Embrace the heavenly combination of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and fragrant garlic in this savory delight. With the contrast of textures and a burst of flavors, this recipe is an ode to the lovers of seafood and avocados alike. It's easy to prepare and perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
The main ingredients for this recipe, shrimp and avocado, are quite common. However, you might not have ciabatta bread and garlic butter readily available at home. Ciabatta is an Italian white bread made from wheat flour and yeast, known for its porous texture, perfect for absorbing flavors. You can find it in the bakery section of any supermarket. As for garlic butter, it's easily found in the dairy aisle, but can also be made at home by mixing minced garlic with softened butter.
Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Bread Ingredients
Ciabatta: A type of Italian white bread with a porous texture, ideal for absorbing the garlic butter and bringing crunchiness to the dish.
Garlic butter: It adds a rich and creamy texture, along with an explosive taste of garlic.
Garlic: A key ingredient that brings a strong aromatic and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
Sweet paprika: Enhances the flavor of the shrimp with its sweet, slightly fruity taste.
Lemon juice: Adds acidity to balance the flavors and brightens up the dish.
Shrimp: The hero of this dish, bringing a unique seafood flavor and a satisfying bite.
Fresh parsley: Provides a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
Avocado: Brings a creamy texture and enriches the dish with its subtle, nutty taste.
Grape tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor, along with a burst of color.
Salt: Used to enhance all the flavors of the dish.
One reader, Gwendolen Do says:
This garlic shrimp and avocado bread recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The garlic shrimp adds a burst of savory goodness, and the creamy avocado salad complements it perfectly. The toasted ciabatta is the ideal base. It's a must-try for anyone who loves seafood and avocado.
Key Techniques for Preparing Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Bread
How to grill the bread: Preheat the oven to grill or broil settings on medium high heat. Place the bread on a baking tray lightly greased with cooking oil spray or oil. Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on each slice. Grill or broil until golden. Remove and set aside.
How to cook the garlic shrimp: Combine the garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and shrimp in a bowl, then mix well to combine. Add salt to taste. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of oil into a large frying pan or skillet. When the pan is hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until no longer opaque in color and cooked through. Take off the heat, then add the parsley. Set aside to cool slightly.
How to make the avocado salad: Combine the avocado, tomato, lemon juice, and salt in a bowl, mixing well to combine. Add the shrimp and fold through gently.
How To Make Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread
Change things up on your usual garlic bread with our flavorful recipe! It’s loaded with tender shrimp and creamy avocado for a fuller meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ciabatta,or sourdough bread, 1 loaf, cut into 1cm slices
- ⅓cupgarlic butter
For Garlic Shrimp:
- 2tspgarlic,minced
- 1tspsweet paprika
- 2tbsplemon juice
- 1lbshrimp,no tail, peeled and deveined
- ¼cupfresh parsley,finely chopped
For Avocado Salad:
- shrimp,cooked
- 1avocado,cubed
- 1cupgrape tomatoes,or cherry, halved
- 2tbsplemon juice
- Salt,to season
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to grill or broil settings on medium high heat.
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Place the bread on a baking tray lightly greased with cooking oil spray or oil.
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Spread a thin layer of garlic butter on each slice.
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Grill or broil until golden. Remove and set aside.
Garlic Shrimp:
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Combine the garlic, paprika, lemon juice and shrimp in a bowl, then mix well to combine. Add salt to taste.
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Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of oil into a large frying pan or skillet.
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When pan is hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until no longer opaque in colour, and cooked through.
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Take off the heat, then add the parsley.
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Set aside to cool slightly.
Avocado Salad:
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Combine the avocado, tomato, lemon juice and salt in a bowl, mixing well to combine.
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Add the shrimp, and fold through gently.
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Spoon the shrimp and avocado mixture onto the toasted garlic bread.
