Best Ever Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
If you have been searching for a refreshing, zesty, and crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than this Best Ever Shrimp Ceviche Recipe. Bursting with the tang of fresh lime juice and the vibrant colors of ripe avocado, tomato, and jalapeno, this ceviche transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed fiesta. Whether you prefer your shrimp pre-cooked or fresh, the acid in the lime juice gently “cooks” the shrimp, creating a light, healthy, and utterly irresistible appetizer or light meal that’s perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave something bright and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, easily found, and each one adds its own essential touch to the final dish, from the tangy citrus notes to the creamy texture and exciting crunch of fresh vegetables.
- 1 pound raw or cooked shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tail off shrimp are best for easy handling and perfect texture.
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 large limes): Freshly squeezed lime juice is critical to “cooking” the shrimp and adding that signature ceviche zing.
- 1 large tomato (diced): Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color that brightens every bite.
- 1 large avocado (diced): Creamy richness that balances the acidity beautifully.
- 1/2 cup red onion (minced): Provides a gentle sharpness and crunch for texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup cilantro (minced): Fresh herbaceous notes that make the dish feel festive and fresh.
- 1 jalapeno (seeded and diced): Adds just the right touch of heat without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out and enhancing all the natural flavors.
How to Make Best Ever Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Step 1: Thaw and Prepare the Shrimp
If you’re using frozen shrimp, start by placing them in a medium bowl and covering with warm tap water to thaw in about 10 minutes. This quick thaw readies the shrimp perfectly without any mushiness, ensuring they maintain their firm, succulent bite once marinated.
Step 2: Juice the Limes
While the shrimp are thawing, squeeze fresh lime juice from about six large limes into a large bowl. Avoid bottled lime juices at all costs—they simply don’t provide the bright, natural acidity needed to “cook” the shrimp and enliven the dish.
Step 3: Dice and Add Shrimp
Drain the shrimp well and gently squeeze out excess water, then dice them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the lime juice. This step ensures each shrimp piece is fully coated and ready to absorb the bright tang of the lime.
Step 4: Marinate Shrimp
For cooked shrimp, a quick 15-minute marinade is enough; for raw shrimp, allow 1.5 hours or until the shrimp turns opaque and pink. The lime juice’s natural acidity will “cook” the shrimp, making it safe to eat while imparting that fresh ceviche flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Vegetables
While the shrimp marinates, dice the tomato, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno. Keep the avocado separate and add it right before mixing everything to prevent browning—this keeps your ceviche looking as gorgeous as it tastes.
Step 6: Combine and Season
Add the diced vegetables to the shrimp and lime mixture, then stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but remember to go easy on the salt at first since tortilla chips can be quite salty, and you don’t want to overpower the freshness.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Keep your ceviche cold until it’s ready to serve—this enhances the refreshing flavors and ensures that each bite is cool and crisp.
How to Serve Best Ever Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves or a few extra diced avocado pieces on top add a beautiful finishing touch. Thin slices of radish or a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions also offer a lovely pop of color and crunch.
Side Dishes
This ceviche pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips, making it perfect for dipping and sharing. You can also serve it atop tostadas for an easy hand-held snack or in tacos for a fresh, bright main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the ceviche in individual glasses or small bowls as elegant appetizers. Layer it with a bit of guacamole or mango salsa for an extra burst of flavor and stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 24 hours to enjoy optimal freshness and texture, as the acid continues to “cook” the shrimp and can make it tougher over time.
Freezing
Freezing ceviche is not recommended as the delicate texture of the shrimp and avocado will deteriorate, and the lime juice’s acidity might intensify, altering the flavor negatively.
Reheating
Ceviche is served cold, so no reheating is needed or advised. Enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using cooked shrimp shortens the marinating time to about 15 minutes just to infuse the flavors, while raw shrimp will take longer to “cook” in the lime juice.
Is it safe to use raw shrimp in ceviche?
Yes, provided the shrimp is fresh and of good quality. The lime juice’s acidity effectively “cooks” the shrimp as it turns opaque and pink, making it safe to eat.
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
While lemon juice can work in a pinch, fresh lime juice gives that classic ceviche flavor that is both brighter and more aromatic, so it’s best to stick with limes for the Best Ever Shrimp Ceviche Recipe.
How spicy is this ceviche with jalapeno?
The jalapeno adds a gentle heat that wakes up the palate without overwhelming the shrimp’s delicate flavors. You can adjust the spiciness by adding fewer seeds or choosing a milder pepper.
What can I serve with shrimp ceviche?
Besides the classic tortilla chips or tostadas, shrimp ceviche pairs well with fresh salads, grilled corn, or even light rice dishes for a complete and refreshing meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Best Ever Shrimp Ceviche Recipe that makes it a standout dish to share with friends and family. The vibrant flavors, the fresh ingredients, and the ease of preparation all come together to create a dish that feels like a celebration every time you make it. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp with a zesty, refreshing twist.
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Best Ever Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and zesty shrimp ceviche recipe where raw shrimp is ‘cooked’ in fresh lime juice, combined with diced tomato, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno for a flavorful appetizer or snack. Perfect for serving chilled with tortilla chips, on tostadas, or in tacos.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound raw or cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined & tails off)
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice (6 large limes)
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1 large tomato (diced)
- 1 large avocado (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (minced)
- 1/2 cup cilantro (minced)
- 1 jalapeno (seeded & diced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, about 1/2 tsp salt recommended)
Instructions
- Thawing Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, place it in a medium bowl and cover with warm tap water. Let thaw for about 10 minutes to ensure it’s ready for preparation.
- Juicing Limes: While the shrimp thaws, squeeze fresh lime juice from 6 large limes into a large bowl. Avoid using bottled lime juice for best flavor and acidity.
- Preparing Shrimp: Drain the shrimp from the water, gently squeeze out excess moisture, dice the shrimp, and add it to the bowl containing the fresh lime juice.
- Marinating Shrimp: Let the shrimp marinate in the lime juice to ‘cook’ it. Marinate cooked shrimp for 15 minutes, or raw shrimp for 1.5 hours or until the shrimp becomes opaque and pink.
- Preparing Vegetables: While shrimp marinates, dice the tomato, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno, placing them into a separate bowl. If using raw shrimp, refrigerate these ingredients. Dice avocado just before combining to prevent browning.
- Combining Ingredients: Add the diced vegetables to the marinated shrimp, stir gently, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to adjust salt last since tortilla chips tend to be salty.
- Serving: Serve the shrimp ceviche chilled with tortilla chips, on tostadas, or inside tacos for a delicious and vibrant dish.
Notes
- Do not use bottled lime juice; fresh lime juice is essential for authentic flavor and proper ‘cooking’ of the shrimp.
- If using raw shrimp, marinate longer (about 1.5 hours) until shrimp turns opaque and pink, indicating it’s fully ‘cooked’.
- Dice the avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
- Adjust salt after tasting with tortilla chips to avoid making the dish too salty.
- Serve ceviche cold for the best refreshing experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (marination time)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
