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If you love quick and flavorful bites that pack a punch, this Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bites Recipe is your new best friend. Combining perfectly grilled shrimp with creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a hint of smoky paprika, all served on crispy tortilla strips, every bite bursts with vibrant flavors and delightful textures. It’s the ultimate appetizer or snack that’s easy to make yet impressive for any gathering or casual night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bites Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the shrimp offers juicy, smoky protein; the avocado brings silky creaminess; the spices add warmth and depth; and the tortilla strips provide that essential crispy crunch that holds it all together.
- Tortilla strips: Choose sturdy, crisp strips as the perfect base to hold toppings without sogginess.
- Medium salsa: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick that complements the creamy and smoky flavors.
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp ensures juicy, tender bites after grilling.
- Avocado: Ripe and creamy avocado balances the texture and flavors with its smooth richness.
- Red onion, finely diced: Offers a mild sharpness and crunch that brightens the dish.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds zesty brightness and helps keep the avocado fresh.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly when divided appropriately.
- Ground black pepper: Brings gentle heat and aroma to the mix.
- Paprika: Smoked or sweet paprika lends a signature smoky note to the shrimp.
- Onion powder: Provides subtle underlying savoriness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlicky warmth that ties the spices together.
How to Make Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high. This temperature ensures shrimp cook quickly and develop those lovely grill marks without drying out. It’s a key step to make sure every bite tastes perfectly charred and juicy.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Avocado Mixture
In a small bowl, mash together the avocado, finely diced red onion, freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ground black pepper until smooth and combined. This mixture serves as a luscious base that adds creaminess and a tangy kick, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Skewer the Shrimp
Thread 5 to 6 shrimp pieces onto each skewer, using either metal or soaked wooden ones. Skewering keeps the shrimp together for easier grilling and ensures even cooking on all sides—no flipping disasters here!
Step 4: Prepare the Shrimp Spice Blend
Mix the remaining salt with paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. This aromatic blend infuses the shrimp with smoky, savory flavors that make these bites irresistible.
Step 5: Season the Shrimp
Sprinkle the spice blend generously on both sides of each shrimp skewer. Seasoning is crucial here to build layers of flavor that complement the creamy avocado and fresh salsa topping.
Step 6: Grill the Shrimp
Place the skewers on your preheated grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque and have nice grill marks. Once done, remove them from the grill and let cool slightly before carefully sliding the shrimp off the skewers—this prevents breaking and keeps the bites intact.
Step 7: Assemble the Bites
Arrange your tortilla strips on a large plate or cutting board. Spread a dollop of the mashed avocado mixture on each strip, top with a grilled shrimp piece, and finish with a teaspoon of medium salsa. Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and zesty flavors with a satisfying crunch.
How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these bites even further, consider sprinkling some finely chopped fresh cilantro or a few thin slices of jalapeño on top for a burst of color and a touch of heat. A light drizzle of extra lime juice right before serving enhances freshness and brightens the overall flavor profile.
Side Dishes
These Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bites Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a simple Mexican street corn salad to keep the meal light and vibrant. Alternatively, serve alongside black beans or quinoa salad for a more complete and satisfying spread that balances protein and fiber.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve these bites on a wooden board decorated with lime wedges and small bowls of extra salsa and guacamole for dipping. You could also arrange them on mini tostada rounds or in small lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held party snack. Presentation is part of the joy of sharing this recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp, avocado mixture, and tortilla strips separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the ingredients fresh and prevents the tortilla strips from becoming soggy.
Freezing
While the shrimp can be frozen cooked or raw, it’s not recommended to freeze the avocado mixture or assembled bites since avocado’s texture changes when frozen. Freeze cooked shrimp on skewers in a single layer wrapped tightly for up to a month.
Reheating
Reheat grilled shrimp gently on a stovetop pan or grill for just a couple of minutes to avoid overcooking. It’s best to reassemble bites fresh each time by spreading leftover avocado and salsa on crisp tortilla strips right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to ensure they grill nicely and develop a good sear.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can easily cook the shrimp in a hot grill pan or skillet on the stove. Just make sure to watch the cooking time so they don’t overcook.
Can I make the avocado mixture spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño to the avocado mixture to give your bites an extra kick.
Are these bites gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortilla strips, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with sensitivities.
How long do these bites stay fresh once assembled?
They are best enjoyed immediately to keep the tortilla strips crisp. If necessary, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble right before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that’s packed with freshness, smoky depth, and irresistible texture, don’t wait to try this Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bites Recipe. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to become a favorite that everyone asks for again and again. Trust me, these bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 25 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled Shrimp Avocado Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for summer gatherings or casual entertaining. Tender, smoky shrimp are seasoned with a flavorful spice blend and grilled to perfection, then paired with creamy avocado, tangy red onion, and fresh lime juice atop crispy tortilla strips. Finished with a dollop of salsa, these bites combine vibrant textures and flavors for a refreshing and satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Avocado Mixture
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (from the divided amount)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (included in seasoning but balanced here)
Assembly
- 25 to 30 tortilla strips
- 1/4 cup medium salsa
Instructions
- Heat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the shrimp efficiently without drying them out.
- Prepare the Guacamole: In a small bowl, mash together the avocado, finely diced red onion, freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Skewer the Shrimp: Thread about 5 to 6 pieces of the prepared shrimp onto each skewer, using either metal or wooden skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced for even grilling.
- Mix the Seasoning Blend: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to create a flavorful dry rub.
- Season the Shrimp: Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the shrimp skewers to coat them completely, enhancing their smoky grilled flavor.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the skewers on the preheated medium-high grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are no longer translucent. Once cooked, remove the skewers and let them cool slightly before carefully removing the shrimp with a fork.
- Assemble the Bites: Arrange the tortilla strips on a large plate or cutting board, placing one strip per shrimp piece. Spread a dollop of the avocado mixture on each tortilla strip, add a grilled shrimp on top, and finish with a teaspoon of medium salsa for a burst of flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh shrimp that are peeled and deveined to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can substitute the medium salsa with mild or spicy salsa depending on your taste preference.
- If a grill is not available, shrimp can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or broiled in the oven as alternatives.
- This recipe is perfect for serving at parties or as a light appetizer.
