Wasabi Shrimp with Avocado on Rice Crackers: Your Go-To Appetizer!
Are you searching for an appetizer that is both refreshingly simple and bursting with vibrant flavors? Look no further! This delightful recipe for Wasabi Shrimp with Avocado on Rice Crackers is exactly what you need. It’s a brilliant adaptation from Gaby Dalkin’s acclaimed cookbook, Absolutely Avocados, promising a quick preparation time and an unforgettable taste experience. Perfect for entertaining or a light snack, these bites combine the creamy texture of avocado with the zesty kick of wasabi and the crunch of rice crackers. This dish is designed for ease and elegance, making it an ideal choice for any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Meet Gaby Dalkin: The Avocado Aficionado Behind What’s Gaby Cooking
For those unfamiliar with the culinary powerhouse that is Gaby Dalkin from What’s Gaby Cooking, allow me to introduce you to a truly remarkable individual. Gaby isn’t just a chef and cookbook author; she’s a personality brimming with energy and an undeniable, profound love for good food, especially avocados. Her passion is infectious, and her recipes reflect a joyous, vibrant approach to cooking that makes even the most complex dishes seem approachable and fun. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling with Gaby, and witnessing her devotion to avocados firsthand – she once devoured an entire bowl of guacamole the size of a soccer ball in one sitting, a testament to her genuine enthusiasm! Beyond her impressive culinary prowess, Gaby possesses a unique and captivating flair, managing to look effortlessly glamorous even under the scorching Austin sun at an outdoor barbecue. Her vibrant spirit and playful nature make any gathering fun and memorable; you simply can’t help but feel lighthearted and enjoy yourself when she’s around. She embodies the spirit of joyful eating and entertaining, which shines through in all her work.
Pictured here, from left to right, you can see myself (being a bit of a dork), Elise & Guy from the renowned Simply Recipes, the amazing Gaby Dalkin, and Catherine from Weelicious. It was truly a delightful gathering of culinary enthusiasts, sharing laughter and good company!
A Deep Dive into “Absolutely Avocados”: Gaby’s Must-Have Cookbook for Every Kitchen
Gaby’s groundbreaking book, Absolutely Avocados, is an absolute treasure for anyone who shares her passion for this creamy green fruit. Far from being just another cookbook, it’s a comprehensive and imaginative guide to incorporating avocados into every meal of the day, transforming them from a simple side dish to the undisputed star of the show. If you consider yourself an avocado enthusiast, or simply someone looking to expand their culinary horizons, this book is an indispensable addition to your kitchen library. It masterfully moves beyond the familiar guacamole and avocado toast, exploring innovative and sometimes surprising ways to enjoy avocados that you might never have imagined. Each page is filled with Gaby’s signature vibrant style and easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring that every dish turns out perfectly.
Beyond the Guac: Avocados in Every Course, Including Dessert!
What truly sets “Absolutely Avocados” apart is its incredible versatility and Gaby’s fearless culinary exploration. She challenges conventional thinking by presenting an array of recipes spanning breakfast, lunch, dinner, and most notably, dessert. Yes, you read that right – avocado in dessert! Imagine indulging in uniquely delicious treats like Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies, where the avocado adds an unexpected moistness and subtle richness, or a decadent Pound Cake with Avocado, which benefits from the fruit’s creamy texture and healthy fats. These recipes might sound surprising at first, but Gaby expertly blends the subtle, creamy texture and mild flavor of avocado into sweet treats, creating unique flavor profiles and often adding a healthy twist to classic desserts. The book is not just a collection of recipes; it’s a celebration of the avocado’s potential. It’s filled with practical tips for selecting the perfect ripe avocado, storing them to prevent browning, along with creative ideas for garnishes and presentations that elevate any dish. “Absolutely Avocados” is a valuable resource for both novice cooks eager to experiment and seasoned chefs looking to expand their avocado repertoire, proving once again Gaby’s creativity and her ability to make wholesome ingredients exciting and incredibly delicious.
The Star Appetizer: Wasabi Shrimp with Avocado on Rice Crackers
Inspired by Gaby’s innovative spirit and her dedication to making delicious food accessible, I’ve adapted one of her fantastic recipes from Absolutely Avocados. While her original recipe featured delicate sushi-grade tuna, I opted for the sheer convenience and delightful texture of pre-cooked salad shrimp readily available at most markets. This simple substitution makes the dish incredibly accessible and quick to prepare, significantly reducing prep time without compromising on flavor or elegance. This appetizer is truly a dream come true for avocado lovers and anyone seeking a light, flavorful, and easy-to-handle finger food. The carefully balanced combination of creamy, luscious avocado, the vibrant, spicy kick of wasabi-infused shrimp, and the satisfying crunch of a crisp rice cracker creates a harmonious explosion of taste and texture that will undoubtedly impress your guests. Or, if you’re not entertaining, it’s a perfect treat to brighten your own day. It’s an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings, a sophisticated potluck contribution, or simply a delightful, guilt-free snack for yourself.
