Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites Recipe

Quick & Zesty Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites Recipe

Blackened shrimp dance with vibrant flavors in these miniature culinary delights that promise an explosion of taste and texture.

The combination brings together succulent seafood and cool, crisp ingredients for a perfect appetizer or light meal.

Spicy seasonings revolutionize ordinary proteins into something extraordinary, creating a sensational bite-sized experience.

Each morsel represents a careful balance between heat and refreshing elements that tantalize the palate.

These elegant little nibbles showcase how simple ingredients can produce complex and memorable flavor profiles.

Carefully selected spices elevate the dish from mundane to magnificent, turning ordinary components into something truly special.

Guests will be impressed by the sophisticated yet approachable nature of these compact culinary creations.

Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites Bursting With Freshness

  • Spice Up Your Bite: Creole seasoning transforms ordinary shrimp into a zesty, flavor-packed experience that dances on your taste buds with bold, smoky heat.
  • Quick Elegant Appetizer: These cucumber bites take just minutes to prepare, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Texture Party in Your Mouth: Crisp cucumber provides a cool, refreshing base, while blackened shrimp offers a delightful charred crunch, and creamy avocado sauce adds smooth richness for a multi-dimensional snacking sensation.
  • No-Fuss Healthy Indulgence: Packed with protein from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and virtually no cooking skills required, these bites deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort and nutritional benefits.

What You’ll Need for Shrimp Cucumber Appetizers

Seafood:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, wild-caught shrimp are best for intense flavor and firm texture.
  • Creole Seasoning: Adds bold, spicy Cajun-style flavor to the shrimp.
Base Ingredients:
  • Cucumber: Crisp, cool vegetable that provides a refreshing base for the bite.
  • Avocado: Creamy fruit that creates a smooth, rich sauce base.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat shrimp and provides a smooth cooking surface.
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Lime Juice, Hot Sauce, Salt, Pepper: Essential ingredients that create a tangy, creamy avocado sauce with balanced flavor and slight kick.
  • Optional Remoulade Sauce: Adds extra zesty, spicy layer to the appetizer for those who enjoy more intense flavors.

Assembly Instructions for Elegant Bites

Step 1: Prepare Avocado Sauce

Blend avocado, mayonnaise, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Set aside in refrigerator.

Step 2: Season Shrimp

Toss shrimp with olive oil and Creole seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until edges turn golden brown and slightly charred.

Step 4: Slice Cucumber

Cut cucumber into thin, round slices about 1/4 inch thick to create crisp base for bites.

Step 5: Assemble Bites

Place cucumber slice on serving plate, add small dollop of avocado sauce, top with blackened shrimp, and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Enjoy these zesty shrimp bites right away while shrimp are warm and cucumber remains crisp.

Tips for Perfect Avocado Texture and Shrimp Seasoning

  • Preheat Perfectly: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the most authentic blackened flavor and crispy exterior.
  • Season Strategically: Ensure even coating of Creole seasoning by gently patting shrimp dry before tossing in oil and spices.
  • Control the Heat: Watch skillet temperature carefully to achieve a deep brown crust without burning the shrimp.
  • Slice Smartly: Cut cucumber into uniform, thin rounds for a stable base that supports the toppings without breaking.
  • Prep in Advance: Make avocado sauce and Creole-seasoned shrimp ahead of time to streamline assembly and keep appetizers fresh.

Storing Shrimp Bites the Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes to maintain shrimp's tenderness and prevent overcooking. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve texture.
  • Best Served: Consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness and crispiest cucumber base. Discard if shrimp develops an off smell or appears discolored.

Best Pairings for This Refreshing Appetizer

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Reach for a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the spicy blackened shrimp and cool cucumber. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness of the avocado sauce while balancing the Creole seasoning's heat.
  • Match with Refreshing Cocktail: Whip up a zesty margarita or mojito that echoes the dish's vibrant flavors. The citrusy notes will dance perfectly with the shrimp's spice and the cucumber's freshness.
  • Serve with Light Beer: Choose a light Mexican lager or wheat beer to cool down the blackened shrimp's kick. These beers provide a crisp, clean backdrop that won't overpower the delicate cucumber and creamy avocado sauce.
  • Complement with Sparkling Water: Add a slice of lime to sparkling water for a non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate between bites. The bubbles and citrus will enhance the appetizer's bright, summery profile.

Appetizer Variations With Global Flavors

  • Spicy Tuna Cucumber Rolls: Replace shrimp with seared ahi tuna, seasoned with wasabi and soy sauce, rolled on cucumber slices with a sriracha mayo drizzle.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Cucumber Rounds: Substitute shrimp with grilled, herb-crusted lamb meatballs, topped with tzatziki and fresh mint, served on cucumber bases.
  • Vegetarian Chickpea Cucumber Nibbles: Swap shrimp for crispy, smoked paprika-roasted chickpeas, paired with a herb-infused hummus spread on cucumber slices.
  • Crab Coastal Cucumber Bites: Switch shrimp for lump crab meat, lightly seasoned with Old Bay, nestled on cucumber with a zesty lemon aioli.
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Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites Recipe

Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty blackened shrimp dance atop crisp cucumber slices, crowned with creamy avocado and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Cool, spicy bites promise a quick flavor adventure that refreshes palates and sparks conversation at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 avocado, mashed

Seasoning and Herbs:

  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced or chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro and/or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and cayenne to taste

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup remoulade sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal searing environment for the shrimp.
  2. Coat the raw shrimp generously with oil and Creole seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
  3. Carefully place the seasoned shrimp into the heated skillet, allowing them to develop a rich, dark crust without burning.
  4. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a deep mahogany color and caramelized edges that indicate perfect blackening.
  5. While the shrimp sizzle, slice crisp cucumbers into uniform rounds that will serve as the base for the appetizer.
  6. Create the smooth avocado sauce by blending ripe avocado with complementary ingredients until achieving a creamy, uniform consistency.
  7. Once shrimp are cooked, remove from heat and let rest momentarily to retain their juicy interior.
  8. Assemble the bites by layering cucumber slices with a dollop of avocado sauce.
  9. Carefully place the blackened shrimp atop each cucumber base.
  10. Optional: Drizzle with remoulade sauce for an additional layer of zesty flavor.
  11. Serve immediately while shrimp remain warm and cucumber maintains its refreshing crunch.

Notes

  • Spice up shrimp with Creole seasoning for a bold, zesty flavor that transforms simple ingredients into an exciting appetizer.
  • Quick-cooking method ensures shrimp remain tender and develop a delicious blackened exterior without becoming tough or rubbery.
  • Choose fresh, crisp cucumber slices as a light, cool base that contrasts beautifully with the warm, spicy shrimp.
  • Creamy avocado sauce adds richness and balances the heat, creating a harmonious blend of textures and temperatures.
  • Ideal for summer gatherings, cocktail parties, or as a stunning low-carb appetizer that impresses with minimal preparation time.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting Creole seasoning or adding extra spice to suit individual taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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