Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites: Your New Favorite 42-Piece Party Appetizer

A Flavor Explosion Awaits

Imagine a tray of elegant, bite-sized appetizers that disappear within minutes at your next gathering. These Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites are exactly that a perfect fusion of spicy, creamy, and refreshing flavors. Not only are they stunning to look at, but they are also surprisingly simple to make, yielding an impressive 42 pieces per standard tray. This recipe is designed for both beginners and seasoned cooks, offering a foolproof path to a crowd-pleasing dish. The combination of succulent blackened shrimp, rich avocado, and crisp cucumber creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for the recipe. Let’s dive into creating this healthy, flavorful, and visually spectacular appetizer.

Everything You Need: The Ingredients List

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. This mise en place (everything in its place) approach makes the assembly smooth and enjoyable. The recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free.

For the Blackened Shrimp:

• 1 pound (approx. 450g) large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

For the Avocado Layer:

• 2 large ripe avocados
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cucumber Base & Garnish:

• 2-3 large English cucumbers (or 4-5 regular cucumbers)
• Fresh dill or microgreens for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving (optional)
• Extra sprinkle of paprika or blackening spice

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Bites

Follow these numbered steps carefully to create your perfect 42-piece tray of Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Spice Mix

1. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the spices to stick and for getting a good “blackened” effect.
2. In a small bowl, combine all the dry spices: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3. Place the dried shrimp in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle the blackening spice mix over the shrimp and toss, or press gently, until each shrimp is evenly and generously coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Avocado Mixture

1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
2. Immediately add the fresh lime juice this prevents browning and adds bright flavor.
3. Mash the avocado with a fork to your desired consistency. For this recipe, a slightly chunky mash works well to hold its shape.
4. Fold in the finely chopped red onion and cilantro (if using). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust. Cover the bowl directly with plastic wrap, pressing it onto the surface of the avocado to limit air exposure. Set aside.

Step 3: Slice the Cucumber Bases

1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. If using regular cucumbers with thick skin, you may choose to peel them in stripes for a decorative look. English cucumbers have thinner skin and are ideal as-is.
2. Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into rounds approximately ½-inch thick. You will need about 42 even slices.
3. Place the slices on a layer of paper towels and pat the tops dry. This helps the avocado mixture adhere better.

Step 4: Cook the Blackened Shrimp

1. Heat a large skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are opaque, firm to the touch, and the spices have created a dark, “blackened” crust.
4. Transfer cooked shrimp to a clean plate and let them cool for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Appetizer Bites

1. Take a dried cucumber round and place about 1 teaspoon of the avocado mixture on top, spreading it slightly.
2. Place one warm or room-temperature blackened shrimp on top of the avocado layer.
3. Repeat with all cucumber slices. You should have exactly 42 beautiful bites.
4. Arrange them neatly on your serving tray or platter.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Just before serving, garnish each bite with a tiny sprig of fresh dill or a few microgreens.
2. For an extra touch, you can lightly sprinkle a tiny bit of paprika over the tray.
3. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Pro Tips for Flawless Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites

• Shrimp Size: Use “large” (31/40 count per pound) shrimp for the perfect bite-to-topping ratio.
• Spice Control: Control the heat with the cayenne pepper. Use ½ teaspoon for mild, 1 teaspoon for a good kick. You can also use a pre-made blackening seasoning, but the homemade blend is far superior.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prepare the components ahead! Mix the dry spices, make the avocado mixture (keep it covered tightly), slice the cucumbers (store covered in the fridge), and even cook the shrimp a few hours in advance. Assemble no more than 30-60 minutes before serving to prevent the cucumber from getting soggy.
• Prevent Soggy Cucumbers: The key is drying the cucumber slices thoroughly and assembling as close to serving time as possible.
• Avocado Browning: The lime juice is your best friend. Pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface of the avocado mixture will keep it bright green for hours.
• Serving: Use a tiered tray or a very large platter to showcase all 42 pieces. They are a visual feast!

Conclusion: Your Party Hit is Ready!

Congratulations! You’ve just mastered a recipe that is guaranteed to be the star of any party, potluck, or family gathering. These Blackened Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Bites offer the perfect balance of healthy ingredients and indulgent flavor a spicy, creamy, and refreshing bite that’s impossible to resist. With 42 pieces per tray, you’ll have plenty to go around, and we promise, they will go fast.

Don’t be surprised when friends and family start requesting this recipe. It’s that good. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to receive a flood of compliments. Tag your creations online with #BlackenedShrimpBites to share your success! Now, go ahead and enjoy your culinary triumph