Zesty Garlic Shrimp Avocado Crostini (Print Version)
Whip up these zesty Garlic Shrimp & Avocado Crostini for a quick, delightful appetizer. Flavorful shrimp, creamy avocado, crunchy bread pure joy!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Fusion
Dietary: Dairy-Free (optional)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Crostini Base
01 -
1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Zesty Garlic Shrimp
03 -
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
04 -
3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, honestly)
05 -
1 tbsp olive oil
06 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
07 -
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
08 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Avocado Topping
09 -
2 ripe avocados
10 -
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
11 -
2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
12 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing Touches
13 -
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
14 -
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
# Instructions:
01 -
Slice your baguette into half-inch rounds. Lay them out on a baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil. I always try to get them perfectly even, but honestly, some slightly thicker ones just mean more crunch! Pop them into an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until they're golden and crisp. Watch them closely; they go from perfect to burnt in a flash, trust me, I've had many a charcoal disc.
02 -
While your bread is toasting, get your shrimp ready. Pat them really dry with paper towels; this is key for a good sear. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don't let them burn! Toss in the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan, hon, or they'll steam.
03 -
As soon as the shrimp are cooked through and looking beautiful and pink, remove the skillet from the heat. Deglaze the pan with a splash of fresh lemon juice, stirring it around to pick up all those delicious bits at the bottom. The smell at this point? Oh, it's heavenly, seriously. Set the shrimp aside; they’re ready for their crostini adventure!
04 -
In a small bowl, mash your ripe avocados with a fork. I like mine a bit chunky, not perfectly smooth. Stir in the fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Taste it! Does it need more tang? More salt? Adjust it to your liking. This is where you can really make it *yours*, playing with the flavors until it sings.
05 -
Once the crostini are cool enough to handle, spread a generous spoonful of the creamy avocado mixture onto each piece. Don't be shy; load it up! The richness of the avocado is what makes this appetizer so satisfying and balanced against the zesty shrimp. I always try to make it look fancy, even when the kitchen is still a slight mess.
06 -
Top each avocado-laden crostini with one or two of those perfectly cooked, zesty garlic shrimp. Arrange them nicely; presentation totally matters here, even if it's just for you on a Tuesday night. Sprinkle with a bit more fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. A final flourish of flaky sea salt elevates the whole thing, adding that little pop of texture and flavor. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp; honestly, it steams instead of searing, and nobody wants sad, grey shrimp.
02 -
Leftover shrimp? Pop it in an airtight container for up to two days. The crostini bits are best made fresh, though, or they get a bit… soft. Just saying.
03 -
No baguette? To be real, any crusty bread works! Sourdough or even a thicker artisan loaf can be surprisingly good. I tried it once with ciabatta and it was a bit chewy, but still tasty.
04 -
A sprinkle of chili flakes on top adds a little kick, especially if you're like me and love a tiny bit of heat with everything. It just wakes things up!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Baking sheet
02 -
large skillet
03 -
small mixing bowl
04 -
fork
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 250-300 kcal
Total Fat: 15-20g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 10-15g