Description
These Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites are a flavorful and light appetizer perfect for parties or a healthy snack. Juicy, blackened shrimp seasoned with smoky spices rest atop creamy avocado-mashed lime-spiked spread on crisp cucumber slices, offering a refreshing and low-carb bite that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Avocado Spread:
- 1 large avocado, mashed
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly:
- 1 large English cucumber, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Optional garnish: extra chopped cilantro or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they become blackened and are fully cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Make the Avocado Spread: In a separate bowl, mash the large avocado until smooth. Mix in the juice of half a lime, chopped fresh cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste, blending all flavors well.
- Assemble the Bites: Place a small spoonful of the mashed avocado mixture on each cucumber slice. Then, top each with a freshly cooked blackened shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish the bites with extra chopped cilantro or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve the bites immediately for the best freshness.
Notes
- Perfect as a light appetizer or party snack.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with a touch of hot sauce or serve with a creamy dipping sauce on the side.
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers to hold the toppings well and provide a crisp texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
