Shrimp Ceviche is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Succulent shrimp are marinated in fresh lime juice, absorbing all the zesty flavors of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp ceviche is an exciting blend of flavors: the tartness from the citrus marinade, the crunch of fresh veggies, and the tenderness of perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s incredibly versatile, and you can serve it as a light appetizer, a main course, or even a topping for tacos. Best of all, it’s a no-cook dish, which makes it the perfect meal for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove.
This ceviche is naturally low in calories and packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make shrimp ceviche, you’ll need a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores:
- Fresh Shrimp: The star of the dish! Use shrimp that are firm, pink, and have a clean, ocean-like smell. Make sure to peel and devein them.
- Citrus Juices: The combination of lime and lemon juice not only imparts tanginess but also “cooks” the shrimp.
- Red Onion: Finely diced red onions add a slight sharpness and crunch.
- Tomatoes: Juicy, ripe tomatoes give the ceviche a fresh flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a fragrant herbaceous element.
- Jalapeños: For a mild kick of heat, jalapeños are the perfect choice. You can adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- Cucumber: Adds crispness and balances the acidity of the citrus.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Avocado (optional): A creamy, rich addition to the ceviche that complements the tartness.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Ceviche
To get the most out of your shrimp ceviche, follow these helpful tips:
- Freshness is Key: Since shrimp ceviche is essentially marinated in citrus juice, using the freshest shrimp is essential to ensure a tender and flavorful dish.
- Time Your Marination: The shrimp only need about 2 to 3 hours to “cook” in the citrus juice. Longer marination can result in a tough texture, so keep an eye on the clock.
- Balance Your Citrus: Use a mixture of both lime and lemon for a more complex flavor profile. Lime brings a sharp tang, while lemon adds a hint of sweetness.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and makes a huge difference in the final taste of your ceviche.
- Customize Your Heat Level: You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or by removing the seeds for a milder version.
Variations of Shrimp Ceviche
While this shrimp ceviche recipe is classic, there are numerous ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations you can try:
Mango Shrimp Ceviche: Add diced ripe mango for a sweet twist on the traditional version. The fruity flavor balances beautifully with the citrusy shrimp.
Tropical Ceviche: Mix in other tropical fruits like pineapple, papaya, or coconut for a tropical flair that adds sweetness and extra flavor depth.
Coconut Shrimp Ceviche: Try incorporating coconut milk to create a creamy, tropical variation of ceviche. This gives the dish a richer texture that complements the shrimp.
Spicy Shrimp Ceviche: If you love heat, try adding serrano peppers or habaneros for a spicier version. A dash of hot sauce can also intensify the flavor.
Shrimp and Fish Ceviche: Combine shrimp with white fish like tilapia or snapper for a mixed ceviche. This combination offers an interesting texture contrast and expands the flavor profile.
How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp ceviche can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas for serving:
With Tortilla Chips: Scoop the ceviche with crispy tortilla chips for a delicious and satisfying appetizer or snack.
In Tacos: Use ceviche as a filling for soft corn tortillas. Top with avocado slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a fresh, light taco.
On Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb option, serve the ceviche in crisp lettuce cups as a fresh, gluten-free appetizer.
With Plantain Chips: For a unique twist, pair your ceviche with crunchy plantain chips, which offer a subtle sweetness and a crispy texture.
As a Salad: Spoon the ceviche over a bed of mixed greens or arugula for a refreshing salad that’s perfect for a light lunch.
How to Store Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp ceviche is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later use. Follow these guidelines to ensure your ceviche stays fresh:
- Refrigeration: Keep your ceviche in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. The citrus will continue to “cook” the shrimp, so it’s best to consume it the same day for optimal freshness.
- Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze shrimp ceviche due to the texture of the shrimp, you can freeze the leftover shrimp after they’ve been marinated and cooked. When you’re ready to use them, defrost and prepare a new batch of ceviche.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for ceviche? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them properly before using them in ceviche. Frozen shrimp might not have the same tenderness as fresh shrimp, but they’ll still work well in the dish.
How long do I need to marinate the shrimp? Marinate the shrimp for 2 to 3 hours in the citrus juices. The shrimp will “cook” in the acid, and they should turn pink and opaque when they’re ready.
Can I add other seafood to shrimp ceviche? Absolutely! You can add scallops, white fish, or even octopus for a seafood medley. Adjust the marination time according to the type of seafood you use.
Is shrimp ceviche gluten-free? Yes, shrimp ceviche is naturally gluten-free as it’s made from fresh seafood and vegetables. Just be sure to check the ingredients of any store-bought chips or accompaniments.
What’s the best type of shrimp for ceviche? Opt for fresh, firm shrimp. Large, wild-caught shrimp are a great choice because they hold up well in the marinating process.
Shrimp Ceviche (30 minutes)
Shrimp Ceviche is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Succulent shrimp are marinated in fresh lime juice, absorbing all the zesty flavors of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds shrimp, raw
- 3/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, minced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado peeled, chopped
- 3/4 cup of lime juice
- 3/4 cup coriander leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the shrimp, lime and lemon juice. Combine well, Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Add the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, avocado, orange juice, chopped coriander, and salt to the marinated shrimp. Stir until combine.
- Cover and let it sit in the freidge for at least 30 minutes or up to 7 hours.
- Serve over tortilla chips and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 267Total Fat 8gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 319mgSodium 1538mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 36g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Whether you’re a ceviche connoisseur or trying this vibrant dish for the first time, shrimp ceviche is a perfect recipe for bringing a burst of fresh flavor to your table. This dish is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. So go ahead and gather your ingredients—your taste buds will thank you for it!
