Chili Lime Shrimp Avocado Cups

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If you’re craving a light, refreshing appetizer that delivers bold flavor in every bite, look no further than Chili Lime Shrimp Avocado Cups!

These crispy wonton cups filled with zesty shrimp and creamy avocado make entertaining effortless, and they come together in just 30 minutes.

Did you know that wonton wrappers aren’t just for soup? When baked until golden, they become the perfect edible vessel for fresh, vibrant fillings. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create an elegant shrimp appetizer that impresses guests and satisfies cravings for something light yet satisfying.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make these cups truly shine!

Ingredients for Chili Lime Shrimp Avocado Cups

To create the perfect shrimp appetizer, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

• 24 wonton wrappers square-shaped
• 24 raw peeled medium shrimp about 400 g total
• 300 g avocado flesh roughly 1.5 avocados, ripe but still firm
• 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
• 60 g finely diced red onion about 1/4 medium onion
• 100 g seeded diced tomato about 1 medium tomato
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro fresh
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing wrappers

Optional Ingredients

• Lime wedges for serving and extra garnish
• Additional cilantro or microgreens for fresh green color
• Sriracha or hot sauce for extra heat
• Cotija cheese or feta for a tangy finish

How to Prepare the Wonton Cups

Here’s how to make crispy, golden cups that hold your filling perfectly:

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 24-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
2. Prepare wrappers: Lightly brush both sides of each wonton wrapper with olive oil, then gently press each one into a muffin cup, allowing the corners to rise slightly above the rim.
3. Bake cups: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the wonton cups are golden brown and crispy, rotating the pan halfway through if needed.
4. Cool completely: Remove from the oven and let the cups cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack or serving platter.

Preparing the Chili Lime Shrimp

While the wonton cups bake, prepare the shrimp filling:

1. Season shrimp: In a bowl, toss the 24 raw peeled shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon of the chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon of the garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt.
2. Cook shrimp: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes total.
3. Cool and set aside: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and let cool slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Making the Avocado Mixture

Combine the creamy avocado filling with fresh vegetables:

1. Prep avocado: Scoop the avocado flesh into a bowl and gently mash with a fork until mostly smooth but with some small chunks remaining.
2. Add seasonings and lime: Fold in the lime juice, remaining 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, red onion, tomato, and cilantro until just combined.
3. Taste and adjust: Add more lime juice, salt, or chili powder if desired to match your flavor preferences.

Assembly: Bringing It All Together

Once your components are ready, it’s time to assemble your elegant appetizer!

1. Fill cups: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the avocado mixture into each cooled wonton cup.
2. Top with shrimp: Place one cooked chili lime shrimp on top of each cup, nestling it gently into the avocado filling.
3. Garnish: Top each cup with a small pinch of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a thin slice of lime wheel for visual appeal.
4. Serve immediately: Arrange on a platter and serve right away while the wonton cups are still crispy.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about these shrimp avocado cups is their versatility!

• Spice level: Increase the chili powder to 3/4 teaspoon for more heat, or blend in a splash of sriracha into the avocado mixture.
• Additional proteins: Substitute crab meat, diced white fish, or cooked chicken for the shrimp if preferred.
• Vegetable additions: Add diced cucumber, corn, or jalapeño to the avocado filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Cheese and toppings: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese, feta, or a drizzle of crème fraîche on top just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cups alongside a crisp coleslaw or a light green salad to balance the richness of the avocado.

Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, a light lager beer, or a refreshing margarita to complement the citrus and chili flavors.

Conclusion

In just 30 minutes, you’ve created an elegant and impressive appetizer that tastes restaurant quality.

These chili lime shrimp avocado cups are perfect for dinner parties, game day entertaining, or a light lunch when you want something special without the heavy commitment.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and fillings; there’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe for your own taste preferences.

Try it today and experience the delicious combination of crispy, creamy, zesty, and fresh all in one perfect bite!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make the wonton cups ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cups up to 2 hours ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill them with the avocado mixture and shrimp just before serving to keep the cups crispy.

What if I can’t find medium shrimp?

You can use large shrimp if medium are unavailable; simply adjust the cooking time to 3 to 4 minutes per side, as they cook slightly longer. Avoid extra-large shrimp as they may not fit neatly in the cups.

How should I store leftovers?

Store empty wonton cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Store the avocado filling and cooked shrimp separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, then assemble fresh when ready to eat.

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