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Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites Recipe

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4.9 from 87 reviews

Spicy Shrimp Guacamole Bites are a vibrant and flavorful appetizer featuring juicy roasted shrimp seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, served atop crispy corn tortilla chips with fresh guacamole, lime juice, cilantro, and a sprinkling of crumbled feta or queso fresco. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these bites combine creamy, spicy, and savory elements in an easy-to-make snack.

Ingredients

Shrimp and Seasoning

  • 1 pound raw large shrimp (25–30 count), peeled and deveined (about 28 shrimp total, thawed if frozen)
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Guacamole Topping

  • 1 cup prepared guacamole
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, plus additional for garnish

To Serve

  • Bite-sized round corn tortilla chips (1 chip per shrimp)
  • Crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Shrimp: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and kosher salt until evenly coated.
  2. Roast Shrimp: Spread the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 4 to 6 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque and just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to prevent chewiness. Remove and set aside.
  3. Mix Guacamole: In a small bowl, combine the prepared guacamole with fresh lime juice and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro, stirring gently to combine.
  4. Assemble Bites: Place one tortilla chip on a serving platter. Spoon a generous amount of guacamole mixture onto each chip, then top with a roasted shrimp. Garnish with additional cilantro and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco.
  5. Serve: Serve the bites at room temperature. For best texture, assemble immediately before serving to keep chips crisp.

Notes

  • Guacamole can soften the tortilla chips over time, so it’s best to assemble the bites just before serving to maintain crispness.
  • You can roast the shrimp a few hours ahead of time. Let them come to room temperature before assembling the bites.
  • The guacamole mixture (combined with lime juice and cilantro) can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator up to a few hours in advance. Use plastic wrap pressed on the surface of the guacamole to help slow browning.