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Serve warm or slightly cooled, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 125.13kcal
- Fat: 9.64g
- Saturated Fat: 4.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.26g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.66g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.77g
- Carbohydrates: 3.64g
- Fiber: 1.72g
- Sugar: 0.79g
- Protein: 6.93g
- Cholesterol: 73.42mg
- Sodium: 261.00mg
- Calcium: 34.45mg
- Potassium: 214.11mg
- Iron: 0.41mg
- Vitamin A: 96.99µg
- Vitamin C: 8.94mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Bread
When preparing the garlic shrimp, it's important to not overcook them as they can become tough and lose their juicy flavor. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes per side. You'll know they're done when they turn pink and opaque. Also, marinating the shrimp in the garlic, paprika, and lemon juice not only infuses them with flavor but also helps to tenderize them. For the avocado salad, make sure to choose ripe avocados for the best texture and flavor. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be overly soft.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the garlic butter, marinate the shrimp, and chop the avocado and tomatoes in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Multitask: While the bread is toasting, cook the shrimp and prepare the avocado salad simultaneously to expedite the overall cooking time.
Efficient workspace: Organize your ingredients and tools beforehand to create an efficient cooking environment, allowing for smoother and quicker recipe execution.
Quick clean-up: Wash and put away used utensils and equipment as you cook to minimize clutter and streamline the cooking process.
Time management: Plan and allocate time for each cooking step to ensure a well-timed and stress-free preparation and cooking experience.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread Recipe
garlic butter - Substitute with olive oil and minced garlic: Olive oil and minced garlic can provide a similar flavor and richness to the dish without the dairy content of garlic butter.
sweet paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika will add a similar depth of flavor and smokiness to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can provide a slightly different citrus flavor while still complementing the shrimp and avocado.
shrimp - Substitute with cubed chicken breast: Cubed chicken breast can be used as a substitute for shrimp to create a different protein option for the dish.
avocado - Substitute with mashed green peas: Mashed green peas can provide a similar creamy texture and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor as a substitute for avocado.
grape tomatoes - Substitute with diced red bell pepper: Diced red bell pepper can add a similar crunch and vibrant color to the dish as a substitute for grape tomatoes.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can provide a similar herbaceous flavor and bright green color to the dish.
Presentation Tips for Serving Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Bread
Elevate the garlic bread: Toast the ciabatta until golden, then spread a thin layer of garlic butter on each slice. This will add a rich, savory flavor to the bread and create a luxurious base for the dish.
Create a stunning shrimp arrangement: Arrange the garlic shrimp on top of the garlic bread in an eye-catching manner. Consider layering the shrimp to create height and visual interest on the plate, showcasing the succulent and aromatic seafood.
Garnish with vibrant avocado salad: Spoon the vibrant avocado and shrimp salad onto the plated garlic bread, ensuring to artfully arrange the colorful ingredients to create a visually appealing presentation. The combination of green avocado and red tomatoes will add a pop of color to the dish.
Incorporate fresh herbs for a finishing touch: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp and avocado salad to add a burst of freshness and a touch of vibrant green to the dish. This will enhance the overall visual appeal and provide a delightful aroma.
Consider plate composition: Pay attention to the overall composition of the dish on the plate. Aim for a balanced and visually appealing arrangement, ensuring that each element of the dish complements the others and creates a harmonious presentation.
Emphasize precision and attention to detail: Take the time to meticulously arrange the components of the dish, ensuring that each element is placed with care and precision. Attention to detail is key in creating a visually stunning presentation.
Highlight the natural colors and textures: Showcase the natural colors and textures of the ingredients, allowing the vibrant hues of the avocado salad and the succulent shrimp to shine through. This will create an inviting and appetizing visual appeal.
Use minimalist plating techniques: Embrace minimalist plating techniques to allow the flavors and quality of the ingredients to take center stage. Avoid overcrowding the plate and focus on simplicity and elegance in the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Baking tray: A flat, rectangular metal tray used for baking and roasting in the oven.
- Frying pan or skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Bowl: A round, deep dish used for mixing ingredients or serving food.
- Cooking oil spray or oil: Used for greasing pans and trays to prevent food from sticking.
