Delicious Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats Recipe

Craving the delightful flavors of sushi but looking to skip the rolling and shaping? Look no further than these scrumptious Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats. This recipe is a delightful mix of creamy avocado, savory shrimp, fluffy sushi rice, and a drizzle of spicy mayo nestled in crisp cucumber boats. Perfect for those seeking a refreshing yet indulgent treat, these boats are sure to be a hit at any summer gathering or as a quick and satisfying weekday lunch.

The simplicity and speed of assembling these Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats will surprise you. They make for a perfect meal option on busy weeknights or a delightful addition to any party spread. The creamy avocado adds a silky touch to every bite, perfectly complementing the seasoned warmth of the shrimp. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic or a cozy sushi night at home, these cucumber boats are a versatile and fun twist on classic sushi flavors. So, gather your ingredients, assemble these delightful boats, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that’s both delicious and hassle-free.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings
• Offers a refreshing and indulgent sushi-inspired dish without the need for rolling
• Versatile recipe allows for ingredient substitutions to suit personal preferences or dietary needs
• Can be prepped ahead with components stored separately for convenience and optimal flavor and texture

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats Recipe Recipe

• Easy Sushi Vibes: Provides a sushi-like experience without the hassle of rolling or nori sheets.
• Refreshing and Indulgent: Offers a perfect balance of creamy avocado, seasoned shrimp, fluffy rice, and spicy mayo.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for busy weeknights, simple weekday lunches, or impressive party appetizers.
• Silky Avocado: Avocado adds a velvety texture and balances the warmth of the shrimp, enhancing each bite.
• Customizable and Adaptable: Easily swap ingredients like crab, chicken, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to suit preferences or dietary needs.
• Colorful Presentation: Arranging the boats on a platter with extra herbs or microgreens creates a visually appealing dish.
• Year-Round Versatility: Offers seasonal variations with toppings like tomatoes, corn, mango, salmon, or grilled chicken.
• Family-Friendly: Appeals to picky eaters with crunchy cucumbers and bold flavors, making it great for family sushi nights.
• Make-Ahead Option: Components can be prepped in advance for a quick meal, freezing shrimp and rice for future use.
• Gluten-Free and Customizable Heat: Suitable for gluten-free diets and adjustable heat levels in the spicy mayo.

Ingredients for Delicious Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats Recipe

Base

• 2 large cucumbers
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 cup cooked sushi rice

Shrimp

• 24 shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste

Avocado Mash

• 3 avocados, roughly mashed
• Salt, to taste
• Juice of 1 lime

Spicy Mayo

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha
• 1/4 cup Kewpie mayonnaise or regular mayonnaise

Pro Tips for Delicious Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats Recipe

To ensure your Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats turn out perfectly every time, opt for medium to large peeled and deveined shrimp for the ideal size and juiciness. Prepping the cucumber boats ahead is convenient, but for the best texture, assemble them just before serving to keep the shrimp and avocado mash fresh. When making the recipe, consider using short-grain white or brown rice as a substitute for sushi rice, but stickier rice varieties work best for easier assembly and enhanced flavor.

For the flavorful spicy mayo, adjust the amount of Sriracha to cater to your preferred level of spiciness. You can also omit the honey if you prefer a less sweet finish. Lastly, for those with dietary restrictions, ensure all your ingredients, including the mayo, Sriracha, and seasonings, are gluten-free. While the core ingredients like shrimp, cucumber, avocado, and rice are naturally gluten-free, double-checking these items will help accommodate any dietary needs.

How to Make Delicious Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats Recipe

Step 1: Season and Cook Shrimp

In a bowl, mix shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, and salt. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add shrimp, and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until opaque and pink.

Step 2: Prepare Avocado Mash

Combine mashed avocados with lime juice and salt in a bowl, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Step 3: Make Spicy Mayo

Combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, and honey (if desired) in a bowl, whisk until smooth. Adjust heat or sweetness to taste.

