Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly marries freshness, zest, and a touch of indulgence, look no further than Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados. This vibrant recipe brings together juicy, golden shrimp with creamy avocados and a bright, homemade tomato salsa that’s bursting with flavor. The combination is colorful, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for an impressive lunch, appetizer, or light dinner. Once you try Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed avocados any other way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados lies in its straightforward but essential ingredients. Each component plays its role—succulent shrimp provide a savory punch, ripe avocados lend creamy richness, and the fresh tomato salsa adds a lively pop of acidity and color. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to create this crowd-pleaser:

• Large shrimp (12–15, peeled & deveined): Using large shrimp ensures juicy, meaty bites that hold up well when seared.
• Olive oil or butter (2 tbsp): Perfect for searing the shrimp and adding richness to the dish.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Choose smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor or regular paprika for mild sweetness.
• Garlic powder (½ tsp): Adds a gentle garlic kick without overpowering the shrimp.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors beautifully.
• Juice of ½ lemon: Brightens the shrimp with fresh acidity and enhances all the other flavors.
• Ripe avocados (2, halved and pitted): Creamy and rich, serving as the perfect edible bowls for the shrimp and salsa.
• Tomatoes (2 medium, finely diced): Freshness and juicy texture are key for the salsa topping.
• Red onion (2 tbsp, finely chopped): Adds a mild sharpness and crunch to the salsa.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): Bright herbaceous notes to lighten the salsa’s flavor.
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): Gives the salsa a silky texture and richness.
• Lemon or lime juice (1 tsp): More citrus brightness to tie the salsa together.
• Butter (2 tbsp, melted) for garlic butter drizzle (optional): Elevates the dish with luscious butter richness.
• Small garlic clove (1, minced) for drizzle (optional): Adds a fragrant punch to the final touch.
• Chili flakes (pinch, optional): For those who enjoy a subtle spicy kick.

How to Make Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Step 1: Prepare the fresh tomato salsa

First things first, get that salsa ready so the flavors can mingle while you work on the shrimp. Combine the diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro or parsley, olive oil, lemon or lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir gently to blend and set aside. This fresh salsa adds the perfect zesty contrast to the rich avocado and savory shrimp.

Step 2: Season the shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear. Toss them in a mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This seasoning blend is simple but packs a flavorful punch, preparing the shrimp to be the star of the dish.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter. Once hot, lay the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1½ to 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden, slightly crisped on the edges, and fully cooked through. The sizzling sound and aroma at this stage are utterly irresistible!

Step 4: Prepare the avocados

Halve your ripe avocados and carefully scoop out a bit of the flesh to create a roomy pocket for the shrimp. Don’t toss that avocado pulp! You can mash it and fold it into the tomato salsa for extra creaminess and to stretch the topping even further.

Step 5: Assemble your Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Arrange the avocado halves on a serving plate, then nestle 2 to 3 of the beautifully seared shrimp into each hollow. Spoon a generous amount of the fresh tomato salsa on top, letting those vibrant colors shine. At this point, the dish is almost too pretty to eat—but trust me, it’s worth the indulgence!

Step 6: Finish with an optional garlic butter drizzle

For that extra layer of richness and aroma, melt butter and stir in minced garlic and chili flakes if you like a hint of spice. Drizzle this over the stuffed avocados and shrimp to provide a silky, flavorful finish that elevates the dish to new delicious heights.

How to Serve Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Garnishes

Adding a few more fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving brings a burst of color and freshness that makes the dish pop. A sprinkle of coarse sea salt or a squeeze of extra lemon juice can also brighten the flavors. If you’re feeling playful, a few shaved parmesan or crumbled feta pieces add an interesting salty contrast.

Side Dishes

While Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are fantastic on their own, pairing them with a crisp green salad or toasted rustic bread turns the meal into something deeply satisfying. For a low-carb twist, opt for zesty cauliflower rice or a crunchy cucumber salad—a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the avocados nestled on a bed of mixed greens or surrounding a colorful platter of grilled vegetables for a feast-worthy presentation. You can also hollow out small bread bowls and fill them with the shrimp and salsa mixture, or layer the components into a beautiful stacked appetizer for your next dinner party. The possibilities with Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados are endless and guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and salsa separately from the avocado halves in airtight containers to prevent browning. The shrimp will keep well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, while the avocado’s pristine green color stays intact until you’re ready to assemble again.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados as avocados tend to turn mushy and lose their fresh texture when frozen. Instead, cook extra shrimp ahead of time and freeze those separately, then assemble fresh when you want to enjoy the dish.

Reheating

For leftovers, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through to avoid toughness. Avoid microwaving the avocado; instead, add fresh avocado or a new batch just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This will help you achieve that perfect sear without steaming the shrimp.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the chili flakes?

Yes, the chili flakes are completely optional. Even without them, the paprika and garlic give the shrimp plenty of flavor, making the dish delicious for those who prefer mild tastes.

How do I choose the best avocados for this dish?

Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not overly soft or mushy. Ripe but firm avocados maintain their shape well for stuffing and have that creamy texture we all love.

Can I prepare the tomato salsa a day in advance?

Yes, making the salsa a day ahead actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

Definitely! With creamy avocados and protein-packed shrimp, this dish fits perfectly within low-carb and keto guidelines, especially when served without added bread or high-carb sides.

Final Thoughts

Seared Shrimp Stuffed Avocados is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s fresh, flavorful, and feels so special without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s an elegant yet approachable meal that’s bound to earn rave reviews from your family or guests. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe as much as I do—happy cooking!