Description
This Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado is a perfect appetizer that combines crunchy crostini with tender, garlicky shrimp and creamy avocado. It’s an effortless yet elegant dish that will impress your guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
- Medium to large shrimp (21-30 count or 16-20 count per pound)
- Fresh baguette
- Fresh garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Ripe avocados
- Fresh lime juice
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the baguette into ½-inch thick rounds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 clove of minced garlic. Brush both sides of the baguette slices lightly with this garlic-infused oil.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Pat the thawed and peeled shrimp very dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear.
- In a medium pan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- Remove the shrimp from the heat and transfer them to a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let them cool slightly.
- While the shrimp cool, scoop the flesh of the ripe avocados into a medium bowl.
- Add the fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Using a fork, mash the avocado until it reaches your desired consistency – I like it slightly chunky, but you can make it smoother if you prefer. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spread a generous spoonful of the creamy avocado mash onto each toasted baguette slice.
- Top each crostini with one or two cooked garlic shrimp, depending on their size.
- Garnish with a little extra fresh cilantro or a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired, for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful bite-sized delight!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crostini
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: To prevent overcooking the shrimp, watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Assemble the crostini no more than 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.