.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making avocado shrimp bowl at home?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the avocado, which turns it mushy, using shrimp that are overcooked or frozen without proper thawing, and forgetting to add enough acid (lime) to keep the avocado green.
Why does this avocado shrimp bowl recipe use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Lime juice provides a brighter, slightly sweeter acidity that complements the natural buttery flavor of avocado and the briny shrimp better than lemon, which can be more tart and overpowering.
Can I make avocado shrimp bowl ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prep the shrimp, corn, and dressing up to a day ahead. Keep the diced avocado separate in a lime‑juice‑coated container, then combine just before serving to maintain texture and color.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making avocado shrimp bowl?
The shrimp should be pink, firm, and slightly glossy; avocado cubes should be bright green and intact; the dressing should coat everything lightly, giving the bowl a fresh, vibrant look without sogginess.
What does the YouTube channel WGN News specialize in?
The YouTube channel WGN News focuses on local news, community events, and occasional lifestyle segments, including quick, accessible cooking tutorials that tie into seasonal events like big sports games.
How does the YouTube channel WGN News' approach to cooking differ from dedicated food channels?
WGN News presents cooking segments as short, practical guides that fit into a news broadcast format, emphasizing speed, affordability, and relevance to current events rather than deep culinary technique.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
