There’s something magical about a tray of Simple Shrimp and Guacamole Appetizers at a gathering. They’re fresh, creamy, a little zesty, and always the first to disappear.
These bites feel like sunshine on a plate, combining the buttery smoothness of guacamole with the delicate snap of shrimp. Whether you’re building a Mexican food board for friends or planning a cozy night in, these are the kind of guacamole appetizers that make you look like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen when it only took minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re quick: ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Fresh and light: the guacamole keeps things creamy and cool while the shrimp adds a perfect bite.
- Perfect for parties: ideal for any shrimp starter or food starters ideas board.
- Easy to customize: swap in your favorite toppings, or serve them as shrimp taco cups.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shrimp: Medium-sized, peeled and deveined. They cook fast and stay juicy.
- Avocados: Ripe ones are essential for creamy guacamole.
- Lime juice: Adds freshness and keeps the guacamole vibrant.
- Red onion and cilantro: Give that authentic Mexican flavor we all love.
- Cherry tomatoes: For color and a little sweetness.
- Mini tortilla cups or crackers: The base that makes them portable, perfect for tortilla cups appetizers.
- Salt and pepper: Just enough to balance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the shrimp
Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper, and sauté in a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Let them cool slightly.
2. Make the guacamole
In a small bowl, mash avocados with lime juice, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Stir in a few diced cherry tomatoes for brightness.
3. Assemble the appetizers
Place a spoonful of guacamole into each tortilla cup or onto a cracker. Top with one shrimp and an extra sprinkle of cilantro. If you like a kick, add a small dab of hot sauce or diced jalapeño.
4. Chill and serve
Pop the tray in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let everything settle before serving. It keeps them neat and flavorful when guests arrive.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Add a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a smoky flavor.
- Turn these into “heaven on a stick” by skewering shrimp and serving with guacamole dip on the side.
- For a low-carb option, replace tortilla cups with cucumber slices.
- Want to make it more festive? Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese or diced mango on top for a sweet-savory twist.
Serving & Storage
These shrimp guacamole bites are best served chilled, right off the tray. Pair them with margaritas or a sparkling lime soda for a light, refreshing starter. They’re perfect for summer parties, date nights, or a Mexican-themed dinner spread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. To keep things fresh, store shrimp and guacamole separately and assemble just before serving. Reheat shrimp quickly in a skillet if needed, but cold works just fine for these bites ideas.
Simple Shrimp and Guacamole Appetizers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Sauté in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, mash avocados with lime juice, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Stir in diced cherry tomatoes.
- Spoon guacamole into each tortilla cup or cracker. Top with one shrimp and a sprinkle of cilantro. Add hot sauce or diced jalapeño if desired.
- Chill the assembled bites in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, swap tortilla cups with cucumber slices.
- Add cotija cheese or mango for a sweet-savory twist.
- Shrimp can be served warm or chilled.
FAQs
Can I make these shrimp and guacamole appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the guacamole and cook the shrimp a few hours ahead. Just keep them separate and assemble right before serving to avoid soggy tortilla cups. This makes your food starters ideas come together fast when guests arrive.
What if I don’t have tortilla cups?
You can use small crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even cucumber rounds. Each one makes a fun version of these guacamole appetizers without losing that creamy, crunchy contrast.
How do I keep the guacamole from turning brown?
Press a layer of plastic wrap directly over the surface of the guacamole and refrigerate. The lime juice also helps slow oxidation, keeping your shrimp starter looking fresh and appetizing.
Can I serve these warm?
Absolutely. Serve shrimp warm on cool guacamole for a delicious contrast. The mix of temperatures makes these shrimp guacamole bites even more satisfying.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, if you use corn tortilla cups or gluten-free crackers. It’s one of the easiest Mexican food board ideas that fits nearly every diet and still tastes amazing.
Final Thoughts from Ama
I love recipes like this because they remind me that simple really can be special. A few ingredients, a little care, and suddenly you have something that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re making these for friends or sneaking one as you prep dinner, they’ll feel like a tiny coastal vacation. As I often tell my kids while we nibble on testers: “Good food doesn’t need to be fancy, just full of heart.”
Simple food, big heart.