Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the crunch of cucumber to the juicy shrimp, complemented by creamy guacamole and fresh dill. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and can be made for various occasions like BBQs or casual snacks. Best of all, it’s keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free, making it a guilt-free treat for all guests!

Ingredients

Shrimp – Medium-sized, shelled, and deveined
Cajun Seasoning – For that perfect spicy kick
Garlic Powder – To enhance the flavor profile
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – For seasoning the shrimp
Olive Oil – For cooking the shrimp
Cucumber – Any large cucumber will do
Guacamole – Store-bought or homemade
Fresh Dill – To garnish and add a fresh note

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Wash and pat dry the shrimp. Remove the heads, shell, and devein them while keeping the tails intact.
Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
In a heated skillet, add olive oil and cook the shrimp for 1½ to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking and transfer the shrimp to a paper-lined platter.
Slice the cucumber into 12 even rounds.
Spread 1 teaspoon of guacamole on each cucumber slice, sprinkle with fresh dill, and top with 1 cooked shrimp.
Garnish with the remaining dill and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 bites
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Variations

Spice it up: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can substitute with Old Bay, chili powder, or chipotle powder for a different flavor profile.
Toppings: Instead of guacamole, try avocado mash, yogurt, whipped cream cheese, or pico de gallo.
Alternative bases: Swap cucumber for crackers, chips, or toasted baguette slices.
Protein variation: Try smoked salmon, tuna, or chicken salad as alternatives to shrimp.

Storage/Reheating

For the best taste, Shrimp Cucumber Bites are best served immediately. If you need to store leftovers, keep the shrimp and cucumber separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cucumber slices may soften after a while, so it’s best to assemble them just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp as long as it is thawed and patted dry before cooking.

2. Can I make these in advance?

You can prepare the shrimp and cucumber slices in advance, but assemble the bites just before serving to keep them crisp.

3. How do I prevent the cucumber from being too watery?

Use a thick cucumber variety and pat the slices dry with paper towels before assembling the bites.

4. Can I use a different seasoning blend for the shrimp?

Absolutely! Old Bay, chili powder, or chipotle powder are excellent alternatives.

5. What can I use in place of guacamole?

You can use mashed avocado, whipped cream cheese, yogurt, or pico de gallo instead.

6. Can I serve these with a dipping sauce?

Yes, a zesty dipping sauce like cocktail sauce or a spicy aioli would complement these shrimp bites nicely.

7. How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook the shrimp for no more than 1½ to 2 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque.

8. Are these shrimp cucumber bites gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

9. Can I use a different vegetable for the base?

You can substitute cucumber with blanched zucchini slices or even crackers if you prefer.

10. Can I use cooked shrimp for this recipe?

While fresh cooked shrimp is preferred, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just make sure to season and heat them gently in the pan.

Conclusion

Shrimp Cucumber Bites are a simple, delicious, and healthy appetizer that packs a flavorful punch. With their refreshing crunch, spicy shrimp, and creamy guacamole, these bites are perfect for any gathering or as a nutritious snack. They’re quick to prepare, customizable, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Shrimp Cucumber Bites

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Shrimp Cucumber Bites are a refreshing, low-carb appetizer featuring Cajun-spiced shrimp, creamy guacamole, and crunchy cucumber. Perfect for keto, gluten-free, and healthy eating, this bite-sized treat is ideal for parties, BBQs, and casual gatherings. Quick to make, these shrimp appetizers offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress your guests.

Instructions

Wash and pat dry the shrimp, removing the heads, shells, and deveining them while keeping the tails intact.
Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp for 1½ to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Slice cucumber into 12 even rounds.
Spread guacamole on each cucumber slice, sprinkle with dill, and top with a cooked shrimp.
Garnish with the remaining dill and serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicy variation, try Old Bay or chili powder instead of Cajun seasoning.

Substitute the guacamole with mashed avocado, whipped cream cheese, or pico de gallo.

Store the shrimp and cucumber separately and assemble just before serving to prevent the cucumber from softening.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Skillet-cooked shrimp with cucumber slices as a base.
Cuisine: American