Description
These Cajun Shrimp Sweet Potato Bites are a flavorful and colorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a light meal. Crispy baked sweet potato slices are topped with creamy homemade guacamole and spicy, perfectly sautéed Cajun shrimp, creating a delicious combination of textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Fries
- 1 sweet potato, sliced into 1/4″ slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt, to season
Guacamole
- 4 small avocados
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
Cajun Shrimp
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Make the Fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with tin foil and brush the entire surface with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Slices: Arrange the 1/4-inch sweet potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Brush the tops of the slices with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt for seasoning.
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Bake the sweet potato slices in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove the baking sheet, carefully flip each slice using tongs to ensure even cooking, then return the sheet to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the Guacamole: In a food processor or blender, combine the avocados, cilantro, lime juice, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt. Pulse lightly until the mixture is smooth but still creamy. Set aside.
- Season the Shrimp: In a small bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with smoked paprika, ground cumin, sea salt, and chipotle chili powder to coat evenly with the Cajun spice blend.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Bites: Place each sweet potato slice on a platter. Top with a dollop of the prepared guacamole, then place one cooked shrimp on top. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe avocados for creamy guacamole.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes and chipotle chili powder.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until pink to avoid toughness.
- These bites can be prepared ahead by baking sweet potatoes and making guacamole, then cooking shrimp just before serving.
