Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites Recipe
If you’re looking for a showstopping appetizer that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites are about to become your new go-to. Each bite is a perfect harmony of cool, crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, and spicy, smoky shrimp, topped off with bright cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. This is the kind of dish that disappears in minutes at parties—and the best part is, it’s incredibly simple to make, while still feeling utterly special. Whether you’re prepping for a summer gathering or just want a light, flavor-packed snack, these bites will steal the spotlight every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites lies in their freshness and simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for the unique taste, texture, or pop of color it brings to the party. Grab these essentials, and you’re already halfway to appetizer bliss.
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The star protein, offering juicy, tender bites that soak up all those blackened spices.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the spices cling to the shrimp and gives a gorgeous sear in the skillet.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds deep, smoky undertones that define that signature blackened flavor.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle, savory kick to the shrimp seasoning.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the spices with gentle sweetness and depth.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a herby note that lifts the overall flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just the right amount of heat—adjust to your spice preference!
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon, plus more to taste): Brings out all the flavors—don’t skip it.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the warm heat of the other spices.
- Avocados (2 ripe, peeled and mashed): Creamy and rich, they make the perfect “bed” for your shrimp.
- Lime Juice (1 tablespoon, plus extra wedges): Adds brightness and keeps the avocado vibrant green.
- Fresh Cilantro (1 tablespoon chopped, plus more for garnish): Gives a burst of herbal freshness in both the avocado mash and as a pretty finish.
- Cucumbers (2 large, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds): Crisp, cool, and sturdy enough to hold all those toppings.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Make sure every shrimp is well coated—this is where all that classic blackened flavor comes from, and you want every bite to be packed with smoky, spicy goodness.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, lay the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch as they develop a gorgeous, dark crust—this is the hallmark of Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites! As soon as the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, take them off the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Mash the Avocado
While the shrimp cool, scoop your ripe avocados into a small bowl. Mash them with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt to taste. You want a texture that’s creamy but still a little chunky—it’s the perfect contrast to the crisp cucumber and meaty shrimp.
Step 4: Prepare the Cucumber Base
Slice your cucumbers into generous 1/2-inch rounds. Give them a quick pat with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this keeps each bite crisp and prevents slipping when you assemble.
Step 5: Assemble the Bites
Now for the fun part! Spoon a dollop of avocado mixture onto each cucumber round, then gently press a blackened shrimp on top. Arrange on a platter, and you’ll see how irresistible these look already.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side. The final touches add a burst of color and freshness, making these bites totally irresistible.
How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites
Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching platter, I love showering the bites with more fresh cilantro and nestling juicy lime wedges alongside. A dusting of smoked paprika also adds flair—just a pinch over the top before serving, and you’ll wow every guest.
Side Dishes
Pair your Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites with light, summery sides for a complete spread. Think crisp salads, grilled vegetables, or even a simple fruit platter to balance the heat and richness of the shrimp and avocado.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these on a long wooden board for a rustic look, or stack them on tiered trays for a festive party vibe. If you’re feeling playful, alternate the bites with cherry tomatoes or skewered roasted peppers for pops of extra color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any of these beauties left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, keep the shrimp, avocado mash, and cucumber rounds separate until just before serving to preserve texture.
Freezing
While the shrimp can be frozen after cooking, the avocado and cucumber don’t hold up well to freezing. For longer storage, freeze just the cooked shrimp and assemble fresh when ready to serve your Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites.
Reheating
To reheat the shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make them rubbery. Bring the avocado and cucumbers to room temperature before assembling for the freshest flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the shrimp and avocado mash up to a day in advance. Store each component separately in the fridge, then assemble just before serving for the freshest bites.
How spicy are these bites?
They have a pleasant kick thanks to the cayenne pepper, but you can easily adjust the heat to your liking—just use a bit less cayenne if you prefer a milder taste, or add a pinch more for extra fire.
What’s the best way to choose ripe avocados?
Look for avocados that yield gently to pressure but aren’t mushy. A ripe avocado should feel slightly soft but not overly squishy or brown inside—perfect for creamy, dreamy avocado mash!
Can I substitute another protein for shrimp?
Definitely—grilled chicken, blackened tofu, or even seared scallops are delicious alternatives. Just follow the same seasoning and cooking method for a tasty twist on Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites.
Are these bites suitable for gluten-free and paleo diets?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly, making these bites a fantastic choice for guests with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites yet, you’re in for a treat—these are the kind of appetizers that make every get-together unforgettable. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to dazzle your friends and family with something fresh, bold, and downright delicious!
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Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites are a fresh and flavorful appetizer featuring spicy, perfectly cooked shrimp atop creamy avocado and crisp cucumber rounds. This gluten-free and paleo-friendly recipe is ideal for parties or light snacks and combines bold Cajun-inspired spices with refreshing ingredients for a low-carb, healthy treat.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Avocado Mixture
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and mashed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
Assembly
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Extra chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a medium 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 each piece is well coated with the spice mixture.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are blackened and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the avocado mixture: In a small bowl, mash the ripe avocados, then stir in lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro, and salt to taste until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into 1/2-inch thick rounds and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring the toppings stay in place.
- Assemble the bites: Top each cucumber slice with a spoonful of the avocado mixture, then place one blackened shrimp on top of each.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro over the bites and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, chill the avocado mixture before assembling the bites.
- You can prepare the shrimp ahead of time and serve these bites cold or at room temperature.
- These bites make a great light appetizer or party finger food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
