Description
Shrimp Ceviche is a refreshing Latin American appetizer featuring raw shrimp marinated in fresh lime and lemon juice, which ‘cooks’ the shrimp without heat. Mixed with vibrant ingredients like red onion, tomatoes, jalapeño, cucumber, and cilantro, this zesty dish is served chilled, often accompanied by tortilla chips or tostadas for added crunch. Perfect for a light, healthy starter with bright citrus flavors and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8–10 limes)
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Additional Ingredients
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- Tortilla chips or tostadas, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the chopped shrimp in a glass or non-reactive bowl. Pour the fresh lime and lemon juice over the shrimp until they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even marination. The acid in the citrus juice will ‘cook’ the shrimp, turning them opaque.
- Drain Excess Juice: When the shrimp have turned fully opaque, indicating they are ‘cooked,’ drain off about half of the citrus juice to prevent the ceviche from becoming too sour.
- Combine Vegetables and Season: Add the finely diced red onion, roma tomatoes, minced jalapeño, diced cucumber, and chopped cilantro to the shrimp. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, gently stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Avocado: Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado if using, to add creaminess and balance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp ceviche chilled with tortilla chips or on tostadas as a fresh and vibrant appetizer.
Notes
- Use the freshest shrimp possible for optimal flavor and food safety.
- Optional blanching: Boil shrimp in water for 1 minute before marinating if you prefer partially cooked shrimp.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeño to your taste.
- For a dairy-free and gluten-free option, omit any accompaniments that are not certified gluten-free.