Visual Guide: Wasabi Shrimp with Avocado on Rice Cracker Video Tutorial
To ensure you master this incredibly flavorful and easy recipe with absolute ease, we’ve included a helpful video tutorial. This visual guide will walk you through every step of the process, from preparing the zesty wasabi-infused shrimp mixture to mashing the perfectly ripe, creamy avocado. Watch how simple it is to combine these vibrant ingredients and skillfully assemble these irresistible bites. The video demonstrates each technique, making the entire process seamless and enjoyable for cooks of all skill levels. Get ready to create culinary magic in your own kitchen!
Mastering the Garnish: How to Make Curly Green Onions for a Professional Touch
Elevate your appetizer presentation from ordinary to extraordinary with a simple yet incredibly elegant garnish: curly green onions! These delicate, spring-like spirals add a professional, gourmet touch and a fresh, subtle onion flavor to your Wasabi Shrimp with Avocado bites. If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve this beautiful, restaurant-quality effect, we have a dedicated video to guide you through the precise process. It’s surprisingly easy to do and makes a significant difference in the overall visual appeal and freshness of your dish. This charming garnish is perfect for avocado enthusiasts looking to add that extra special touch to their culinary creations!
Wasabi Shrimp with Avocado on Rice Cracker Recipe
A remarkably quick and easy 15-minute appetizer featuring creamy avocado and zesty shrimp! This recipe is lovingly adapted from Gaby Dalkin’s “Absolutely Avocados” cookbook. For a different twist or if you prefer, feel free to use high-quality sushi-grade ahi tuna instead of the shrimp for an equally delicious result.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 1 stalk green onion, green part only (for exquisite garnish)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for a rich, umami base)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for nutty flavor and texture)
- 1 teaspoon prepared wasabi paste (or more, precisely to your preferred level of spiciness)
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil (for aromatic depth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (to enhance all flavors)
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped (for convenience and tenderness)
- 1/2 stalk green onions, thinly chopped (for vibrant color and mild onion flavor in the mixture)
- 1/4 red pepper or red chili, finely minced (for a subtle heat and beautiful color contrast)
- 2 ripe avocados (ensure they are perfectly ripe for creamy texture)
- 1/2 lime, squeezed (essential for preventing avocado browning and adding a zesty tang)
- 24 rice crackers (for that irresistible crisp base)
Instructions
- Prepare Green Onion Garnish: Begin by filling a medium bowl with a handful of ice cubes and enough cold water to fully cover them. Take the green part of one green onion stalk and cut it into approximately 3-inch lengths. Using a small, very sharp knife, carefully slice these green onion lengths lengthwise into incredibly thin strips. The thinner you slice them, the more beautifully they will curl. Immediately place these delicate green onion slivers into the ice water. Set the bowl aside; they will magically curl up into charming spirals as you continue with the rest of the recipe. For a visual demonstration, refer to our “How to Make Curly Green Onions” video.
- Create Wasabi Shrimp Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame seeds, prepared wasabi paste (start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your preferred level of heat), sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Once these ingredients are thoroughly combined to form a flavorful dressing, add the finely chopped cooked shrimp, the thinly chopped green onions (from the 1/2 stalk designated for the mixture), and the finely minced red pepper or chili. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the shrimp and vegetables are perfectly coated in the vibrant wasabi dressing.
- Prepare Creamy Avocado Mash: Halve the ripe avocados lengthwise. Carefully remove the large pit and discard it. Scoop the creamy avocado flesh out of its skin and transfer it to another bowl. Squeeze the fresh juice from half a lime directly over the avocado. The lime juice serves a dual purpose: it adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully, and crucially, it helps prevent the avocado from browning. Use a fork to mash the avocado to your desired consistency – some prefer it perfectly smooth and creamy, while others enjoy a slightly chunkier texture for added interest.
- Assemble the Bites: Take each individual rice cracker and spread a generous, even amount of the prepared mashed avocado on top. Ensure the avocado layer is consistent. Then, using a small spoon, carefully place a small portion of the wasabi shrimp mixture over the avocado on each cracker. Arrange the shrimp mixture artfully for an appealing presentation.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, retrieve your beautifully curled green onion garnish from the ice water. Drain them exceptionally well, gently patting them dry if needed. Artfully arrange a few of these delicate green onion curls on top of each Wasabi Shrimp and Avocado bite. Serve these fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning appetizers immediately to enjoy them at their best!
Notes
For a detailed visual guide on how to create those stunning curly green onions for garnish, which add such an elegant touch to this and many other dishes, be sure to check out this dedicated video tutorial. It’s a simple technique that truly adds a gourmet flourish!
Tried this recipe?
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