There is something truly magical about this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe that makes it such a beloved dish, especially when you’re craving something fresh, tangy, and vibrant. Combining the brightness of fresh lime and lemon juice with the sweet, tender shrimp and crisp vegetables, this dish bursts with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re planning a lively summer gathering or a light, no-cook dinner, this recipe brings a fiesta of tastes to your table that’s sure to impress and delight your palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each one playing a key role in crafting that perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Shrimp Ceviche Recipe. From the citrus juices that “cook” the shrimp to the crunchy veggies and creamy avocado, everything comes together beautifully.
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped): The star of the dish, providing sweet, tender seafood flavor.
- ¾ cup fresh lime juice (about 6–8 limes): Vital for “cooking” the shrimp and adding zesty brightness.
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons): Adds a complementary tang that deepens the citrus profile.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Juicy and colorful, they add freshness and a bit of natural sweetness.
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion: Brings sharpness and crunch to balance the citrus.
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced): Adds subtle heat without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
- 1 cucumber (peeled, seeded, and diced): Provides cool, crisp texture to lighten the dish.
- 1 avocado (diced): Creamy richness that complements the zesty shrimp perfectly.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Infuses fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of green color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Tortilla chips (for serving, optional): A crunchy vessel perfect for scooping up every delicious bite.
How to Make Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by placing your chopped raw shrimp in a non-reactive glass bowl—this keeps the flavors pure and prevents any metallic taste. Pour the fresh lime and lemon juice over the shrimp until it’s fully submerged. This citrus bath “cooks” the shrimp, turning it from translucent to beautifully opaque in 30 to 45 minutes. Give it an occasional stir to ensure even marination.
Step 2: Drain Most of the Citrus Juice
Once your shrimp is perfectly “cooked” by the citrus, drain off most of the juice, but leave a little behind to keep your ceviche moist and flavorful. This step balances wetness and prevents the dish from becoming too watery.
Step 3: Combine Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
Now, it’s time to fold in the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, diced cucumber, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro. Gently toss everything together to maintain the delicate textures and ensure every bite is bursting with vibrancy and freshness.
Step 4: Season and Chill
Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then cover and chill the ceviche for another 10 minutes. This short chill allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, resulting in a refreshing and harmonious dish that’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your ceviche experience. A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño amps up the freshness and a little zing. You can also add a wedge of lime alongside so everyone can add a little extra citrus punch if they want to.
Side Dishes
To complement the vibrant flavors of your shrimp ceviche, consider serving it with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping or crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option. A side of sweet plantain chips or a simple green salad with avocado and a citrus dressing makes for a well-rounded meal that never feels heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your ceviche in clear glass cups or small martini glasses at parties. Layering with avocado at the bottom adds a beautiful contrast of color. You can also use hollowed-out citrus halves like lime bowls for an extra-special touch that decorates the table as much as it delights the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover shrimp ceviche, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Because of the freshness and the avocado, it’s best enjoyed promptly to keep the textures vibrant and prevent the avocado from turning brown.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp ceviche isn’t recommended as the texture of the fresh vegetables and avocado will suffer. The shrimp will become rubbery, and the overall dish will lose its freshness and bright flavor, which are what make this recipe so special.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook, cold dish designed to be eaten fresh, reheating is not necessary or advised. Instead, prepare just enough to enjoy in one sitting for the best taste and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked shrimp can save time—just skip the marinating step and mix the shrimp directly with the other ingredients. This shortcut still yields delicious results, especially when you’re short on time.
How long does it take to marinate the shrimp?
About 30 to 45 minutes in the citrus juice is ideal for the shrimp to turn opaque and get “cooked” by the acids. Stir occasionally to ensure even marination. Over-marinating can make the shrimp tough, so keep an eye on the texture.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding diced mango or pineapple can introduce a tropical sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the citrus shrimp. If you like it spicier, serrano peppers are a fantastic alternative to jalapeños for an extra kick.
Is Shrimp Ceviche Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this shrimp ceviche is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet. Just be mindful of what you serve it with, like choosing gluten-free chips to keep it fully gluten-free.
How do I know when the shrimp is fully “cooked” in the marinade?
The shrimp will change color from translucent gray to a firm, opaque pinkish-white. This color change indicates the citrus juice has properly marinated and “cooked” the shrimp, making it safe and delicious to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is such a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect any time you want to impress with minimal effort. Its vibrant colors, lively flavors, and no-cook convenience make it one of my absolute favorites to keep in the summer recipe rotation. You really can’t go wrong by giving it a try and sharing it with your loved ones—get ready for compliments and requests for seconds!
Print
Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus 30–45 minutes marinating time)
- Total Time: 45–60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and zesty shrimp ceviche that features raw shrimp ‘cooked’ in fresh lime and lemon juice, combined with vibrant vegetables and herbs. This easy, no-cook Latin American dish is perfect as a light appetizer or a main course, served chilled with tortilla chips or lettuce cups for a delightful summer meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Citrus Marinade
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- ¾ cup fresh lime juice (about 6–8 limes)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
- 1 cucumber (peeled, seeded, and diced)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving
- Tortilla chips (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the chopped raw shrimp in a glass or non-reactive bowl. Pour the lime and lemon juice over the shrimp until fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque and are “cooked” in the citrus juice.
- Drain Excess Juice: Drain off most of the juice from the shrimp, leaving just a little to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
- Combine Vegetables and Herbs: Add the diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, diced cucumber, diced avocado, and chopped fresh cilantro to the shrimp. Gently toss everything together to combine evenly.
- Season and Chill: Season the ceviche with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp ceviche cold, accompanied by tortilla chips or spooned into crisp lettuce cups for an appealing presentation.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-cooked shrimp and skip the citrus marinating step — simply mix all ingredients together.
- Add diced mango or pineapple for a tropical sweetness that complements the tangy ceviche.
- For added heat, substitute or add serrano peppers instead of jalapeño.
