Zesty Shrimp Avocado Boats

Welcome to a culinary delight that promises freshness, vibrant flavors, and effortless preparation – the Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocado! This recipe transforms ripe, creamy avocados into elegant vessels brimming with a zesty, savory shrimp mixture. If you’re a fan of the bright, tangy notes of ceviche, then you are absolutely going to adore this easy-to-make dish. Perfect for any occasion, from a light lunch to an impressive appetizer, it’s ready in just about 20 minutes, offering a burst of flavor in every single bite.

Our Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of fresh ingredients. Imagine perfectly seasoned, succulent shrimp, harmoniously blended with crisp cherry tomatoes, finely diced onions, a hint of spicy jalapeño, and sweet bell peppers, all brought together with a bright lemon dressing. This creates a remarkably satisfying dish that feels both indulgent and incredibly wholesome. Whether you’re planning a casual brunch, a quick yet nutritious lunch, or an elegant starter for dinner, these stuffed avocados are a versatile choice that will impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. Each spoonful delivers a flavor fiesta, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you’re eager to explore more delicious ways to enjoy shrimp, we highly recommend trying our Creamy Shrimp Penne Pasta With Red Pepper Sauce for a hearty weeknight meal, or our Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry for a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish.

Why You’ll Adore This Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocado Recipe

There are countless reasons to make this Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocado a staple in your recipe collection. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that combines incredible taste with undeniable health benefits and unparalleled convenience. Here’s a deeper look into what makes this recipe truly special:

An Exquisite & Refreshing Flavor Profile

This recipe brings together a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The shrimp stuffing is a delightful blend of fresh, zesty notes from lemon juice, a gentle warmth from jalapeños, and savory spices like cumin and paprika. The inspiration from ceviche means you’ll enjoy that characteristic bright, acidic tang that perfectly “cooks” the flavors of the fresh ingredients. The creamy richness of the avocado acts as a perfect counterpoint, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying taste. It’s light enough to refresh but flavorful enough to truly satiate.

Remarkably Easy and Quick to Prepare

Who says healthy eating has to be complicated or time-consuming? This Shrimp Stuffed Avocado recipe defies that notion. Crafted primarily with accessible kitchen staples, you can go from pantry to plate in approximately 20 minutes. The steps are straightforward: a quick sauté for the shrimp, a simple chop and mix for the vegetables, and then stuffing the avocado halves. It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave something nutritious and homemade without the fuss, making it perfect for novice cooks and culinary experts alike.

A Wholesome & Nutrient-Rich Meal

Beyond its fantastic taste and ease of preparation, this dish is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s packed with lean protein from the shrimp, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety. The star of the show, avocado, provides a generous dose of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and an array of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and Vitamin K. Combined with the fresh vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, you’re getting a rich source of antioxidants and essential nutrients. This makes it a truly complete and balanced meal that supports your health and well-being, without compromising on flavor.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting these delectable shrimp-stuffed avocados requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s vibrant flavor and appealing texture.

• Avocados: Opt for large, ripe avocados. A ripe avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. Their creamy texture provides the perfect base and a rich, healthy fat component.
• Shrimp: One pound of cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp (tails off preferred for ease of eating). You can use fresh or frozen, just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry if using frozen.
• Veggies:
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Approximately 1.5 cups, diced. Their sweetness and acidity add a fresh burst.
  • Onion: 1/4 cup finely diced purple onion adds a crisp, slightly sharp flavor.
  • Jalapeño: 1 small jalapeño pepper, finely diced. Adjust quantity and seed removal based on your preferred heat level.
  • Bell Peppers: 1/2 cup petite diced red bell pepper. While red is great, yellow or orange bell peppers can add a lovely sweetness that balances the spice.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup for the main filling and 1 tablespoon for marinating the shrimp. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount for that bright, zesty flavor that elevates the dish.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for the main filling and 1 teaspoon for sautéing the shrimp. A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall flavor and mouthfeel.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for an aromatic base.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, for herbaceous freshness and a beautiful garnish. Cilantro is also an excellent alternative if you prefer its flavor.
• Seasoning for Filling: 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp cumin powder. These spices provide a foundational savory depth.
• Seasoning for Shrimp: 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp cumin powder. This blend ensures the shrimp itself is flavorful before being combined with other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Follow these simple steps to bring this sensational dish to life in your kitchen. Each stage is designed for efficiency and maximum flavor.

