Are you looking for a kind of dish that is easy to create, has a good taste and is very healthy? This Easy Baked Shrimp Stuffed Avocado recipe is the one that is really perfect for you. It is a dream-like combination of the light taste of avocado, juicy lobster, and melted cheese which are the main ingredients that make up this great and nutritious meal. Do you like it? Will it be better in case it will be light first, or a side? No worry, it’ll be the perfect choice once given a try!
Why Choose Baked Shrimp Stuffed Avocado?
A Nutritious and Delicious Option
This dish is so much more than being just a delicious one; in addition to this, it has been enriched with a wide variety of nutrients. The presence of heart-healthy fats and fiber on the avocado part and the content of proteins in shrimp (with a minimum load of calories) are the most important impacts such foods have in the “food-verse.” Avocado and shrimp, both being low-calorie foods, are utilized in creating a meal that is not only filling but also caters to different dietary lifestyles due to its keto, gluten-free, and dairy-free or their other variants that do not make use of these aforementioned products (simple substitutions).
Quick and Easy Preparation
Probably you have heard that you do not have to be a cook to make this dish. You will spend a maximum of 30 minutes on the most of these recipes and your friends will be sitting there with their mouths wide-open. If you have a bunch of kitchen novices, even they can understand the guidelines.
Versatility for Different Occasions
This food is creamy and rich and can be a main course, a side dish or an appetizer. It can be baked or served cold, it is good for all seasons. If you sprinkle this recipe with a few changes to your guests’ preference or dietary requirements you are going to have nothing but uniqueness.
Ingredients for Baked Shrimp Stuffed Avocado
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To get ready the delicious course, you will need:
- 3 huge ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, cut into pieces (use fresh frozen or thawed shrimp)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (light or regular; Greek yogurt can be used for a healthier twist)
- 1/4 cup mashed avocado (optional, scooped from the center of each avocado)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic for a more powerful flavor)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is the best for flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese, or a cheese of your choice
- Smoked paprika, for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
If you want you can also include other ingredients you like such as hot sauce, extra herbs, or even diced tomatoes in the recipe to make it even more delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Lay the oven to 350°F (175°C). Layers will be easy to clean with a parchment paper or aluminum foil lined baking sheet.
2. Prepare the Avocados
Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits. For a bigger space for the stuffing, you may want to take out some of the flesh from each half and create a cavity. Doing so can also mix the scooped avocado with the filling for a creamier texture.
3. Make the Shrimp Mixture
Combine the chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, mashed avocado, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix until the ingredients are evenly combined. The filling should be creamy but slightly lumpy.
4. Stuff the Avocados
Both of the avocados need to be filled with the shrimp mixture. It doesn’t really matter that there’s a lot more of it left in the very best quality ones! So helpful, thank you!
5. Add Cheese
Dust some shredded cheese on the avocados that have the stuffed shrimp in them. You may choose a different variant rather than biting through the basic recipe. For example, mozzarella cheese would be preferred to cheddar cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, feta cheese are used for different taste profiles.
6. Bake
Get your baking sheet and lay lined aluminum foil on it. Put avocado halves on it and bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. To get extra crispiness broil for 1-2 minutes. The cheese will be melted and the inside well cooked at that time.
7. Garnish and Serve
Take the pan out of the oven and add smoked paprika and minced parsley on top of the avocados and serve warm. On the other hand, give them a few minutes to cool down or serve them at room temperature.
Health Benefits of Avocado and Shrimp
The Power of Avocados
Avocados are versatile and provide myriad health benefits to people. The fact that they are energy providers and at the same time able to reduce the fat content of the body which has been stored unnecessarily has been the most visible and shocking natural result of the consumption of these foods. This high-fiber food not only keeps the digestive system healthy but also stabilizes blood pressure thanks to the presence of the much-needed potassium. Avocados are also loaded with vitamins. K, as well as E. C, and several B vitamins are also found in plenty in them.
Consuming avocados regularly is a known method to prevent heart diseases, keeping the body weight normal, and better absorption of the fat-soluble nutrients. For more on the health benefits of avocados, check out this detailed guide.
Shrimp: A Lean and Nutritious Protein Source
According to the nutrition information provided, the best shrimps are the ones that have the highest amount of protein and the lowest fats and calories. Shrimps more than any other product are very low in calories and very rich in nutrients. The substance selenium is known to be among the most important antioxidants in the prevention of diseases related to the immune system and the thyroid. Shrimp is also made up of omega-3 fatty acids. These particular fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and at the same time, give an added defense to the person’s heart health. Shrimp is also a high-protein food that can help maintain muscle mass while increasing metabolism.
Whether following a low-carb, high-protein, or keto diet, adding shrimp fish is an ideal option that is most fitting among others.
Tips for Making the Perfect Baked Shrimp Stuffed Avocado
- Choosing Ripe AvocadosThe secret to a smooth filling is the use of perfectly rip avocados. They should be able to be pressed gently with a little give. For the hard avocados, place them in a paper bag along with a banana to try to ripen.
- Creating a delicious, rich, avocado filling means using perfectly ripe avocados that have just a little give when pushed. If the avocados are too firm, place them in a paper bag with a banana to speed up the ripening process.
- Using Fresh or Frozen ShrimpFresh shrimp are the most optimum and possess the most flavorful taste, however, if frozen correctly, it can be prepared with the same taste. Show the recipe you prepared to the guests and take their views. Quick thawing of the shrimp can be done by immersing them into cold water for 15 minutes. Before you start using them put them out to dry, though.
