Learn how to make these easy Cajun Shrimp and Avocado Bites that are a breeze to put together. With just a few basic ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create an impressive appetizer or healthy snack.
These bites feature spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp and creamy avocado for a delicious mix of flavors and textures. Whether you’re having friends over or just want a simple and tasty snack, these bites are sure to hit the spot.
Fresh, crunchy, and made with healthy ingredients, these Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites are a delightful snack or appetizer that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your body.
The combination of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber creates a burst of flavors and textures you’ll love. This recipe is not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for a quick and satisfying treat.
- 1 What Are Cajun Shrimp And Avocado Bites?
- 2 Why Are You Going To Love This Cajun Shrimp And Avocado Bites
- 3 Ingredients Needed
- 4 How To Make Cajun Shrimp Appetizer
- 5 Tips For The Best Shrimp Appetizer
- 6 Recipe Variations
- 7 Storing Ideas
- 8 Are These Shrimp Appetizers Healthy?
- 9 Can I Use Frozen Shrimp For This Recipe?
- 10 Is Remoulade Sauce Necessary For This Recipe?
- 11 More Shrimp Recipes
- 12 Cajun Shrimp And Avocado Bites
What Are Cajun Shrimp And Avocado Bites?
Cajun Shrimp and Avocado Bites are a delicious appetizer or snack that combines seasoned Cajun shrimp with creamy avocado. The shrimp are typically seasoned with a mix of Cajun spices, which can include ingredients like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion powder, to give them a spicy and flavorful kick. The shrimp are then pan-seared or grilled until tender and infused with the Cajun flavor.
This Easy Cajun Shrimp Appetizer Recipe with Avocado Spread is a great appetizer or finger food at parties, gatherings or as a quick and flavorful snack. They’re known for their bold and satisfying taste, making them a popular choice for those who enjoy Cajun-inspired cuisine.
Why Are You Going To Love This Cajun Shrimp And Avocado Bites
- It is super easy to make using only a couple of ingredients.
- Creamy Texture: Ripe avocados provide a luscious and creamy texture that balances the heat from the shrimp.
- Healthy Ingredients: Shrimp and avocados are nutritious ingredients rich in protein and healthy fats.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Appetizer Delight: These bites make for an impressive and tasty appetizer for guests.
- Texture Contrast: The combination of the crispy shrimp and smooth avocado offers a delightful contrast in textures.
- Customizable: You can adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning.
- Low Carb: Ideal for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
- Versatile: These bites can be served as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
- Great for Seafood Lovers: Perfect for those who enjoy seafood, especially shrimp.
- Party Favorite: A crowd-pleaser at gatherings and parties.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado is known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Ingredients Needed
- Cucumber – use fresh cucumbers to ensure a crisp and crunchy texture. Feel free to use English cucumbers or regular ones.
For The Shrimp:
- Shrimp – Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best results. Fresh or frozen shrimp work, but fresh is preferred.
- Garlic – used to season the shrimp, giving a savory and aromatic taste.
- Cilantro – adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor, complementing the Cajun seasoning. You can skip it if you are not a big fan of cilantro.
- Paprika – use smoked paprika for an intense flavor and color.
- Cayenne Pepper – gives the dish its signature spiciness and heat.
- Salt&Pepper – enhance the overall taste of the shrimp.
- Olive Oil – is used for cooking the shrimp and provides a smooth base for distributing the Cajun seasoning.
TIP: Use my homemade Cajun seasoning for even more flavor.
For The Avocado Sauce
- Avocado – Use ripe avocados for a creamy and buttery texture. Hass avocados can be a popular choice.
- Salt – enhances the flavor of the avocado and balances its natural richness.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice is used for a tangy and refreshing citrus note in the sauce.
- Remoulade Sauce – gives the avocado sauce a zesty and slightly spicy flavor, adding a distinctive Cajun-inspired element.
How To Make Cajun Shrimp Appetizer
Marinate The Shrimp
In a medium-sized bowl, place the shrimp. It’s best to use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for this recipe, but you can also choose fresh or frozen shrimp, depending on what’s available.
