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Spicy Shrimp & Avocado Phyllo Cups

Delightful blend of crunchy phyllo pastry filled with creamy avocado and topped with succulent spiced shrimp, perfect for entertaining.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Keyword: Avocado Recipes, Easy Entertaining, Phyllo Cups, Seafood Dishes, Shrimp Appetizer
Servings: 12 cups
Calories: 135kcal

Ingredients

For the Phyllo Cups

  • 12 sheets phyllo dough, thawed The key to those crispy, flaky cups that melt in your mouth.
  • 4 tbsp melted butter or olive oil To brush onto the phyllo for that golden hue and rich flavor.

For the Avocado Filling

  • 2 ripe avocados Creamy and fresh, providing a silky base for the filling.
  • 1 juice of 1 lime Adding zesty brightness to the avocados.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Infusing the filling with a robust flavor.
  • 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped A herb that elevates the taste profile with its fresh aroma.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Essential for enhancing flavors.

For the Shrimp

  • 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined The star protein that will bring the dish to life.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika Introducing a rich, smoky flavor to the shrimp.
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper For that extra kick of heat.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing the shrimp to perfection.

For Serving

  • Lime wedges For serving, adding an extra citrusy zing.
  • Fresh cilantro leaves To garnish and enhance the presentation.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Brush a sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter or olive oil and layer four sheets on top of each other.
  • Cut the stacked sheets into 3-inch squares and press them into mini muffin tins to form cups.
  • Bake these for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden and crisp. Let them cool completely.

Make the Avocado Filling

  • Mash the ripe avocados in a mixing bowl.
  • Add in the lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
  • Taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Prepare the Shrimp

  • Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are slightly charred.

Assemble the Cups

  • Once your phyllo cups are cool, fill each one generously with the creamy avocado mixture.
  • Adorn each cup with a piece of your perfectly cooked shrimp.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for a touch of brightness.

Serve

  • Arrange the phyllo cups on a festive platter and serve immediately to enjoy the crunch and freshness at its best.

Notes

To achieve extra crispiness in your phyllo cups, be sure to brush each layer generously with melted butter or olive oil. You can also experiment with spices, like garlic powder or cumin, for added depth. Consider adding diced tomatoes or red onion into the avocado filling for extra flavor and texture.