Shrimp and Avocado Martini Cups

Name: Shrimp and Avocado Martini Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 ripe avocados, mashed; Juice of 1 lime; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro; Salt to taste; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; Fresh lime wedges for garnish; 4 small cups or martini glasses

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I love whipping up these Shrimp and Avocado Martini Cups for gatherings. They are a delightful combination of fresh seafood and creamy avocado, served in elegant cups that make any occasion feel special. Each bite is a burst of flavor, with zesty lime and a hint of spice elevating the sweetness of the shrimp. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make, which means you can spend more time enjoying your guests and less time in the kitchen. Trust me, these will be a hit!

Created by

Naomi Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-07T10:19:05.996Z

When I first discovered this recipe, I was searching for something light yet impressive to serve at a dinner party. The combination of shrimp and avocado mirrored the luxurious elements of a classic martini, while remaining fresh and vibrant. I was particularly impressed by how quickly it came together; the trick is to not overcook the shrimp, keeping them tender and juicy.

As I started experimenting with flavors, I found that adding a dash of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder really brought out the natural sweetness of the shrimp and created a lovely contrast with the creaminess of the avocado. Each time I serve them, the cups are always the first to disappear!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh and vibrant flavors that impress at any gathering
Easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy time with your guests
A stunning presentation that adds elegance to your table

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the shrimp. Selecting fresh, high-quality shrimp is crucial, as it provides a sweet and succulent flavor that beautifully complements the creamy avocado. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator overnight. This maintains their texture and ensures even cooking. Remember, overcooked shrimp will become rubbery, so cook them until they are just pink and opaque for the best results.

The avocado is essential for adding rich creaminess to each bite. When choosing avocados, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating ripeness. If your avocados are not ripe enough, you can place them in a brown paper bag at room temperature for a day or two to speed up the ripening process. Adding lime juice not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the avocados from browning too quickly.

Perfecting the Cooking Technique

When cooking the shrimp, ensure your skillet is hot before adding the olive oil and shrimp. This helps to achieve a nice sear, enhancing the flavor through the Maillard reaction. If your shrimp are crowded in the pan, they will steam rather than sear, so consider cooking them in batches if necessary. Look for a golden color on the shrimp as an indicator that they are perfectly cooked; they should curl into a C shape.

For the avocado mixture, mixing until creamy is key. Over-mashing can lead to a dry texture, so use a fork to combine the ingredients until smooth but slightly chunky. The freshness from the cilantro adds a lovely herbaceous note, balancing the richness of the avocado. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mixture.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Avocado Mixture

2 ripe avocados, mashed
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Salt to taste

For Serving

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh lime wedges for garnish
4 small cups or martini glasses

Preparation

Instructions

Cook the Shrimp

In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Make the Avocado Mixture

In a bowl, combine the mashed avocados, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt. Mix well until creamy.

Assemble the Cups

In each martini glass, layer the avocado mixture at the bottom, followed by a generous portion of the cooked shrimp and a few halved cherry tomatoes on top. Garnish with lime wedges.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of hot sauce to the avocado mixture or garnishing with additional cilantro or green onions.

Serving Suggestions

These Shrimp and Avocado Martini Cups can be served as an elegant appetizer or light meal. To elevate them further, consider adding a small dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess. You could also drizzle a bit of sriracha or a cilantro-lime dressing over the shrimp for an extra flavor layer.

If you’re hosting a gathering, these cups can be arranged on a large platter, garnished with additional lime wedges and sprigs of cilantro for visual appeal. This not only enhances the presentation but also encourages guests to help themselves while mingling.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These cups are best served fresh, but if you prefer to prepare them ahead of time, you can cook the shrimp in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, I recommend assembling the cups just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning and maintaining the shrimp's optimal texture.

If you find yourself with leftover avocado mixture, try incorporating it into salads or as a spread on toast. Just remember to add a little more lime juice to help prevent browning and keep it fresh longer. The shrimp can also be used in other dishes like tacos or salads to repurpose any leftovers deliciously!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.

→ How do I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the shrimp and avocado mixture in advance, but it's best to assemble the cups shortly before serving to keep everything fresh.

→ What can I substitute for avocado?

You could try a creamy yogurt or a tofu blend if you're looking for a different texture.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

It's best to consume these immediately; however, you can store leftover shrimp and avocado mixture separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours.