Description
Zesty blackened shrimp avocado cucumber bites bring coastal flavors to your appetizer spread with bold Caribbean-inspired seasoning. Cool cucumber slices provide crisp contrast while creamy avocado smooths spicy shrimp, creating perfect party-ready finger food you’ll devour in moments.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Produce:
- 1 cucumber
- 1 avocado
- 2 tablespoons cilantro and/or parsley
- 1 green onion
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup remoulade sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Cleanse the shrimp thoroughly under cold running water, then meticulously dry using clean paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Liberally coat the shrimp with creole seasoning, ensuring each piece receives an even, robust layer of spices that will create a dynamic flavor profile.
- Heat a large skillet to medium-high temperature (approximately 375°F), allowing the oil to reach a shimmering, near-smoking point which indicates optimal cooking conditions.
- Carefully place seasoned shrimp into the hot skillet, creating a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee proper caramelization and crisp exterior.
- Sear shrimp for precisely 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a vibrant pink color and opaque texture that signals perfect doneness.
- While shrimp cook, transform the avocado by removing the pit and slicing into elegant, thin strips that will provide a creamy foundation for each bite.
- Slice cucumber into uniform rounds or elongated strips, creating a crisp, refreshing base for the appetizer construction.
- Artfully arrange cucumber slices on a serving platter, layering each with a delicate avocado strip as the second component.
- Crown each cucumber-avocado layer with a perfectly blackened shrimp, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed miniature bite.
- Drizzle each assembled bite with remoulade sauce, adding a tangy dimension to the appetizer.
- Garnish with finely chopped cilantro, parsley, and thinly sliced green onions to introduce fresh herbal notes and visual complexity.
- Serve immediately to preserve the shrimp’s optimal temperature and textural integrity, presenting a vibrant and sophisticated appetizer.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper for heat-sensitive palates or those wanting extra kick.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect crispy blackened exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers for maximum crunch and slice uniformly to create elegant, consistent appetizer presentation.
- Substitute remoulade with lighter options like Greek yogurt sauce or lime-cilantro dressing for lower-calorie alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg