Go Back
- 1 pound small shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 ripe avocado - 1 lime, juiced Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. The shrimp should be small and fresh. They cook quickly and stay tender. A ripe avocado gives you a creamy texture. The lime juice adds a bright flavor. This balance makes every bite delightful. - Olive oil - Garlic powder - Smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked pepper Having the right pantry items is key. Olive oil helps cook the shrimp perfectly. Garlic powder gives it a nice kick. Smoked paprika adds a warm, rich taste. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. These staples are easy to find and elevate your dish. - Red onion - Jalapeño - Tortilla chips or cucumber slices for serving - Fresh cilantro for garnish You can add fun extras if you want. Red onion gives a sweet crunch. Jalapeño adds heat for spice lovers. Tortilla chips or cucumber slices serve as a base. They make the dish fun and easy to eat. Fresh cilantro adds color and freshness. These options let you create your perfect bite. For the full recipe, check out the Simple Shrimp and Guacamole Appetizers Delight section. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of small shrimp, peeled and deveined. Sprinkle the shrimp with one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked pepper. Cook the shrimp for about two to three minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Remove them from the heat and move the shrimp to a plate to cool. In a mixing bowl, take one ripe avocado and mash it with a fork. Aim for a smooth yet slightly chunky texture. Next, mix in the juice of one lime, one small red onion finely diced, and one small minced jalapeño if you want some heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything until it's well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now it's time to put everything together. On each mini tortilla chip or cucumber slice, spread a generous dollop of the guacamole. Make sure to cover the surface well. Then, top each piece with one cooked shrimp. This creates a secure and tasty bite. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a splash of color and flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To cook shrimp well, avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Aim for just 2-3 minutes on each side. When the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are ready. I love using smoked paprika for a rich flavor. It adds a nice depth to the dish that you will enjoy. When making guacamole, you want the right texture. Some like it chunky, while others prefer it smooth. You can mash the avocado to your liking. For freshness, add lime juice. It brightens the flavor and helps keep the guacamole from browning. A pinch of salt enhances the taste, too. Presentation matters, especially for appetizers. Serve your shrimp and guacamole bites on a colorful plate. This makes the dish pop! You can also garnish with fresh cilantro. It adds color and flavor. Arrange the bites neatly. Adding lime wedges on the side can make it look even fresher and more inviting. {{image_4}} You can spice up your shrimp with heat. Try adding different types of peppers for flavor. Jalapeños bring a nice kick, but you can go hotter with serranos or habaneros. If you want even more spice, sprinkle cayenne or chili powder on the shrimp. These spices add depth and a fun twist to your dish. Want a different taste? You can mix yogurt or sour cream into your guacamole. This adds creaminess and a tangy flavor. You can also try adding herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh twist. Spices like cumin or smoked paprika can change the whole taste. Experiment to find your favorite mix; it’s all about personal touch! To make your appetizers pop, think about sides or drinks. Pair them with a light salad or fresh salsa for color. A cold drink, like lemonade or a light beer, can balance the flavors. If you want to turn this appetizer into a main dish, serve it over rice or lettuce wraps. This way, everyone gets a tasty meal with great textures! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your shrimp and guacamole fresh, follow these best practices. First, let the shrimp cool down to room temperature. Then, put the shrimp in an airtight container. For the guacamole, use a small bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Press the wrap directly onto the surface to limit air exposure. This helps slow browning. Store both in the fridge. Use them within two days for the best taste. When reheating shrimp, avoid using a microwave. Instead, warm them in a skillet on low heat. This keeps them tender and prevents overcooking. Stir gently for about one minute. To preserve guacamole's green color, add a little more lime juice before serving. This adds flavor while keeping it fresh and bright. For parties, you can prepare shrimp and guacamole in advance. Cook the shrimp the day before and store them in the fridge. Make the guacamole on the same day to keep it fresh. You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge before using. Guacamole does not freeze well, so it's best to make it fresh. With these tips, you will always have a tasty appetizer ready to go! This dish is quick to prepare. The total time is just 15 minutes. You can spend about 10 minutes prepping the shrimp and guacamole. Then, cook the shrimp in about 5 minutes. It’s perfect for when you need a fast snack or appetizer. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Start by thawing them. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method is safe and quick. After thawing, peel and devein them if needed. Then, follow the cooking steps in the Full Recipe. Yes, this appetizer is gluten-free! You can enjoy it without worry. Just make sure to use gluten-free mini tortilla chips. If you prefer a lighter option, cucumber slices work great too. If you don’t have lime juice, you can use lemon juice. It gives a nice tang. You might also try vinegar like apple cider or white vinegar. These options add acidity to your guacamole and keep it fresh. Using fresh shrimp and ripe avocados creates a tasty appetizer. We detailed the essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for flavor. I shared ideas for variations and storage, along with helpful FAQs. With these simple methods, you'll impress guests at your next gathering. Remember, you can adjust flavors and textures for your taste. Enjoy making this dish, and bring a burst of flavor to your table!

Simple Shrimp and Guacamole Appetizers

Indulge in the perfect party appetizer with these Shrimp & Guac Bites! These mouthwatering bites feature tender shrimp on a creamy guacamole base, served on mini tortilla chips or cucumber slices. In just 15 minutes, you can impress your guests with a vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your next gathering with this delicious treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound small shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a richer flavor)

1 ripe avocado

1 lime, juiced

1 small red onion, finely diced

1 small jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

12 mini tortilla chips or cucumber slices for serving

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Shrimp: In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and transfer the shrimp to a plate to cool slightly.

    Prepare the Guacamole: In a mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the ripe avocado until smooth but still slightly chunky. Add the fresh lime juice, finely diced red onion, minced jalapeño (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and creamy.

      Assemble the Appetizers: On each mini tortilla chip or cucumber slice, place a generous dollop of the avocado guacamole. Ensure to spread it out for a more visually appealing look. Top each piece with one cooked shrimp, allowing the shrimp to rest securely on the guacamole.

        Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro over the top of each shrimp bite for a pop of color and added flavor.

          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

            - Presentation Tips: Arrange the shrimp & guac bites artfully on a vibrant platter, and for an extra touch, add fresh lime wedges alongside to accentuate the dish's freshness and visual appeal.