This Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening at home. The combination of cooked shrimp, fresh vegetables, and zesty citrus creates a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also showcases vibrant colors and textures that make it a standout appetizer or main course. Enjoy this delightful ceviche as a dip with tortilla chips or serve it over grilled chicken for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses wholesome veggies and fresh citrus for bright flavors.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
- Healthy Choice: Low in calories and high in protein, making it a guilt-free delight.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeño or experimenting with different herbs.
Tools and Preparation
To create this Easy Shrimp Ceviche, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Necessary for boiling the shrimp quickly and efficiently.
- Colander: Helps drain the shrimp after cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating the shrimp with citrus juices and mixing in vegetables.
Ingredients
This delicious Mexican Shrimp Ceviche recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make at home! Cooked shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, and fresh citrus juices marinate together to create a vibrant medley of flavors.
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp (20/24 count, peeled, deveined, tails removed)
For the Marinade
- ½ cup lime juice (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
- ¼ cup orange juice (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Vegetables
- ½ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded, finely diced)
- 1 cup tomatoes (finely diced)
- 1 cup seedless cucumber (finely diced)
For Garnish
- 1 cup avocado (finely diced)
- ½ cup cilantro (finely chopped)
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
How to Make Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Shrimp
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add shrimp to boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn light pink and are cooked through.
- Immediately remove shrimp so they stop cooking. Allow them to cool before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large bowl, combine lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil, salt, and the cooked shrimp.
- Mix well and let marinate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
- While the shrimp marinates, finely dice the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and jalapeño.
- After 10 minutes of marinating, add these chopped vegetables into the bowl with the shrimp mixture.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Allow everything to marinate in the refrigerator for at least another 10 minutes.
- Just before serving, gently stir in avocado and cilantro.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Easy Shrimp Ceviche with baked tortilla chips or over grilled chicken for an enjoyable meal!
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Serving Easy Shrimp Ceviche is all about enhancing its fresh and vibrant flavors. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile option for gatherings or casual meals.
With Baked Tortilla Chips
- Baked tortilla chips are a classic pairing. Their crunch complements the tender shrimp and creamy avocado perfectly.
Over Grilled Chicken
- Serve the ceviche over grilled chicken breast for a protein-packed meal that’s bursting with flavor. The acidity of the ceviche will elevate the chicken’s taste.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps. Fill them with ceviche for a refreshing bite that’s easy to handle.
As a Salad Topper
- Use the shrimp ceviche as a topping for mixed greens or other salads. It adds a burst of flavor and makes any salad more exciting.
With Avocado Toast
- Spread your favorite bread with ripe avocado and top it with shrimp ceviche for an elevated brunch option.
As Part of a Seafood Platter
- Include your Easy Shrimp Ceviche on a seafood platter alongside other seafood delicacies for an impressive appetizer spread.
How to Perfect Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
To ensure your Easy Shrimp Ceviche turns out amazing every time, consider these helpful tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and produce. This enhances both the flavor and texture of your ceviche.
Adjust Citrus Levels: Depending on your taste, you can modify the lime, lemon, and orange juice ratios to find your perfect balance of acidity.
Chill Thoroughly: Allow the ceviche to marinate in the refrigerator longer if possible. This helps all flavors meld beautifully.
Taste Before Serving: Always taste your dish before serving to adjust salt or acidity levels, ensuring it meets your preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Shrimp Ceviche can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices provides a comforting base that balances the freshness of ceviche.
Corn Salsa: A sweet corn salsa brings additional texture and flavor that complements the shrimp without overpowering it.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs wonderfully, adding richness that contrasts nicely with the bright ceviche.
Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with fresh tomato salsa make for a perfect crunchy accompaniment.
Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred seasonal veggies add an earthy element that works well alongside the seafood.
Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with diced vegetables brings an added nutritional boost while providing a great contrast in texture.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo offers another layer of flavor and freshness, making it an ideal side for this dish.
Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut-infused rice provides a unique twist, balancing the acidity of the ceviche beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making shrimp ceviche can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can take away from its deliciousness.
- Overcooking the shrimp – Cooking shrimp for too long makes them tough. Only boil for 1-2 minutes until they turn light pink and remove them immediately.
- Skipping fresh ingredients – Using stale or canned produce dulls flavors. Always choose fresh lime, lemon, and avocado for the best taste.
- Neglecting marination time – Not allowing enough marination time results in bland ceviche. Ensure to marinate the shrimp and vegetables for at least 20 minutes.
- Ignoring seasoning – Under-seasoning leads to a lackluster dish. Taste your ceviche after mixing and adjust salt as needed.
- Cutting vegetables unevenly – Inconsistent sizes affect texture. Dice your vegetables finely and uniformly for a better bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days for best flavor.
Freezing Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of the shrimp and avocado.
- If necessary, freeze without avocado; consume within 1 month.
Reheating Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F. Place ceviche in an oven-safe dish and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Use medium power. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Gently warm in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid cooking further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this easy shrimp ceviche recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed and cooked before adding them to the marinade.
How long should I marinate my ceviche?
Marinate for at least 20 minutes for optimal flavor absorption.
What kind of shrimp works best?
Medium-sized shrimp (20/24 count) is ideal due to its balance of tenderness and bite.
Is this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on how much jalapeño you add; you can adjust it according to your preference.
Can I customize this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like mango or bell peppers for different flavors!
Final Thoughts
This easy shrimp ceviche recipe is not only quick but also packed with fresh flavors that make it perfect as an appetizer or snack. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a delightful treat every time. Try it today, and enjoy a refreshing taste of Mexico!
Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
This Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is a vibrant and refreshing dish that takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for any gathering or casual meal. The combination of juicy shrimp with fresh vegetables and zesty citrus creates an explosion of flavor that will impress your guests or satisfy your cravings at home. Serve it as an appetizer with crispy tortilla chips, or elevate your dinner by topping grilled chicken with this delightful ceviche. With its colorful presentation and healthy profile, this recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers looking for a quick yet gourmet option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- ½ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1 jalapeño (finely diced)
- 1 cup tomatoes (finely diced)
- 1 cup seedless cucumber (finely diced)
- 1 cup avocado (finely diced)
- ½ cup cilantro (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil shrimp in a large pot of water for 1-2 minutes until light pink. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil, salt, and the cooled shrimp. Mix well and marinate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Dice tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and jalapeño while the shrimp marinates. Add to the shrimp mixture.
- Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes before gently folding in avocado and cilantro.
- Serve chilled with tortilla chips or over grilled chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
