Cajun Shrimp Guacamole Bites are an easy, elegant appetizer for your next party. It's a happy combination of two excellent recipes that can be layered on a cucumber, healthy cracker or even in a cup!
What are the two recipes? A spicy version of 10 Minute Skillet Shrimp and Simple Guacamole Dip.
The combination of warmed, blackened shrimp atop a pillow of cool, creamy guacamole is simply addictive. I can barely get through shooting the pictures before they disappear!
As for the base layer, I suggest having several options to satisfy everyone, even low-carb or gluten-free friends. We've created the ultimate list of bottom layers to consider including toast ... Guacamole for Breakfast anyone?
Below you'll find tips and tricks for the main components of these easy shrimp guacamole bites.
Cajun shrimp
10 minutes! I swear that's all it takes to perfectly cook spicy, blackened shrimp. Simply toss peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and a Cajun spice mix that you buy at the store. Or, make your own.
Here's the homemade blackened seasoning we use on things like Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Once coated with spices, pour shrimp into a single layer in a skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes and then flip the shrimp to the other side and cook for about 3-4 minutes more. It's done when the shrimp turns pink on the outside and the inside turns white.
Not into spicy? Follow the same process using lemon pepper seasoning or just salt and pepper.
Make-ahead tips: Marinate shrimp in olive oil and spices ahead of time. If you decide to cook shrimp in advance, warm it just before serving.
Guacamole
Make a homemade batch or buy prepared guacamole.
I shared a tutorial for fresh guacamole dip many years ago. It's one of my very first and still one of the most popular posts! Make a full batch or use the recipe for guacamole with one avocado, depending upon the size of the crowd.
Ingredients in THE BEST guacamole:
- Haas avocado - mashed
- Plum tomato - seeded and diced
- Red onion - diced
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Cilantro (optional, except at my house!)
Someone is going to come along and say jalapenos are must or that lime juice should be used instead of lemon juice. Absolutely adjust it to your preferences. But, I swear by this version!
Make-ahead tip: Cut and chop all of the ingredients except for the avocado and prepare it fresh before serving. Real Simple suggests more Ways to Keep Guacamole From Turning Brown.
Ways to serve cajun shrimp guacamole bites
Options for the bottom layer include:
- Cracker - we use whole wheat or gluten-free if possible.
- Chips or scoops - there are lots of healthy options made from black beans, chickpeas and more.
- Wontons cooked in the shape of a cup.
- Potato rounds (the same process used for potato crostini)
- Sweet potato chips
- Cucumber rounds - we used a seedless English cucumber
- Parmesan crisps
Other ways to enjoy shrimp and guacamole:
- Chop up the shrimp and stir it into the guacamole. (Easy, peasy and a little luxurious!)
- Dip the shrimp into the guacamole. (A low-carb dipper!)
If you happen to have extra guac...or shrimp...or dippers, simply serve it on the side!
No matter the final decision, it's sure to be a party hit! And, there will be no judgment here if you just want to call it dinner.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating and tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We LOVE to see and share your creations!
Cajun Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, large peeled and deveined, tail-on or off; 31-40 shrimp
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun spice mix see homemade version in notes
- 1 Simple Guacamole Dip about 1 cup
- 1 English Cucumber Cut into rounds
- Optional bottom layers include, chips, crackers, scoops, potato rounds
Instructions
- Add shrimp, olive oil and Cajun spice to a bowl and stir to combine.
- Pour shrimp into skillet (along with any excess olive oil that is in the bowl) and cook over medium-high heat in a single layer for 3 minutes.
- Flip shrimp to other side and cook for about 3-4 minutes more or until shrimp is pink and cooked through. Set aside.
- To assemble, place cucumber round on serving plate, top with a heaping dollop of guacamole and then place one shrimp on top.
Notes
- Homemade Cajun Spice Blend
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- Not into spicy? Follow the same process using lemon pepper seasoning or just salt and pepper.
- Make-ahead tips: Marinate shrimp in olive oil and spices ahead of time. If you decide to cook shrimp in advance, warm it just before serving. Cut and chop all of the ingredients except for the avocado and prepare guacamole fresh before serving.
- Options for the bottom layer include:
- Crackers - we use whole wheat or gluten-free if possible.
- Chips or scoops - there are lots of healthy options made from black beans, chickpeas and more.
- Wontons cooked in the shape of a cup.
- Potato rounds (the same process used for potato crostini)
- Sweet potato chips
- Cucumber rounds - we used a seedless English cucumber
- Parmesan crisps
Nutrition
Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie
This dish looks too pretty to eat. Delicious
Joanie @ Zagleft
I really love this low-carb version and I bet that cajun-spice mix really kicks up the flavor.
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life
I could probably eat the entire thing myself! Guacamole is a constant snack here...I love the idea of making it with cajun shrimp!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
This would make for a very popular appetizer in my family. They would be the first to go.
Lauren @ Hall Nesting
Anytime someone gives me dip and I can say it's dinner I am all in! Especially with the shrimp!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
I wish I could reach through my screen and grab the plate! This looks fantastic!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
I would totally call that dinner!
Janie
This is great for low-carbers. This is a fantastic guacamole recipe and an easy way to fix the shrimp. I had to add a little extra oil when cooking the shrimp.