– **Title**: Stuffed Avocado with Shrimp Ceviche
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup tomato, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tortilla chips for serving (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced tomato, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined. Let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.
2. While the shrimp mixture is marinating, cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Carefully scoop out a small portion of the avocado flesh to create enough space for the ceviche filling, and set aside the scooped avocado.
3. Once the shrimp mixture has marinated, spoon it generously into the hollowed-out avocado halves.
4. Serve the stuffed avocados on a plate, garnished with any remaining chopped cilantro. Add tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy texture, if desired. Enjoy your refreshing stuffed avocado with shrimp ceviche!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Avocados: Look for ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed. If you can’t find ripe ones, try using a little lemon juice on the flesh to slow browning and brighten flavor in the meantime.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen is a fine substitute. Just make sure to thaw them properly, either in the fridge overnight or under cold running water for a quick thaw.
Tomatoes: I recommend using juicy tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripened. If you prefer a different flavor, cherry tomatoes work too! Just quarter them for the mixture.
Jalapeño: If you’re not a fan of heat, try using bell peppers instead. They add crunch and flavor without the spice. You can also include diced cucumbers for a refreshing twist!
Cilantro: Some people don’t enjoy cilantro. If that’s you, try using fresh parsley or even mint for a fresh taste.
How Can You Marinate Shrimp Perfectly?
Marinating shrimp is straightforward but key to flavor. Aim for about 15-20 minutes to let the shrimp absorb the lime juice and seasonings. Remember to keep them in the fridge during this time to keep them safe!
- Mix lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the shrimp, making sure they’re well-coated.
- Cover and chill until they turn opaque before chopping.
That indicates they’re cooked and ready for the ceviche mix!
How to Make Stuffed Avocado with Shrimp Ceviche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ceviche:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Avocados:
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- Corn tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
- Microgreens or sprouts, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for the shrimp to marinate. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
Start by marinating the shrimp. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. The shrimp will turn opaque and cooked through during this time.
2. Prepare the Ceviche Mixture:
Once the shrimp are ready, chop them into smaller pieces and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add the diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if you’re using it). Drizzle everything with olive oil and mix the ingredients well to combine. This is where the flavors come together, so take your time to mix thoroughly!
3. Prepare the Avocados:
Next, get your avocados ready. Cut them in half and carefully remove the pit. If you want to create a little more space for the filling, scoop out a bit of the avocado flesh with a spoon. Just be gentle so you don’t break the avocado half!
4. Assemble and Serve:
Now it’s time to fill those beautiful avocado halves! Spoon the shrimp ceviche mixture generously into each avocado half, really packing it in if you can. If you want to jazz it up a bit, garnish with microgreens or sprouts. Serve with some crunchy corn tortilla chips on the side for a perfect pairing.
5. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your stuffed avocados immediately for the best flavor and freshness. This dish is not only delicious but also beautifully vibrant! Perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
Can I Use Cooked Shrimp Instead of Raw?
Absolutely! If you have cooked shrimp, you can skip the marinating step altogether. Just chop the cooked shrimp into smaller pieces, mix it with the other ingredients, and fill the avocado halves. This is a great time-saver!
How to Ripen Avocados Quickly?
If your avocados aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas these fruits emit helps ripen the avocados faster, usually within 1-2 days. Just check them daily!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
You can prepare the shrimp ceviche mixture ahead of time, but it’s best to fill the avocado halves just before serving to prevent them from browning. If you need to store the ceviche, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How to Store Leftover Stuffed Avocados?
If you have leftovers, store any unfilled avocado halves in an airtight container. To keep them from browning, sprinkle the flesh with a little lime juice. Consume within a day for the best flavor and texture!
