Need a fancy looking appetizer with not a lot of fuss? This loaded shrimp appetizer is the perfect hors d’oeuvre to serve at your next party.
Make It Your Own
I used these maldon flakes and chopped cilantro for a flavorful, colorful garnish on this shrimp appetizer. I knew there would be kids at this party, otherwise I would have added some diced jalapeños to my guacamole or sliced some thinly to add as a garnish. You could also try adding a few red pepper flakes, drops of your favorite hot sauce, or a thai chili sauce on top for some added heat.
How to Prepare Shrimp
The answer to this can lead to some heated debates depending on what sort of seafood connoisseurs you’re talking to! These days, seafood prices have inflated through the roof so I went with the cheapest option, which just so happened to be the cooked shrimp, shell off, tail on; which is SUPER helpful if you’re in a time crunch! I just took the tails off before building the appetizers so it was easier for guests to eat them (I’ve seen recipes where the tail is left on..what a hassle!). If you purchase raw shrimp, heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat and throw in the shrimp, cooking about 3 minutes on each side. It doesn’t take long and you can tell when they’re done when they turn from a grayish, translucent color to white and opaque.
The BEST Guacamole
Everyone has their own rendition of guacamole, so the best way to make it, is the way that YOU like it! I know, I know, what typical food-blogger thing to say. So here’s what I put in mine:
- 4 avocados (obviously)
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
In a time crunch? Purchase both the cooked shrimp, along with already prepared guacamole and this recipe will take you all of five minutes to throw together!
More appetizer recipes to try:
Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
Ingredients
- 16 shrimp, cooked
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 large cucumber
- 4 avocados, mashed
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, diced
- 2 tbsp cilatro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Maldon salt
Instructions
- If shrimp is not cooked, add one tbsp butter to a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook 3 minutes on each side or until shrimp are done and opaque in color. Remove tails.
- Slice cucumber in 1/4" slices, and place on serving platter. Set aside.
- In a medium-size bowl add remaining ingredients and mix well.
- Take 1 tbsp mixture and place on top of each cucumber slice, followed by shrimp.
- Garnish each piece with chopped cilantro and a few flakes of maldon salt.
- Serve immediately or store covered in refrigerator until ready to serve.
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