Description
Shrimp Avocado Boats are a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make appetizer or light meal. Combining perfectly seasoned sautéed shrimp with creamy avocado mash, tangy lime, spicy mayo, and crisp cucumber boats, this recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and bold flavors within 30 minutes. Perfect for entertaining or a healthy snack, these vibrant cucumber boats bring sushi-inspired ingredients together in a fun, handheld format.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Seasoning and Cooking
- 24 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 3/4 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
Avocado Mash
- 3 avocados, roughly mashed
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt, to taste
Spicy Mayo
- 1/4 cup Kewpie mayo (or regular mayo)
- 2 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup sushi rice, cooked
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, coat the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, and salt. Mix well to ensure even coverage. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp until opaque and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Make the Avocado Mash: In a bowl, combine the roughly mashed avocados, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
- Prepare the Spicy Mayo: Whisk together Kewpie mayo, Sriracha sauce, and honey (if using) in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the ingredients for your preferred spice level and sweetness.
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Thoroughly wash and dry the cucumbers. Slice each cucumber in half lengthwise, then halve those pieces to create four quarters per cucumber. Using a spoon, gently scoop out most of the seeds and some flesh to create a “boat” for the fillings.
- Assemble the Boats: Spread about 1 tablespoon of avocado mash into the bottom of each cucumber boat. Layer in a spoonful of cooked sushi rice, gently spreading it out. Top with three shrimp per boat, then drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; frozen shrimp can also be used but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Kewpie mayo gives a creamier and slightly tangier flavor compared to regular mayo, but you can substitute as needed.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha and honey in the spicy mayo to suit your heat and sweetness preference.
- For a low-carb option, you can omit the sushi rice and add extra avocado mash or chopped vegetables.
- Make sure to scoop out enough cucumber seeds to hold the fillings without leaking.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and freshness of the shrimp.
