Description
These Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado combine crispy, garlicky baguette slices topped with creamy lime-infused avocado and perfectly spiced, sautéed shrimp for a quick and flavorful appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Crostini
- 10-12 baguette slices (about 1/2" thick)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Avocado Spread
- 1 avocado
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Shrimp
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 big garlic cloves, cut into slivers
- 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baguette: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack at the top. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the baguette slices in a single, even layer.
- Make Garlic Oil and Toast Crostini: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil with the garlic powder. Brush both sides of each baguette slice evenly with this garlic oil mixture. Bake the slices in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they reach your preferred crispness.
- Prepare Avocado Spread: While the crostini are baking, mash the avocado in a small bowl. Stir in the lime juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set this creamy avocado mixture aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the garlic slivers and sauté gently for about 2 minutes to infuse the oil. Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the shrimp along with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all the spices, turning the shrimp once or twice as they cook. Continue cooking until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble Crostini and Serve: Spread each toasted baguette slice with a generous layer of the avocado mixture, then top with one cooked shrimp. Serve immediately to enjoy the crostini at their crispiest.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves for a more intense garlic flavor when cooking shrimp.
- You can prepare the avocado spread and shrimp in advance, but assemble crostini just before serving to maintain crispness.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of chili flakes when cooking the shrimp.
- If you prefer, swap out smoked paprika for regular paprika or a mild chili powder.
