Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Indulge in rich, creamy shrimp-stuffed avocados—loaded with chopped shrimp, avocado, white cheddar, onions, and savory seasonings. A flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or entertaining.

Ingredients

• avocados – provides the rich creamy flavor when selected at the perfect ripeness
• shrimp – adds the seafood flavor and protein to the dish
• red onion – gives a little bit of sweetness with enough pungent flavor
• tomato – the acidity of the tomatoes provides a balance in the taste
• garlic – robust, pungent flavor that gives the dish a pop
• white sharp cheddar cheese – the sharpness gives a great boost of tang and savory
• Old Bay Seasoning – additional seafood flavor
• lemon juice – brightens the dish and keeps the avocados from turning brown
• salt/pepper – to taste

Preparation

The shrimp and avocado are the stars of the show, and both take the time to prep.

Shrimp – you can purchase already cooked shrimp, shelled, deveined, and tails off, to save time. Or you can buy raw shrimp and cook them. Before cooking, remove the shells, tails, and devein them. To cook the raw shrimp, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. The recommended water amount is 2 quarts per pound of shrimp. Add the Old Bay Seasoning and stir it in. Drop the shrimp in and let them boil for about two to three minutes. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and float to the top. Remove and run under cold water. Let them cool. Remove six shrimp and set aside. Rough chop the remaining shrimp and place in a medium bowl.

Avocados – the perfect avocado will give a little when you gently squeeze it. Not too firm and not too soft. With a sharp knife, cut the avocados in half, lengthwise. Remove the seed. Next, take a spoon and scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch lining around the shell. Place the flesh on a cutting board and cut it up into medium-sized chunks, about the size of a dice. Place the shells in a lightly greased baking dish.

Mix it together

In the bowl with the avocado chunks, add the chopped shrimp, diced red onion, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, lemon juice, and 3/4-cup of the sharp cheddar cheese. Next, add your seasonings (salt, pepper, Old Bay Seasoning). Gently fold the ingredients together, mixing them well without mashing the avocado. The avocado should remain chunky for better texture.

Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture into the shells, letting them heap up on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the avocados. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and top each one with one of the shrimps you set aside earlier.