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Life Tastes Good is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Please note: This post may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with blog expenses when you make a purchase through an affiliate link. Thank you for your support!Sunday Supper
It's that time of year when there seems to be an award show on TV every weekend. The super bowl of awards shows, the Oscars, is in 2 weeks and if you're going to have a viewing party with a few friends or, if you're like me, just mindlessly watch while vegging on the couch because there is nothing else on TV, you should definitely think about making some goodies to enjoy. The Sunday Supper Tastemakers are sharing our favorite Fancy Appetizer recipes perfect for viewing parties large or small.My Cucumber Bites are the perfect party appetizer. They are so easy to make! The guacamole can be made up ahead of time, or buy your favorite premade guac, and then you just have to take a couple minutes to season and cook the shrimp before assembling and serving. The flavor is a real crowd pleaser! I love how the spicy creole shrimp contrasts with the coolness of the cucumber, and the creamy guacamole is the perfect compliment to this crunchy little bite. If you want a little touch of sweetness, I recommend brushing the shrimp with just a hint of melted apricot preserves. I love that sweet heat, but my husband prefers the full on heat of the shrimp. Either way, this party appetizer is sure to impress! Be ready for these tasty bites to disappear quickly!
Low Carb Appetizer
I like that this appetizer is made up of healthy ingredients with the cucumbers, avocados, & lean protein. Additionally, I love it is low carb! 1 average cucumber has approximately 6 net carbs, and the guacamole adds about 3 net carbs to this appetizer. The shrimp adds maybe 3 carbs for a grand total of 12 net carbs for the entire recipe. I wouldn't recommend eating all 16 pieces at once, but it's good to know each piece is actually less than 1 net carb, making this a wonderful option for anyone watching their waistline. I could snack on these all day and not feel guilty. I like that!Recipe Prep Tips:
- Purchase shrimp already peeled, deveined, and tails removed to save time. If you purchase frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them with plenty of time and dry them well before seasoning.
- I recommend preparing the cucumber slices and topping them with guacamole while the skillet is heating up on the stovetop. I remove some of the peel to make it look fancier with random stripes, but that's completely optional. I don't recommend removing all of the peel as that weakens the cucumber slice and makes it a little messier to eat too.
- Once the skillet is ready to go the shrimp will cook quickly, so it's nice to have the cucumbers topped with the guacamole. Then you just have to place a shrimp on each appetizer piece and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- I don't recommend making this up too far ahead as the guacamole will start to turn. It's best to make these up when you want to serve them and watch them disappear!
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Cucumber Bites with Creole Shrimp and Guacamole
Published 02/12/2017
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber about 8-10", some peel removed if you like and sliced into 1/2" rounds
- 16-20 teaspoons Simple Guacamole Recipe or your favorite premade guacamole
- 16-20 pieces of shrimp, peeled, deveined, & tails off
- 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 whole cloves garlic, peeled
- Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish
- Apricot preserves, melted (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a cast iron skillet over mid-high heat while you prepare the cucumber slices.
- Top each cucumber slice with about a teaspoon of guacamole and place on serving tray.
- Season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon creole seasoning. Place 2 tablespoons butter in the hot skillet and add the shrimp and 2 whole cloves garlic to the skillet. Allow to cook for about 45 seconds to a minute and turn each piece of shrimp over. Cook another 30 seconds, basting the shrimp with the skillet juices as they cook. When cooked through, remove the shrimp to a plate and place each one on top of the guacamole topped cucumbers. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve and enjoy!
- Optional - if you like a sweet heat you can melt some apricot preserve and lightly brush it on the shrimp before garnishing with cilantro. This will add a little to the carb count, so be aware of that if that is a concern.
Prep Time: 10 mins.
Total time: 12 mins.
I love the creole seasoning and cilantro for this bite, and I LOVE that you made it low-carb with a fresh slice of cucumber!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nichole!! I'm so glad you like it!
DeleteLove this! I love anything with shrimp, and this is calling my name!
ReplyDeleteThat makes two of us Deanna!! Shrimp has been on my mind a lot lately haha
DeleteThese are so cute and packed with flavor. I love cucumbers, avocado, and shrimp, so I would be all over these.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! Three of my faves too. I was so happy with how these turned out & even happier that you like them :)
DeleteYou're back!
ReplyDeleteI am! Things have been very busy, so I'm not getting as many recipes posted as I like, but I'm trying :) Thanks for stopping by today!
DeleteNothing like shrimp and avocado! Apricot preserve atop the shrimp is a great idea =)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim! I love apricot preserves. I'm always melting it and brushing it on something haha
DeleteThese look so delicious! I love the combination of shrimp and avocado, and putting them on cucumber slices instead of chips sounds like an amazing healthier twist!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Valentina. I'm so happy you like this idea. Having a healthier app choice is always a good idea at parties :)
DeleteI LOVE this idea for a simply and healthy appetizer! Shrimp + Guac is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! Shrimp & guac go so great together & my favorite part about this recipe is how super easy it is. Thanks so much for stopping by :)
DeleteHi Marion, beautiful looking bites. love that they are low-carb.
ReplyDeleteHey, Cheri, I hope all is well! Thanks for stopping by. So glad you like this. Being low carb is a major plus!!
DeleteI always like to have a "healthy" option for those attending a cocktail party featuring appetizers and this is perfect. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both, Wendy. I have some close friends who are strict low carbers, so I always try to surprise them with something delicious. Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteI love the look of these bites! I will definitely add the apricot jam!
ReplyDeleteI'm all about the jam too. It adds a little to the carb count, but it's totally worth it IMO ;) Thanks for stopping by, Cindy!
DeleteWhat a great lo-carb appetizer- the shrimp look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThanks! So nice of you to say! Shrimp is always a winner, right?! ;)
DeleteShrimp and avocado are two of my favorite things. Love that this is low carb too!
ReplyDeleteShrimp and avocado are two of my favorite things. Love that this is low carb too!
ReplyDelete