- Grill or broil settings: The settings on an oven used for grilling or broiling food.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Bread
- To store leftover garlic shrimp and avocado bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- If you want to freeze the garlic shrimp and avocado bread, it's best to freeze the components separately:
- For the garlic shrimp, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- The avocado salad does not freeze well due to the high water content of the avocado and tomatoes. It's best to make the salad fresh when you're ready to serve the dish.
- The garlic bread can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- To reheat the frozen garlic shrimp, place them in a skillet over medium heat and cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals until warm.
- To reheat the frozen garlic bread, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- When you're ready to serve, prepare the avocado salad fresh and assemble the dish with the reheated garlic shrimp and garlic bread.
How To Reheat Leftover Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Bread
The best way to reheat leftover garlic shrimp and avocado bread is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until the bread is crispy and the shrimp is heated through. This method will help to preserve the texture of the bread and prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bread on the wire rack. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the bread is crispy and the shrimp is heated through. This method is quick and easy, and it will give you similar results to the oven method.
If you're in a hurry, you can also use a microwave to reheat your leftover garlic shrimp and avocado bread. Place the bread on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the strength of your microwave. Keep in mind that the bread may become slightly soggy in the microwave, but the shrimp will still be delicious.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the bread in a skillet or on a griddle. Heat a small amount of butter or olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Place the bread in the skillet and heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bread is crispy and the shrimp is heated through. This method will give you a nice crispy exterior and a warm, flavorful interior.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover garlic shrimp and avocado bread, try sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs on top before reheating. This will give the bread a nice cheesy or herby flavor that complements the garlic and shrimp.
Interesting Trivia About Garlic Shrimp and Avocado Bread
Garlic shrimp and avocado bread is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of garlic, shrimp, and avocado. This recipe is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, making it a great option for a healthy diet. Avocado is packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and is a good source of fiber. This dish is not only tasty but also provides a range of health benefits. It's a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This garlic shrimp and avocado bread recipe is fairly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, shrimp and avocado, can be affordable if purchased in season. The addition of ciabatta and garlic butter may slightly increase the cost, but the dish can still be budget-friendly. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a reasonable option for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This garlic shrimp and avocado bread recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. Let's break it down:
Healthy aspects:
- Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins K, C, and B6
- Tomatoes offer lycopene, vitamin C, and antioxidants
- Garlic and parsley have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
Unhealthy aspects:
- The garlic butter and oil used for cooking add saturated fat and calories
- Depending on the ciabatta bread chosen, it may be high in refined carbohydrates and low in fiber
- The recipe lacks additional vegetables or whole grains to balance out the meal
While this dish has some nutritious ingredients, a few tweaks could make it even healthier:
- Opt for whole grain or sprouted grain bread to increase fiber intake
- Reduce the amount of garlic butter used, or replace it with a healthier spread like mashed avocado or hummus
- Include more non-starchy vegetables, such as roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or arugula, to boost the nutrient content and add volume to the meal
- Consider using a cooking method that requires less oil, such as grilling or baking the shrimp instead of pan-frying
- Incorporate a side salad or vegetable-based soup to round out the meal and add more vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Dish
The combination of garlic shrimp and avocado on toasted ciabatta is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The garlic butter adds a rich, savory note to the bread, while the shrimp, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and lemon juice, brings a burst of zesty freshness. The creamy avocado salad with juicy grape tomatoes complements the shrimp beautifully. This recipe offers a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a flavorful appetizer. It's a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and bold flavors.
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Why trust this Shrimp Avocado Garlic Bread Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal. The garlic shrimp is seasoned with a blend of garlic and sweet paprika, complemented by a refreshing lemon juice dressing. The addition of creamy avocado and juicy grape tomatoes creates a vibrant and wholesome avocado salad. The use of quality ingredients such as fresh parsley and shrimp guarantees a delicious and trustworthy dish. With its simple yet flavorful components, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy any discerning palate.
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