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Easy Shrimp Appetizers with Zesty Guacamole Bites

These shrimp appetizers are a crowd-pleaser, featuring juicy marinated shrimp atop creamy guacamole on crispy tortilla chips, perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp Marinade
  • 1 pound raw large shrimp (25–30 count, peeled and deveined) About 28 shrimp total
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1-2 cloves freshly minced garlic For guacamole
For the Guacamole
  • 1 cup prepared guacamole Or make from fresh avocados
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro Plus additional for garnish
For Serving
  • 1 bag bite-sized round corn tortilla chips 1 chip per shrimp
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese or queso fresco For serving

Method
 

Marinate the Shrimp
  1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and kosher salt. Add the shrimp, ensuring they’re well-coated. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes while you set everything else up.
Roast the Shrimp
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated shrimp on a baking sheet and roast them for about 6-8 minutes, or until they’re pink and opaque.
Prepare the Guacamole
  1. While the shrimp roast, mix the prepared guacamole with fresh lime juice and minced garlic in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Bites
  1. On each tortilla chip, place a generous dollop of guacamole, followed by a roasted shrimp. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro for garnish.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 days. The shrimp are best enjoyed fresh. You can also use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Creative twists include adding diced jalapeños to guacamole or using plantain chips instead of tortilla chips.