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Shrimp

Begin by patting your cooked shrimp dry with a paper towel. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with the designated shrimp seasonings: paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cumin powder, along with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss gently to ensure all shrimp are evenly coated. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and sauté for about 2-4 minutes, just until they are heated through and slightly caramelized, if desired. Since the shrimp are already cooked, this step is primarily to infuse them with flavor and warm them up. Remove from heat, allow the shrimp to cool completely, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Transfer the cooled, chopped shrimp into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Assemble the Fresh Filling

While the shrimp cools, prepare your fresh vegetables. Finely dice the cherry tomatoes, purple onion, jalapeño pepper (remember to remove seeds and ribs for less heat), and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves. Add all of these chopped vegetables to the bowl with the cooled shrimp. Next, pour in the 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the mixture with the remaining salt, black pepper, and cumin powder. Add the chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing and spices. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 3: Stuff and Serve the Avocados

Carefully cut each of your large avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pit. To ensure your stuffed avocados sit upright and are easy to serve, you can make a very thin slice off the rounded bottom of each avocado half, creating a stable base. Lightly season the inside of each avocado half with a pinch of salt and pepper before filling. Generously spoon the prepared shrimp and vegetable mixture into the hollow of each avocado half. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with extra chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and textures!

Expert Recipe Notes and Savvy Tips

To ensure your Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocados turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips and tricks:

Ingredient Optimization

• Bell Pepper Choice: While red bell peppers are colorful, yellow or orange bell peppers often offer a sweeter flavor. This sweetness can provide a wonderful balance to the spiciness of the jalapeños and the tanginess of the lemon juice, creating a more complex and harmonious taste.
• Fresh Lemon Juice is Key: For the brightest and most authentic flavor, always opt for fresh lemon juice over bottled alternatives. The vibrant citrus notes are central to the “ceviche-style” appeal of this dish.
• Lemon vs. Lime: If you desire a more pronounced tang and a slightly different citrus profile, feel free to substitute lime juice for lemon juice. Both work beautifully in this recipe.
• Shrimp Type: Any cooked shrimp will work, but for the best flavor and texture, use medium to large shrimp that are wild-caught if possible. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and sautéing.

Preparation & Customization Pointers

• Controlling the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, make sure to remove all the seeds and the white ribbing from the jalapeño pepper before dicing. These parts contain most of the capsaicin, which is responsible for the heat. For those who love a fiery kick, simply add more jalapeños or leave some of the seeds in.
• Uniform Chopping: To ensure every bite is consistent and pleasant, chop all your vegetables and shrimp to bite-sized pieces. This makes for easier eating and a better texture experience.
• Season Your Avocados: Don’t forget to lightly season the inside of the avocado halves with a pinch of salt and pepper before adding the filling. This small step significantly enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Stabilize Your Avocados: To prevent your stuffed avocados from wobbling and tipping over on the plate, make a thin, flat slice off the bottom rounded side of each avocado half. This creates a stable base.

Serving & Storage Advice

• Serve Immediately for Best Results: Avocados tend to brown quickly once cut and exposed to air. For the freshest appearance and taste, it is highly recommended to cut and stuff your avocados just before serving.
• Slowing Down Browning: If you need to prepare the avocados a little in advance, you can lightly rub the cut surfaces of the avocado halves with lemon or lime juice. This acidity helps to slow down the oxidation process, but it will not prevent browning indefinitely.
• Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro not only adds a beautiful pop of color but also a fresh herbaceous aroma and flavor that complements the shrimp and avocado perfectly.
• Make Ahead Option: While stuffing the avocados immediately before serving is best, the shrimp filling can be prepared ahead of time. Mix up the filling, cover it tightly, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When ready to serve, simply cut and stuff the avocados.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocados:

How do I select a perfectly ripe avocado?

Choosing a ripe avocado is crucial for the best texture and flavor. To test for ripeness, gently cup the avocado in your palm and apply firm, gentle pressure with your thumb. If the avocado yields slightly to this pressure, it’s ripe and ready to eat. Ripe avocados often have a darker color, but this can vary by type, so relying on feel is more reliable. It should feel lightly soft, but not excessively “squishy” or bruised. A perfectly ripe avocado is ideal for immediate consumption, offering a creamy, buttery texture that enhances any dish.

