You know those days when you crave something light yet utterly satisfying? (Maybe after binging your favorite TV show—who doesn’t love a good marathon?) Well, these Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites are like little flavor explosions! Each bite is a crisp, creamy, and succulent dance of textures and tastes—perfect for lazy afternoons or spontaneous get-togethers with friends.
Steps
- Prepare the shrimp by placing them in a large mixing bowl and drying them with paper towels. Add minced garlic, cilantro, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and olive oil, then mix thoroughly to coat.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the shrimp in a single layer in the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked.
- In a small bowl, mash an avocado with salt and lime juice until smooth. Spread this avocado mixture evenly over the cucumber slices.
- Place the cooked shrimp on top of the avocado-covered cucumber slices. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the assembled bites and garnish with additional chopped cilantro.
- Serve the shrimp avocado bites immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours if preparing in advance.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 avocado
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp lime juice, plus additional for squeezing over the finished appetizers
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into 22 rounds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1078 kcal | Carbs: 22 g | Protein: 88 g | Fat: 44 g | Cholesterol: 1122 mg | Sodium: 5280 mg | Potassium: 1826 mg | Vitamin A: 1900 IU | Vitamin C: 52.8 mg | Calcium: 748 mg | Iron: 13.2 mg
FAQ
- Can I make these shrimp appetizers less spicy?
- Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of paprika and cayenne pepper in the recipe.
- What is the best way to cook the shrimp without making them rubbery?
- Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can release too much juice and make them rubbery. Use tongs to add shrimp to the pan a few at a time to maintain the pan’s heat and achieve a good sear.
- How can I keep the avocado spread fresh if I prepare these in advance?
- If you’re not serving the appetizers immediately, cover them and refrigerate for up to four hours to keep the avocado spread fresh.
- Are these shrimp appetizers suitable for people on special diets?
- Yes, these appetizers are friendly for most diets as they are gluten-free, keto/low-carb, grain-free, and paleo-friendly, with only 49 calories per bite.
- Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
- While the recipe uses English cucumbers for their uniform size and fewer seeds, you can use regular cucumbers as a substitute, but ensure to slice them evenly.
Tips
- To ensure the shrimp remains plump and juicy, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to maintain a good sear.
- When preparing the avocado spread, don’t skip the lime juice and cilantro, as they add a refreshing and vibrant flavor to the appetizers.
- For a milder flavor, consider reducing the amount of paprika and cayenne pepper in the cajun spice mix.
- Prepare the appetizers up to 4 hours in advance, covering and refrigerating them until serving, to save time and ensure they stay fresh.
Equipment
- Tongs – For handling and cooking shrimp.
- Heavy pan or skillet – For searing the shrimp.
- Mixing bowls – For mixing shrimp and avocado spread.
- Chef’s knife – For chopping cilantro and mincing garlic.
- Cutting board – For slicing cucumbers and preparing ingredients.
