Nothing beats the vibrant freshness and zesty flavor of a truly great Shrimp Ceviche Recipe. This dish bursts with bright citrus notes, the perfect balance of tender shrimp and crunchy vegetables, and just the right amount of spice to wake up your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a light appetizer or a crowd-pleasing snack, this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe offers a simple yet stunning combination of colors, textures, and aromas that makes every bite a celebration of coastal flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making a fantastic Shrimp Ceviche Recipe. The simplicity of these ingredients belies the harmony they create when combined: each component adds fresh texture, a burst of color, or a zing of citrus that elevates the dish.
- 2 pounds cooked shrimp: Make sure they are peeled, deveined, tail removed, and chopped for easy eating.
- 1/2 cup red onion (diced): Adds a slight sharpness and crunch that cuts through the citrus.
- 1 jalapeno pepper (seeds removed and minced): Provides a gentle heat that wakes up your palate without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup cucumber (diced): Offers cool crispness that balances the dish beautifully.
- 1 cup Roma tomatoes (seeded and diced): Brings juiciness and vibrant red color for visual appeal.
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (chopped): Infuses bright, herbaceous notes essential for authentic ceviche.
- 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and chopped): Adds creamy texture to contrast the fresh crunch.
- 1/2 cup lime juice: Provides acidity that ‘cooks’ the shrimp flavors and lifts all ingredients.
- 1/2 cup lemon juice: Compliments the lime with its tangy zest for balanced citrus depth.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all flavors, sealing the harmony of the dish.
- Tortilla chips for serving: Perfect for scooping up the ceviche with a satisfying crunch.
How to Make Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Step 1: Combine Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing the chopped shrimp, diced red onion, minced jalapeno, diced cucumber, seeded tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and creamy avocado into a large mixing bowl. This colorful medley forms the heart of your shrimp ceviche—each ingredient playing a vital role in texture and flavor.
Step 2: Add Citrus and Season
Pour the lime juice and lemon juice over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. The acidity from these juices subtly melds and enhances all the flavors, while also brightening the texture. Sprinkle salt to your preference, then gently toss everything together to ensure every morsel is coated beautifully without mashing the avocado.
Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate your concoction for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to mingle, letting the shrimp soak up the citrusy goodness and the vegetables soften just enough to blend harmoniously.
How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Garnishes
To give your shrimp ceviche an extra pop, garnish with extra cilantro leaves or a few thin slices of jalapeno for those who like a little more heat. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can also add depth and a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crispy tortilla chips—the classic accompaniment for scoop-friendly enjoyment. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside fresh corn tortillas, a crisp green salad, or even grilled vegetables to balance the bright acidity of the ceviche.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this shrimp ceviche in charming individual glasses or small bowls for a beautiful appetizer presentation. You can also use hollowed-out avocado halves as natural edible bowls, adding color and flair straight from the ingredient list. Either way, the vibrant colors and fresh aroma will make it the star of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer your shrimp ceviche recipe into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain freshness and avoid the avocado browning or the ceviche becoming watery.
Freezing
Freezing ceviche is generally not recommended because the fresh vegetables and avocado can lose texture and become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to prepare only what you can enjoy within one or two days for optimal flavor and quality.
Reheating
This shrimp ceviche recipe is designed to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not required or suggested. Just bring it out from the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly and enjoy the full spectrum of flavors.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp for this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe?
While traditional ceviche uses raw seafood “cooked” in citrus juice, this recipe calls for cooked shrimp for convenience and safety. Using cooked shrimp is great for a quick, delicious ceviche without the concerns of raw seafood preparation.
How spicy is this ceviche with jalapeno?
The jalapeno adds a gentle warmth that complements the freshness of the ingredients. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeno or including the seeds for extra spice.
Can I prepare this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and chill it in the fridge. However, it’s best not to make it more than a day ahead to keep the avocado fresh and the veggies crisp.
What can I substitute for lime and lemon juice?
Lime and lemon juice give that essential acidity, but if needed, you can substitute with a citrus blend such as orange juice and a splash of vinegar, though the flavor may be milder and less traditional.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if served with gluten-free tortilla chips or on its own as a refreshing dish.
Final Thoughts
Making this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is truly a joy from start to finish. Its vibrant, fresh flavors never fail to impress, whether at a casual gathering or a special occasion. I encourage you to dive in, enjoy every bright bite, and share this delightful dish with friends and family—it’s a quick, refreshing treat that’s impossible not to love.
Print
Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shrimp Ceviche is a refreshing, no-cook seafood appetizer featuring succulent cooked shrimp marinated in fresh lime and lemon juice, mixed with crunchy vegetables and creamy avocado. Perfect for a light lunch or a party starter, it’s vibrant, flavorful, and served chilled with crispy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 2 pounds cooked shrimp (cooked, peeled, deveined, tail removed, and chopped)
- 1/2 cup red onion (diced)
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and minced
- 1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1 cup Roma tomatoes (seeded and diced)
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (chopped)
- 1 avocado (peeled, seeded, and chopped)
Marinade & Serving
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cooked shrimp, diced red onion, minced jalapeno, diced cucumber, diced Roma tomatoes, chopped cilantro leaves, and chopped avocado in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Citrus and Season: Pour the lime juice and lemon juice evenly over the shrimp mixture. Add salt according to your taste preferences. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure the shrimp and vegetables are well coated with the citrus juices and seasoning.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the ceviche to chill. Serve the ceviche cold, paired with tortilla chips for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh lime and lemon juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
- This recipe uses cooked shrimp, making it quick and easy with no actual cooking required.
- For a spicier ceviche, keep the jalapeno seeds or add extra minced jalapeno.
- To maintain avocado freshness and prevent browning, add it just before serving or toss with a little extra lime juice.
- Store leftover ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
