A quick, fresh dish for any day.
introduction
This Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados recipe is bright, fast, and low-carb. You cook shrimp quickly and fill ripe avocados with a fresh tomato salsa. This makes a nice appetizer or light meal. If you like shrimp in pastry, you might also enjoy this buttery shrimp stuffed croissants for another shrimp idea.
why make this recipe
- It is fast to make — about 15–20 minutes.
- It uses fresh ingredients and simple spices.
- It works as an appetizer, lunch, or light dinner.
- It is low in carbs and easy to change to your taste.
how to make Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados
Start by making the tomato salsa, then season and sear the shrimp. Make space in the avocado halves and fill them with shrimp and salsa. Finish with a garlic butter drizzle if you want extra flavor.
Ingredients :
- 12–15 large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely diced
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon or lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp melted butter (optional)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
Directions :
- Prepare the salsa: In a bowl, mix tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Set aside to let flavors blend.
- Season the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Toss with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil or butter. Sear shrimp 1.5-2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the avocados: Scoop out a little flesh from each avocado half to make space.
- Assemble: Place avocado halves on a serving plate. Add 2-3 shrimp into each avocado half. Spoon fresh tomato salsa generously on top.
- Finish (optional but recommended): Mix melted butter with garlic and chili flakes. Drizzle over the avocados and shrimp for extra flavor. Serve warm as an appetizer, light lunch, or low-carb dinner. Pair with toasted bread or a fresh green salad.
how to serve Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados
Serve them warm or at room temperature. Place avocado halves on a plate and spoon extra salsa on top. Add a lemon wedge on the side. For a full meal, serve with a green salad. If you want a sweet finish, try a light treat like these cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookies.
how to store Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados
- Store shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Store avocado halves separately with plastic wrap pressed on the flesh to slow browning, and use within 1 day.
- For best texture, store components separately and assemble just before serving.
tips to make Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados
- Use ripe but firm avocados so they hold shape.
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to get a good sear.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they cook fast and get rubbery if left too long.
- Taste the salsa and adjust salt and lemon for brightness.
- If avocados brown quickly, squeeze a little lemon juice on the flesh.
variation (if any)
- Add diced mango or cucumber to the salsa for a sweet crunch.
- Use cilantro or parsley based on what you like.
- Swap paprika for chili powder for more heat.
- Make it spicy by mixing a little hot sauce into the salsa.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully, pat dry, then season and sear as directed.
Q: Are these safe for kids?
A: Yes. Leave out chili flakes and use mild seasoning for kids.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can make the salsa and cook shrimp ahead, but assemble just before serving so avocados stay fresh.
Q: What if my avocados are not ripe?
A: Let them sit at room temperature for a day or two. To speed ripening, place them in a paper bag with a banana.
Conclusion
This dish is quick, fresh, and simple to make. For a related stuffed avocado idea with a ceviche twist, see this Stuffed Avocado with Shrimp Ceviche recipe for more inspiration.
Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Set aside to let flavors blend.
- Pat shrimp dry. Toss with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil or butter. Sear shrimp for 1.5-2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Scoop out a little flesh from each avocado half to make space.
- Place avocado halves on a serving plate. Add 2-3 shrimp into each avocado half. Spoon fresh tomato salsa generously on top.
- Mix melted butter with garlic and chili flakes. Drizzle over the avocados and shrimp for extra flavor. Serve warm as an appetizer, light lunch, or low-carb dinner.