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
Scale
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