How can I ripen an avocado more quickly?

While you can technically eat unripe avocados, they will be harder, less flavorful, and lack that beloved creamy texture. Avocados are unique because they don’t ripen on the tree; they begin to ripen only after being harvested. To speed up the ripening process, place unripe avocados in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that accelerates ripening. Seal the bag loosely and check the avocados daily; they should ripen within two to three days. For even faster ripening, you can also wrap the avocado in foil and bake it at a low temperature for a short period, then let it cool, though this method is less ideal for flavor.

Can I make this Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocado ahead of time?

This recipe yields 6 delicious filled avocado halves. While it’s best to cut and fill the avocados just before serving to prevent browning and maintain optimal freshness, the shrimp filling itself is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can mix up the shrimp, vegetables, and dressing in a bowl, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When properly stored in an airtight container, the shrimp filling will stay fresh and flavorful for 2-3 days. This allows you to do the bulk of the prep work in advance, making assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to serve.

What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

For convenience, pre-cooked shrimp are excellent as they only need to be seasoned and warmed through. However, if you prefer, you can use raw shrimp. If using raw shrimp, make sure to cook it thoroughly until pink and opaque before proceeding with the marinating and dicing steps. Medium to large shrimp (around 31-40 count per pound) work best for bite-sized pieces within the avocado.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply replace the shrimp with a plant-based protein. Excellent alternatives include cooked chickpeas, black beans, crumbled firm tofu or tempeh, or even grilled corn kernels. Ensure you season your plant-based protein similarly to the shrimp to maintain a comparable flavor profile.

More Delectable Avocado Delights

Avocados are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a myriad of dishes, both savory and sweet. If you love the creamy texture and healthy fats of avocado, here are a few more recipes to inspire your culinary adventures:

• Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad
• Avocado Egg Rolls
• Triple Chocolate Avocado Brownies
• Avocado Mango Salad

We truly hope you enjoy all the recipes we share with you, and this delicious Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocado recipe is no exception. We encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and share your experience with friends and family. Your feedback means the world to us!

If you prepare this recipe and love it as much as we do, please share your creations using our hashtag on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in our story! You can also follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST for all our latest culinary inspirations and recipes.

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Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

By:
Mariam Ezzeddine

Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, if you love ceviche then you are going to LOVE this Healthy Shrimp Stuffed Avocado!

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

0 minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes

Servings:

6 servings

Ingredients

• 3 large avocados, cut in halves, pit removed.
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup purple onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small jalapeño pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, petite diced (can use yellow or orange)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsps. olive oil
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder

Shrimp Seasoning

• 1 lb. cooked shrimps, no tail
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cumin powder

Instructions

1. Marinate the cooked shrimp with the spices listed under “Shrimp Seasoning” (paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cumin) and 1 tbsp. lemon juice. Heat a skillet and add 1 tsp. olive oil. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-4 minutes until heated through. Set aside to cool, then cut them into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Dice and chop all the remaining vegetables (cherry tomatoes, purple onion, garlic, jalapeño, red bell pepper). Add them to the bowl with the chopped shrimp. Add the 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsps. olive oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cumin powder. Toss everything together to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
3. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Lightly season the inside of each avocado half with a pinch of salt and pepper. Generously stuff the avocado halves with the prepared shrimp filling. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Notes

• Use yellow or orange bell peppers for added sweetness to balance the heat of the jalapeños and zest of the lemon juice.
• Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
• For more tang, swap lemon juice for lime.
• Remove seeds and ribbing from jalapeños for a milder heat; leave them in for extra spice. You can also increase the number of jalapeños if you like it very spicy.
• Ensure all ingredients are chopped to a consistent bite-size for a pleasant eating experience.
• Cut and stuff avocados just before serving to prevent browning. A light rub of lemon juice on avocado halves can slightly delay browning.
• Don’t forget to season the avocado halves with a pinch of salt and pepper before adding the filling.
• Make a thin slice on the bottom of each avocado half to help it sit upright on the plate.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 310 kcal

Carbohydrates: 14g

Protein: 18g

Fat: 22g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 191mg

Sodium: 858mg

Potassium: 714mg

Fiber: 8g

Sugar: 3g

Vitamin A: 1094IU

Vitamin C: 57mg

Calcium: 131mg

Iron: 3mg