During the summer, my definition of “lunch” becomes a little fuzzy. On a relaxed afternoon of grazing and potlucking, I can happily, chip, dip, and Shrimp Guacamole Bites my way to a full meal.
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Come to think of it, the same phenomenon (appetizers, chips, and dip sneakily counting as a main course) happens at football season. And the holidays. I’m sensing a theme here.
Appetizers all around!
Shrimp Guacamole Bites—A Crowd-Pleasing Shrimp Appetizer
These spiced shrimp guacamole bites are one of my favorite party munchies.
They combine an appetizer classic of which I will never grow weary (chips and guac) with an easy upgrade (five-minute chili roasted shrimp) to create a whole new experience. They’re salty, crunchy, creamy, and juicy all at the same time.
To keep the recipe prep as quick and easy as possible, I usually opt for storebought guacamole, then gussy up its flavor by stirring in a squeeze of fresh lime juice and cilantro.
Dollop the guac on the chips and add the shrimp, and you have a one-bite delight guaranteed to disappear at any party.
Or at least these shrimp guacamole appetizers are one bite when I eat them in a hurry.
I recommend trying the single-bite method at least once if you are among friends. If you are with your boss, I still recommend trying it—just slip away into a corner with your appetizer plate…and a napkin.
I tend to leave the shrimp tails on for presentation purposes, but if you prefer to remove them for easier eating, you can certainly do that.
I’d suggest doing so after the shrimp roasts, because I find that if I leave the tails on, they are less likely to dry out.
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp Pasta Salad
- Baked Shrimp Scampi
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Shrimp Kabobs with Pineapple
- Coconut Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
- Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa
- Skinny Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites
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Ingredients
- 1 pound raw large shrimp 25–30 count, peeled and deveined, about 28 shrimp total (I bought mine frozen, then thawed them in a bowl of warm water)
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup prepared guacamole
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro plus additional for garnish
- Bite-sized round corn tortilla chips 1 per shrimp
- Crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco for serving
Instructions
- Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and kosher salt. Toss to coat, then spread the shrimp on in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for 4 to 6 minutes, just until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. (Do not overcook, or the shrimp will be chewy.) Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the guacamole with the lime juice and 1 tablespoon cilantro.
- To assemble the bites: Top each tortilla chip with a spoonful of the guacamole and a roasted shrimp. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and cheese. Serve at room temperature.
Video
Notes
- Because the guacamole softens the chips as the bites sit, I recommend assembling the bites immediately before serving.
- If you’d like to prep ahead, you can roast the shrimp a few hours in advance. Let come to room temperature before topping the chips. The guacamole can also be stirred with the cilantro and lime juice a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on the guac’s surface to deter browning.
Nutrition
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