Cajun Shrimp and Guacamole Tortilla Bites Recipe
Are you ready to wow your guests with a delightful appetizer that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? These Cajun shrimp and guacamole tortilla bites offer a perfect blend of spicy shrimp and creamy guacamole, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. The best part is that they can be prepared in just under 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the party.
Growing up, this was the go-to snack for our family gatherings, with each morsel disappearing as soon as it hit the serving tray. The spicy aroma of Cajun seasoning combined with the fresh scent of homemade guacamole always takes me back to those sunny Sundays. My grandmother swore by this recipe as the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ensuring that all her grandchildren left the table with satisfied smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These tortilla bites are the perfect combination of spicy and creamy, offering a gourmet taste experience. Easy to prepare, they make for an impressive appetizer that doesn’t require complicated cooking skills. The ingredients are versatile, meaning you can adjust the spice level to suit your preference. Plus, they are a colorful addition to any dining table, making them as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need fresh shrimp, Cajun seasoning, ripe avocados for the guacamole, and tortillas to complete the base. You can find Cajun seasoning in most grocery stores, but making your own blend at home ensures a fresher taste. Choose avocados that yield slightly to pressure for a perfectly creamy guacamole.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Sauté the shrimp: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and cook until opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2
Prepare the guacamole: In a bowl, mash ripe avocados with a fork. Mix in lime juice, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and salt to taste. Stir until well combined.
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Step 3
Assemble the bites: Using a round cookie cutter, cut tortilla rounds and lightly toast them in the oven until crispy. Spread a generous layer of guacamole on each tortilla round.
Step 4
Add shrimp: Top each guacamole-topped tortilla with a cooked shrimp. Press down gently so the shrimp stays in place.
Step 5
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle some chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish. Serve immediately to ensure the tortillas stay crisp.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and guacamole separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat. The guacamole can be refreshed with a little lime juice before serving. Unfortunately, the assembled bites are best served fresh to maintain the tortilla’s crunch.
Variations & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, replace shrimp with roasted chickpeas while keeping the same Cajun seasoning. You can also swap regular tortillas with gluten-free varieties to cater to dietary needs. Add diced tomatoes or corn to the guacamole for extra texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the guacamole in advance? Yes, you can prepare the guacamole up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning. This method keeps it fresh and vibrant until you’re ready to assemble the tortilla bites.
What if I cannot find Cajun seasoning? If Cajun seasoning is unavailable, you can make a quick homemade version using a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences for a perfect blend.
How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy? Toasting the tortillas in the oven before assembly is key to keeping them crispy. Spread the guacamole and add the shrimp only when you’re ready to serve, ensuring the tortilla rounds don’t have time to absorb moisture and get soggy.
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Cajun Shrimp and Guacamole Tortilla Bites Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup guacamole freshly made
- 12 tortilla chips round
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Place a spoonful of guacamole on each tortilla chip.
- Top each with a cooked shrimp, serve immediately.
Notes
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