Get ready to wow your taste buds (and your friends) with these Guacamole Shrimp Bites! This vibrant, flavor-packed appetizer combines creamy guacamole, succulent shrimp, and a delightful crunch in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping party starter or a light snack to chase away the afternoon blues, these bites strike the perfect balance between zesty, fresh, and utterly satisfying. Trust me, once you try Guacamole Shrimp Bites, you’ll find yourself reaching for just one more… over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of fresh, vivid ingredients come together to create magic. Each one plays a starring role: adding texture, bold flavors, or eye-catching color to Guacamole Shrimp Bites. Let these simple components truly shine!
- Cooked shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined, tails removed): Juicy shrimp bring rich flavor and satisfying protein, perfectly balanced with the creamy guacamole.
- Large ripe avocado (1): The heart of your guacamole! Choose an avocado that yields slightly when pressed for the smoothest, dreamiest texture.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of lime keeps the avocado vibrant and adds a welcome brightness to every bite.
- Minced garlic (1 small clove): Just a touch of garlic gives your guacamole depth and a gentle kick.
- Finely chopped red onion (2 tablespoons): Red onion adds color, crunch, and a sweet bite that complements the creamy avocado.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon): Cilantro brings freshness and an unmistakable pop of green.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy about tasting as you go!
- Round tortilla chips or cucumber slices (24): These are your crunchy (or crisp and refreshing, if using cucumber) bases—perfect little boats for guacamole and shrimp.
- Optional red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices for garnish: Give your Guacamole Shrimp Bites an extra spark of heat and color.
How to Make Guacamole Shrimp Bites
Step 1: Mash the Avocado
Cut your avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Add the lime juice and use a fork or potato masher to mash until you’re left with a smooth but still slightly chunky texture—think creamy with a little personality! The lime not only flavors the avocado but keeps it gorgeously green.
Step 2: Flavor the Guacamole
Now, stir in the minced garlic, chopped red onion, cilantro, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. This is your chance to make the guacamole bright, savory, and bursting with fresh flavor.
Step 3: Build the Bites
Arrange your tortilla chips or cucumber slices on a serving platter. Carefully spoon about a teaspoon of guacamole onto each base—enough for a creamy layer but not so much it overflows (unless you love a little messy fun!).
Step 4: Top with Shrimp
Crown each guacamole-topped chip with a single shrimp. If you want to go the extra mile, toss your shrimp in a touch of olive oil, lime juice, and smoked paprika beforehand for even more flavor. These plump, pink shrimp are the star that brings it all together!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Guacamole Shrimp Bites with a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a thin slice of fresh jalapeño. These fiery little touches add color, crunch, and just the right kick. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Guacamole Shrimp Bites
Garnishes
A well-chosen garnish takes your Guacamole Shrimp Bites from simple to stunning. I love a bright sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, extra red onion for crunch, and just a kiss of heat from red pepper flakes or extra jalapeño slices. Lemon or lime wedges on the side also make for a fresh and festive presentation.
Side Dishes
For a complete platter, add a colorful veggie tray or a big bowl of tangy mango salsa. If you’re hosting a crowd, pair your Guacamole Shrimp Bites with mini quesadillas or street corn salad for a lively Mexican-inspired spread. A crisp, citrusy white wine or sparkling water with lime rounds things out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For maximum wow-factor, arrange your bites in concentric circles on a round platter or layer on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe. You can also skewer each bite with a party pick for easy grabbing. If you’re feeling fancy, pipe the guacamole onto the chips for a swirl effect—you’ll look like a pro with hardly any extra work!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Guacamole Shrimp Bites (lucky you!), keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The chips will soften over time, so for the best experience, only assemble what you plan to eat and store any leftover guacamole and shrimp separately.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze assembled Guacamole Shrimp Bites, since avocado and shrimp both lose their best texture that way. However, you can safely freeze cooked shrimp in a sealed bag for a few weeks, thawing before use and whipping up fresh guacamole for your next batch.
Reheating
Since this appetizer is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. If your shrimp were stored separately, allow them to come to room temp for a few minutes before assembling for a tastier bite.
FAQs
Can I prepare these Guacamole Shrimp Bites in advance?
You can absolutely prep all your ingredients ahead of time—just keep the guacamole tightly covered with plastic wrap (pressed directly onto the surface) to minimize browning and store shrimp and bases separately. Assemble right before serving for the freshest flavor and crunch.
What’s the best way to keep the guacamole from turning brown?
Using plenty of lime juice not only adds zip but truly helps preserve that vibrant green color. If making in advance, press plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole’s surface before refrigerating. Some people even store the pit in the guac for a bit of extra help!
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, diced smoked salmon, or even roasted chickpeas are tasty alternatives that work beautifully with the creamy, zesty guacamole if you want to change things up or cater to dietary needs.
Should I serve Guacamole Shrimp Bites on chips or cucumber?
Both are fantastic bases! Tortilla chips deliver a salty crunch, while cucumber slices keep things light, fresh, and low-carb. Choose according to your mood (or your guests’ preferences)—or do a mix for variety.
How many can I make with this recipe?
This recipe makes about 24 Guacamole Shrimp Bites, perfect for a party appetizer or to share with family. If you want more, simply double the quantities—these are always the first to go, so having extra is never a bad idea.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a festive get-together or just treating yourself to something special, Guacamole Shrimp Bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you give them a try and fall in love with their fresh combination of flavors and fun presentation. Let these little bites add some sparkle to your next menu—happy snacking!
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Guacamole Shrimp Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Guacamole Shrimp Bites are the perfect party appetizer, combining creamy guacamole with savory shrimp on a crispy chip or fresh cucumber slice. Easy to make and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 small garlic clove (minced)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 24 round tortilla chips or cucumber slices
- Optional red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mash the avocado with lime juice until smooth but slightly chunky. Stir in the minced garlic, red onion, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Place a small spoonful of guacamole on each tortilla chip or cucumber slice. Top with one shrimp and garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a thin slice of jalapeño if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toss the shrimp in a bit of olive oil, lime juice, and smoked paprika before assembling.
- These are best assembled just before serving to keep the chips crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
