Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Citrus Avocado Salsa
Tender Gulf shrimp pan-seared to perfection and topped with a refreshing citrus avocado salsa, combining creamy and zesty flavors. This latin american-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes blends Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined, Olive oil, Garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 medium Ripe avocado, diced
- 1 medium Orange, segmented and chopped
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 2 tbsp Red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small Jalapeño, seeded and minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined Gulf shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and slightly golden.
- Step 3: While shrimp cook, combine 1 diced medium avocado, 1 chopped segmented orange, 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small minced jalapeño, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a bowl. Gently mix to create the citrus avocado salsa.
- Step 4: Plate the cooked shrimp and spoon the citrus avocado salsa over the top, serving immediately for a bright and flavorful dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Citrus Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Citrus Avocado Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Citrus Avocado Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Citrus Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Gulf Shrimp with Citrus Avocado Salsa?
Latin American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
