California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail

California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail Recipe - A Delicious Fusion of Flavors

Region / culture: California, England | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy avocado, tangy salsa, and succulent shrimp creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail is a modern twist on the classic shrimp cocktail. The addition of creamy avocado adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for those looking for a fresh and healthy appetizer option.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of thick, chunky tomato salsa
2 tbsp of seafood cocktail sauce
2 tbsp of chopped onion
2 tbsp of diced seedless cucumber
1.5 tbsp of chopped cilantro
1.5 tbsp of lime juice
2 california avocados (1 lb (454 g)), diced
30 large (21 to 25 count per pound) cooked shrimp with tails
6 lime slices for garnish
6 sprigs of cilantro for garnish

How to prepare

Thoroughly combine salsa and the next 5 ingredients, then gently fold in avocado.
Chill the mixture for 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend. (The mixture is best served on the same day it's made.)
To serve, divide the avocado mixture among 6 stemmed glasses.
Hang 5 shrimp, with their tails outside the glass, around each rim.
Garnish each glass with 1 twisted lime slice and 1 sprig of cilantro.

Variations

You can customize California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail by adding diced tomatoes, jalapenos, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. You can also substitute the shrimp with cooked crab or lobster for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail, be sure to use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture. It is also important to chill the mixture for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend and develop. Additionally, be sure to use large, cooked shrimp with tails for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail can be served as an appetizer or light meal. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail is to gently fold in the avocado to avoid mashing it. This will ensure that the avocado retains its creamy texture and does not become mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have seafood cocktail sauce, you can substitute it with cocktail sauce or hot sauce mixed with a bit of mayonnaise. You can also use frozen shrimp that has been thawed and cooked instead of fresh shrimp.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the avocado mixture ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to add the shrimp and garnishes right before serving to ensure freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail in stemmed glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish each glass with a twisted lime slice and a sprig of cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail pairs well with a variety of beverages, including white wine, champagne, or a refreshing cocktail. It also pairs well with a side of tortilla chips or crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Be sure to stir well before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail contains shellfish and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail is a nutritious and delicious appetizer that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any occasion.

Summary

California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail is a delicious and nutritious appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy avocado, tangy salsa, and succulent shrimp, this dish is sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail. It was a hot summer day, and I was at a friend's backyard barbecue enjoying the warm sun and good company. As I mingled with the other guests, I couldn't help but notice the beautiful display of appetizers on the buffet table.

One dish, in particular, caught my eye - a vibrant and colorful shrimp cocktail served in hollowed-out avocado halves. It looked absolutely delicious, and I couldn't wait to try it. I asked my friend for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me.

She explained that the recipe was a family favorite, passed down from her grandmother who had lived in California many years ago. According to her, the key to making the perfect California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail was to use fresh, ripe avocados and high-quality shrimp. She also shared some tips on how to prepare the dish, including how to cook the shrimp just right and how to season the cocktail sauce for maximum flavor.

Eager to try my hand at making this delicious appetizer, I went home and gathered all the necessary ingredients. I carefully followed the recipe, taking my time to cook the shrimp to perfection and mix the cocktail sauce just right. As I assembled the dish in the hollowed-out avocado halves, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

When I finally tasted the finished California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail, I was blown away. The flavors were fresh and vibrant, the shrimp perfectly cooked, and the avocado creamy and smooth. It was a culinary masterpiece, and I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire.

Over the years, I have made the California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my taste. I have shared it with friends and family at gatherings and dinner parties, and it has always been a hit. People are always amazed by how delicious and elegant the dish looks, and they can't believe how easy it is to make.

I have come to cherish this recipe not just for its delicious flavors but also for the memories and stories it holds. Whenever I make the California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail, I am reminded of that sunny summer day when I first discovered it and how it has become a beloved dish in my culinary repertoire.

As I continue to cook and experiment in the kitchen, I am always on the lookout for new recipes and flavors to add to my collection. But no matter how many new dishes I try, the California Avocado Shrimp Cocktail will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the joy of discovery and the love of cooking.