Then add the minced garlic(you can also use garlic powder), 1 Tbsp of cilantro, 1 tsp of paprika, 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp of sea salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper.
Drizzle them with 1 Tbsp of olive oil and toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Cook The Shrimp
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. It’s essential to ensure the skillet is adequately preheated before proceeding to achieve the best results.
Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated shrimp and allow them to cook undisturbed for approximately 2-3 minutes on one side.
Flip them, and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are perfectly cooked, tender, and kissed by the Cajun spirit.
Make the Avocado Sauce
Start by choosing a ripe avocado. Then, carefully remove the pit and scoop out the velvety flesh into a bowl.
Add a pinch of salt and lemon juice of a fresh lemon over the avocado, and mash and mix the ingredients in the bowl.
Assemble
Take fresh cucumber slices and place them on a plate. Place a generous dollop of the creamy avocado sauce atop each cucumber slice. Then, add a seared Cajun shrimp on top of the avocado cucumber slice.
Feel free to drizzle a touch of remoulade sauce over each bite.
Tips For The Best Shrimp Appetizer
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to shrimp and avocados. Fresh ingredients will elevate the overall taste.
- Season Shrimp Evenly: When seasoning the shrimp, ensure that each is evenly coated with Cajun spices, garlic, and olive oil. This ensures consistent flavor in every bite.
- Preheat Skillet: Make sure the skillet is preheated enough before adding the shrimp. A hot skillet ensures a nice sear and blackened exterior.
- Single-Layer Cooking: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. This prevents overcrowding and allows for even cooking and the desired blackened crust.
- Ripe Avocado: Choose ripe avocados for the creamiest avocado sauce. Hass avocados are commonly used for their ideal texture.
Recipe Variations
Here are some recipe variations and ideas to customize your Cajun Shrimp and Avocado Bites:
- Add a Kick with Hot Sauce: For those who love extra heat, drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the shrimp before serving. It’s a great way to spice things up even more.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: Add a crunchy element by sprinkling crispy bacon bits over the avocado sauce. The combination of textures and flavors is delightful.
- Roasted Red Pepper Aioli: Replace the remoulade sauce with a roasted red pepper aioli for a unique flavor profile. The smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers pairs well with the Cajun shrimp.
- Grilled Shrimp: Instead of pan-searing the shrimp, grill them for a smokier flavor. Grilled shrimp will add a subtle charred taste to the bites.
- Avocado Slices: Instead of mashing the avocado into a sauce, slice it and place an avocado slice on each cucumber before adding the shrimp. This variation offers a different texture and appearance.
- Pickled Red Onions: Top each bite with a few pickled red onion slices to introduce a tangy and colorful element.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together. They can be refrigerated for up to 1-2 days.
Are These Shrimp Appetizers Healthy?
Yes, these Cajun Shrimp and Avocado Bites can be healthy appetizers since they offer protein, healthy fats, and a variety of textures and flavors.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but fresh shrimp are preferred for the best taste and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them according to the package instructions before marinating and cooking.
Is Remoulade Sauce Necessary For This Recipe?
Remoulade sauce is an optional topping. While it adds a zesty and slightly spicy flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a simpler version of the dish.
More Shrimp Recipes
- Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
- Easy 10-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
- The Most Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp
Cajun Shrimp And Avocado Bites
Description
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber sliced
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound of large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp cilantro plus more to garnish
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
For the Avocado Sauce:
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup remoulade sauce optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp with the minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of cilantro, 1 tsp of paprika, 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp of sea salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Drizzle the shrimp with 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high with the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil. Once hot, place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until they have a nice blackened exterior.
- Avocado Sauce and Assembly:
- For the sauce, just mash the avocado with salt and lime juice until it’s all creamy and smooth.
- Place a dollop of this creamy avocado sauce on each cucumber slice.
- Place a shrimp on top of each and drizzle some remoulade sauce over it if you like.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.