Step 4: Prepare Cucumber Boats

Thoroughly wash and dry cucumbers. Slice each cucumber lengthwise, then halve again to form quarters. Remove seeds and some inner flesh to create hollow boats.

Step 5: Fill Boats with Avocado Mash

Evenly distribute about 1 tablespoon of avocado mash onto the bottom of each cucumber boat.

Step 6: Add Sushi Rice Layer

Evenly spread a layer of cooked sushi rice over the avocado mash in each cucumber boat using a spoon.

Step 7: Top with Shrimp and Garnishes

Place three cooked shrimp on each cucumber boat, then drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats, it is recommended to keep each component separate for the best flavor and texture. Cover the avocado mash with plastic wrap pressed directly over the surface to prevent browning. Assemble the cucumber boats right before serving to maintain maximum crispness. Cucumbers do not freeze well, but you can freeze seasoned shrimp and cooked rice in advance, thawing them before assembling with fresh avocado and cucumber for a quick meal later on.

When prepping ahead, you can freeze seasoned shrimp and cooked rice, but it is best to assemble the cucumber boats just before serving for optimal freshness. Consider making swaps to customize the dish, such as using crab flakes or shredded chicken instead of shrimp, or trying different grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice. Additionally, adjust the heat level of the spicy mayo by varying the amount of Sriracha used or omitting honey for a less sweet finish. Remember to check the gluten-free status of ingredients like mayonnaise and seasonings if needed, as the core ingredients of the dish are naturally gluten-free.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have shrimp on hand, you can easily substitute them with cooked crab flakes or shredded chicken to create a similar seafood or protein element in the dish. This versatility allows you to tailor the recipe based on what ingredients you have available or personal preferences.

For a lower-carb option, you can swap out the sushi rice with cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice. Both alternatives will provide a nutritious base while still complementing the flavors of the avocado, shrimp, and spicy mayo. This substitution is great for those looking to reduce their carb intake or for individuals with specific dietary preferences or requirements.

If you prefer a different spicy mayo variation, feel free to use any creamy dressing you enjoy or simply mix a little hot sauce with regular mayonnaise as a substitute. This flexibility allows you to customize the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it easy to enjoy the dish while accommodating different flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try arranging the Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats on a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a tangy ponzu dressing. The contrast of the cool cucumbers against the warm shrimp and creamy avocado, paired with the zesty dressing, creates a refreshing and vibrant salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.

Another fun idea is to serve the Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats as a DIY sushi boat bar at your next gathering. Set up a station with all the components laid out separately – cucumber boats, seasoned shrimp, avocado mash, sushi rice, and spicy mayo. Let guests assemble their own boats with their choice of toppings like pickled ginger, sliced radish, or even mango slices for a customizable and interactive dining experience. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and cater to different taste preferences.

FAQs for Delicious Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats Recipe

Can I make these shrimp avocado cucumber boats ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the cucumber boats just before serving to maintain the freshness of the shrimp and avocado mash.

What can I substitute for shrimp in this recipe?

If you don’t have shrimp, you can use cooked crab flakes or shredded chicken as alternatives to fill the cucumber boats.

Can I freeze the shrimp and rice for later use?

Yes, you can prep and freeze the seasoned shrimp and cooked rice in advance. When ready to use, simply thaw and assemble them fresh with avocado and cucumber for a quick meal.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the mayo?

The spicy mayo in this recipe gets its heat from Sriracha. You can adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the spiciness level, or omit the honey for a less sweet finish.

Conclusion

Whether you’re enjoying these Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats as a quick lunch or serving them at a gathering, they never fail to impress with their vibrant flavors and delightful textures. The combination of creamy avocado, succulent shrimp, and zesty spicy mayo nestled in crisp cucumber boats is a true symphony for the taste buds.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings and toppings to suit the season or your preferences. These versatile boats can easily adapt to different ingredients, making them a versatile dish all year round. So, next time you’re in need of a refreshing and satisfying meal, turn to these Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Boats for a delightful culinary experience that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Bon appétit!