- The best choice is to use fresh shrimp for the richest flavor, but the same taste can be obtained by doing the right procedure of thawing frozen shrimp. Get the other containers ready to ship during the first part of the production. You can quickly thaw them by dipping in cold water for 15 minutes and allowed to dry before mixing them into the filling.
Variations and Creative Additions
Substitute the Shrimp
If you are the kind of person who does not eat shrimp or dissatisfied with their taste, feel free to change your seafood ingredient with another, for instance, crab meat, lobster, or scallops may as well be good alternatives. You might as well interchange shrimp with cooked chicken, tuna, or smoked salmon for a different type of recipe.
Add a Spicy Kick
For those who are fond of heat, intend to add some spice to the dish through adding jalapeños to the shrimp mixture, or/and drizzle some hot sauce on top. The rise of the cayenne pepper oc can also be the rise of the flavor.
Vegetarian Twist
For a vegetarian filling, other than shrimp, dice in colorful bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and if you like beans as an additional protein source, add black beans as well.
Keto-Friendly Modifications
This is a low-carb and keto-friendly recipe; however, you can alter it by using full-fat mayonnaise and cheese to raise the fat content further if you want.
Cold Version
You can remove the stage of cooking and serve the mushy pancakes, without flour, pimiento and cheese, with a plate of vegetables – as an appetizer.
Suggested Side Dishes
Light and Refreshing Salads
Combine this dish with a side salad which is made of mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The acidic flavor from the dressing will go nicely with the richness of the avocado and shrimp.
Sweet Side Dishes
To add another taste also, you can try it with the same Cracker Barrel Fried Apples provided by the link above or opt for a fruit salad.
Breakfast or Brunch Options
For a filling brunch meal, you can include a portion of eggs, scrambled, or have it with Perfect Belgian Waffles.
Hearty Side Options
Make the serving more satisfying by including roasted vegetables, bulgur, and maybe a baked potato or two on the side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Shrimp OvercookingIt really is important to remember that prawns or shrimp should bake only a short amount of time and if you are using the pre-cooked type, try and under cook them to keep the juiciness. The catfish can be overcooked, but you only have to add it to the pan to reheat it, it does not need to be added until the last few minutes.
- It is better to use freshly cooked shrimp or lower the baking time, while also paying attention to the texture of the prawns. Shrimp whether pre-cooked or raw need only a few minutes to cook. Do not overcook the raw ones as it will cause them to be chewy.
- Using Hard or Overripe AvocadosAgain, be sure to use “just right” avocados. Avocado severely overripe will be too mushy after baking while the perfectly ripe one will just be the perfect texture for the recipe. Furthermore, if the avocados are too hard, it is difficult to make them creamy.
- Make sure the avocados are just ripe enough. If they are too hard, they won’t provide the creamy texture needed for this recipe. Overripe avocados, on the other hand, may become mushy when baked.
- Forgetting to Season the FillingAvocado and shrimp are mild in flavor, so be generous with your seasoning. A little extra salt, lemon juice, or garlic can make a big difference.
- Avocado and shrimp are mild in flavor, so be generous with your seasoning. A little salt and lemon juice can make a big difference, or extra garlic to taste.
- Not Letting the Shrimp Filling RestIf you have time, let the shrimp filling rest for a few minutes before stuffing the avocados. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- If you have time, let the shrimp filling rest for a few minutes before stuffing the avocados. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Keep the Avocados from Browning?
To stop browning more than usual, you can additionally apply more lemon juice to the exposed avocado flesh. Use an airtight container to store the prepared meal if needed.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
This dish tastes better when eaten fresh, but the shrimp mixture can be made a day in advance. You can bake the avocados once they have been assemblied just before serving so that the result is the best possible.
Can I Use a Different Type of Seafood?
Yeah, you’re welcome to swap shrimp with either crab, lobster, or even cooked fish. Every option is going to give a different taste and texture to the dish.
Can I Omit the Cheese?
You may not include the cheese, but if you do not like cheese or you are on a diet, that might be acceptable. It’s still a rich and creamy recipe even if you cut out the cheese.
Visual Guide to Preparing Baked Shrimp Stuffed Avocado
- Gather IngredientsChop shrimp, halve avocados, and mix the filling.
- Chop shrimp, halve avocados, and mix the filling.
- Fill and BakeThe great thing about recipes is that they can adapt to various tastes. Feel free to leave cheese out completely if that is what you want for a tasty, but lighter version of the dish.
- Stuff the avocados generously with the shrimp mixture, add cheese, and bake.
- Garnish and ServeTop with smoked paprika and parsley for a finishing touch.
- Top with smoked paprika and parsley for a finishing touch.
Internal Linking Opportunities
Below are a few recipes from Nelya Recipes, which you can opt to internally link with:
- Article “Chicken Brine”Link to the Chicken Brine Recipe with “juicy chicken every time” as the anchor text.
- Utilize “simple of dessert” for a link to Easy Banana Pudding as a suggested dessert.
- “light and crispy waffles”Include a link to Perfect Belgian Waffles with the anchor text “light and crispy waffles” to provide brunch ideas.
Conclusion
The Easy Baked Shrimp Stuffed Avocado recipe is the best choice for a tantalizing, nutritious, and common everyday meal. Soft avocado, tender shrimp, and melted cheese combined to make the dish which is quite succulent and fancy to be served on any occasion. Whether you are going to bake it or to have it as a salad dish, you have to taste this dish.
Examine a niche dish of your choice, and personal cooking or presentation styles that will make it unique. The creation of the delicious meal will be its own delight, and have fun with the new recipe with your circle of friends and family members!