Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado

Name: Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 corn tostadas; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 ripe avocados, sliced; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; Juice of 2 limes; 1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional)

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

I absolutely love making Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado, as they bring together vibrant flavors and textures in a delightful way. The crispiness of the tostadas pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp and creamy avocado. Each bite offers a refreshing taste that transports me to sunny coastal locales. It’s a dish that's quick to whip up and always impresses my guests. With a sprinkle of lime and a dash of spicy sauce, these tostadas become a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:54:27.534Z

Creating these Shrimp Tostadas with Avocado is a joyous experience for me. I remember the first time I put them together – the combination of flavors was simply irresistible! The secret lies in the freshness of the shrimp and the versatility of the toppings, which I like to customize based on what's in season.

One tip I discovered is to quickly marinate the shrimp in lime juice, garlic, and chili to enhance their flavor without overwhelming the dish. This method not only tenderizes the shrimp but also allows it to soak up the zest before grilling. Try it, and you won't be disappointed!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crispy tostadas layered with perfectly seasoned shrimp
Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spice
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights

Ingredient Insights

The shrimp in this recipe are not just a protein; they are the star of the show, absorbing the spices beautifully. When selecting shrimp, look for those that are bright in color and firm to the touch. Fresh shrimp should ideally smell like the ocean; any strong fishy odor indicates they are past their prime. If fresh shrimp are unavailable, frozen shrimp is a convenient alternative, but make sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before using.

Avocados provide a creamy texture that acts as a counterbalance to the spices in the dish. It’s important to select ripe yet firm avocados; they should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. If you happen to choose ones that are under ripe, simply set them out at room temperature for a couple of days until they ripen. Slicing the avocados just before serving helps retain their vibrant green color and creamy quality.

Cooking Techniques

For perfectly cooked shrimp, ensure your skillet is preheated before adding the shrimp; this usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Look for a nice sizzle as they hit the pan, which indicates they are cooking correctly. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in a rubbery texture. If necessary, cook them in batches to achieve that beautiful, golden color on each shrimp.

When assembling the tostadas, consider using a fork to gently mash the avocado before topping the shrimp. This adds a wonderful creaminess and makes it easier to spread. Also, try to serve the tostadas on a platter immediately after assembly; letting them sit too long can cause the tostadas to become soggy, diminishing the delightful crunch that is essential to this dish.

Ingredients

For the Tostadas

8 corn tostadas
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings

2 ripe avocados, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 2 limes
1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional)

Gather all ingredients before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for 10 minutes.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until pink and opaque.

Assemble the Tostadas

Place the cooked shrimp on each corn tostada. Top with slices of avocado, chopped red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.

Finish with Lime

Drizzle lime juice over the assembled tostadas and serve immediately.

Enjoy your delightful Shrimp Tostadas warm!

Pro Tips

For added crunch, you can quickly bake the tostadas for a few minutes before assembling. Also, try different toppings like mango salsa or pickled vegetables for a unique twist.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re hosting a gathering, you can prepare certain components of this recipe ahead of time. The shrimp can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, sealed in an airtight container in the fridge. This not only saves you time on the day of the event but also allows the flavors to deepen even more.

Similarly, the toppings can be prepped beforehand. Chopping the onion and cilantro, and slicing the jalapeño can all be done a few hours in advance. Just keep them separate, and add the avocado right before serving to maintain its freshness.

Serving Suggestions

For added texture and flavor, consider serving these shrimp tostadas with a variety of salsas like mango salsa or a spicy tomato salsa. This can elevate the dish and offer different flavor profiles to your guests. You can even set up a taco bar style serving where guests can mix and match toppings.

Pairing the tostadas with a refreshing drink like a limeade, or even a light beer, elevates the casual dining experience, allowing the vibrant flavors of the shrimp and avocado to shine through. Even a sprinkle of feta cheese or crumbled queso fresco on top can introduce an unexpected twist to this delightful dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

→ How can I make these tostadas gluten-free?

Use gluten-free corn tortillas instead of regular tostadas.

→ What can I substitute for avocado?

You can use a creamy dressing or even a tahini sauce as an alternative.

→ How spicy are these tostadas?

They can be adjusted based on your preference by modifying the chili powder and adding or omitting jalapeños.