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- 2 ripe avocados - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) You can add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. A splash of white wine can boost the sauce's flavor. If you want more heat, include extra red pepper flakes. You might also enjoy a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Fresh basil can replace parsley for a different taste. If you're allergic to shrimp, try using chicken or tofu. For a vegan option, use chickpeas instead of shrimp. If you're watching carbs, skip the avocado and serve the filling on a bed of greens. For gluten-free needs, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Start by cutting the avocados in half. Use a sharp knife and be careful! Remove the pits gently. Scoop out a bit of the avocado flesh with a spoon. This makes room for the filling. Save the scooped-out flesh in a bowl for later. You will mix it into the shrimp filling. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until you smell the garlic. Be careful not to burn it! Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Stir occasionally for even cooking. Once the shrimp are cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Gently fold in the reserved avocado flesh. This adds creaminess to the filling. Now it’s time to fill the avocados. Spoon the shrimp scampi mixture into the avocado halves. Press gently to pack the filling. This helps it stay in place. For a nice touch, garnish with halved cherry tomatoes on top. They add color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy your beautiful shrimp scampi stuffed avocados! Choosing the right avocados is key. You want ripe avocados that are not too soft. Gently squeeze the avocado; it should yield a bit but not feel mushy. Look for a dark green skin with some texture. Avoid any that have large dark spots or feel overly firm. If you buy hard avocados, let them ripen on the counter for a few days. Once ripe, store them in the fridge to slow down the ripening process. Cooking shrimp can be simple if you follow a few tips. Start with fresh or thawed shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Heat your skillet to medium heat before adding olive oil. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. Season the shrimp well with salt and pepper. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they are pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp tough, so keep an eye on them. Stir occasionally for even cooking. Presentation makes a dish more inviting. For stuffed avocados, use a bright white platter to make the colors pop. Place the avocado halves neatly on the platter. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top for shine. You can also sprinkle more fresh parsley for a fresh look. Adding halved cherry tomatoes not only adds color but also freshness. This simple touch makes your dish look gourmet and appetizing. {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well here. Use cooked, shredded chicken. Crab is another tasty choice. Simply mix in lump crab meat instead of shrimp. Both options add great flavor and texture. If you want a veggie option, use cooked mushrooms. They give a nice texture. You can also try chickpeas. Just mash them slightly and mix with the garlic and spices. For a fresh twist, add diced bell peppers. They add color and crunch. Enhance your dish with spices and herbs. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also try fresh basil or cilantro. Both herbs add a fresh taste. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavor too. Don't be afraid to experiment! To store leftovers, place any uneaten stuffed avocados in an airtight container. Make sure to keep them in the fridge. They are best eaten within one day. The avocado can brown quickly, so try to eat it soon. If you have extra shrimp scampi filling, you can store that too. Keep it in a separate container for better freshness. I recommend not freezing stuffed avocados. The texture of the avocado changes when frozen. However, you can freeze the shrimp scampi filling. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat shrimp scampi, use a skillet. Heat it over medium-low heat. Stir the filling gently until warmed through. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender. If you need to reheat in the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy the filling warm and fresh inside the avocado! Yes, you can prepare Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Avocados ahead of time. However, I suggest waiting to fill the avocados until you are ready to serve. The avocado can brown quickly once cut. To keep the filling fresh, you can cook the shrimp mixture and store it in the fridge. Just remember to add the filling to the avocados just before serving for the best flavor and texture. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. To do this, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. Frozen shrimp can work well in this recipe. They taste great when cooked properly and can save you time. You can serve Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Avocados with many side dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Light salad with mixed greens - Garlic bread for dipping - Rice or quinoa for a filling meal - A chilled white wine for a nice touch These sides pair well and enhance your meal experience. Enjoy your cooking! You learned how to make Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Avocados. We covered the key ingredients and fun options to add flavor. I shared easy steps for prepping avocados and cooking shrimp. I also gave helpful tips for picking avocados and serving the dish. If you want, try new proteins or flavor boosts. Remember, you can store leftovers and even freeze them. Making this dish is fun and tasty. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Avocados

Discover the deliciousness of Shrimp Scampi Stuffed Avocados, the perfect blend of flavors that's sure to impress! This simple recipe features creamy avocados filled with succulent shrimp, garlic, and zesty lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal appetizer or light meal. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your culinary skills today!
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Ingredients
  

2 ripe avocados

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cut the avocados in half and carefully remove the pits. Scoop a bit of the avocado flesh to create more room for the filling, and set the scooped flesh aside in a bowl.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.

        Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Gently mix in the reserved avocado flesh to create a creamy stuffing.

          Spoon the shrimp scampi mixture into the avocado halves, pressing gently to pack the filling.

            Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes on top for a pop of color and freshness.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed avocados on a white platter for contrast, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil or a sprinkle of additional fresh parsley for visual appeal. Enjoy as a delightful appetizer or light meal!