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Shrimp Appetizers with Avocado and Cucumber

These Shrimp Appetizers are easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, featuring fresh shrimp, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber for a delightful bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 20 bites
Course: Appetizer, Starter
Cuisine: American
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 20 pieces Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped Plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Divided
For the Avocado Spread
  • 1 large Ripe avocado
  • 2 tablespoons Lime juice Divided
For Assembly
  • 1 large English cucumber, sliced into rounds

Method
 

Season and Marinate the Shrimp
  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with garlic, cilantro, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Drizzle in one tablespoon of olive oil, toss to coat, and let sit for about 10 minutes.
Sauté the Shrimp Until Perfectly Pink
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until opaque and firm.
Whip Up the Creamy Avocado Spread
  1. In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until creamy.
  2. Mix in one tablespoon of lime juice and a pinch of salt. Adjust flavors as desired.
Slice the Cucumber into Sturdy Rounds
  1. Wash the cucumber and slice into rounds about a third of an inch thick.
Assemble the Appetizers
  1. Spread about a teaspoon of avocado on each cucumber slice.
  2. Place a sautéed shrimp on each slice and drizzle with any remaining lime juice.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Sprinkle extra cilantro over the platter and serve immediately.

Notes

For variations, consider using scallops instead of shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian take. These can be chilled for up to four hours but taste best fresh.