Shrimp Ceviche is a refreshing and zesty dish that combines tender shrimp with fresh citrus, crisp vegetables, and vibrant herbs. Bursting with bold flavors, this classic seafood appetizer is light, tangy, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
I first made this ceviche for a summer cookout, and it quickly became the star of the meal. The combination of citrus-marinated shrimp, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a kick of jalapeño created the perfect balance of freshness and heat. Served with tortilla chips or on crispy tostadas, it was an instant crowd-pleaser.
What’s great about this Shrimp Ceviche is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal cooking and just a little marinating time, you can create a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a light appetizer or enjoying it as a refreshing main course, this ceviche is a must-try for seafood lovers!
Perfect for:
- Summer gatherings
- Light and healthy meals
- Seafood lovers
- Quick and easy appetizers
- Outdoor parties and picnics
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Shrimp Ceviche will become your go-to seafood dish:
- Bright and Fresh: The combination of citrus juice, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro creates a lively, refreshing flavor.
- No Cooking Required: The acid from the lime juice “cooks” the shrimp, making it an easy, heat-free recipe.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, vitamins, and antioxidants for a guilt-free indulgence.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute meals or entertaining.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice with jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: A great dish to serve at parties, potlucks, or gatherings.
- Low in Calories: A light yet flavorful option for those watching their calorie intake.
- Pairs Well with Drinks: Complements mocktails, or cold soda.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with tortilla chips, tostadas, or as a salad topping.
- Burst of Citrus Goodness: The lime and lemon juice enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150-200 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 3g
Ingredients
For the Ceviche:
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional for spice)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced radishes
- Extra lime wedges
- Hot sauce
Ingredient Highlights
- Fresh Shrimp: High in protein and naturally sweet, making it the perfect base for ceviche.
- Citrus Juice: The lime and lemon juice “cook” the shrimp while adding bright acidity.
- Cilantro and Jalapeño: Bring a fresh and slightly spicy kick to the dish.
- Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Chop the Shrimp: Cut shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
- Marinate in Citrus Juice: Pour lime and lemon juice over the shrimp, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Cover and let sit for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns opaque and pink.
Assemble the Ceviche:
- Drain Excess Juice: Once the shrimp is “cooked,” drain most of the citrus juice, leaving about ¼ cup for flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Mix in the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cucumber, and cilantro.
- Season to Taste: Add salt, black pepper, and adjust lime juice if needed. Gently fold in diced avocado if using.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve chilled with tortilla chips, over tostadas, or in lettuce cups. Garnish with sliced radishes and extra lime wedges.
How to Serve
Here are 10 ways to enjoy Shrimp Ceviche:
- With Tortilla Chips: Scoop up ceviche with crispy tortilla chips for a classic pairing.
- On Tostadas: Spread it over crunchy tostadas for a satisfying bite.
- In Lettuce Cups: A low-carb option that keeps things light and refreshing.
- As a Taco Filling: Use ceviche as a fresh and zesty taco topping.
- Over Rice: Serve it over a bed of cilantro-lime rice for a heartier meal.
- With Avocado Halves: Stuff avocado halves with ceviche for a beautiful presentation.
- Alongside Grilled Fish: A perfect complement to a seafood feast.
- With Cucumber Slices: Use cucumber slices as a crisp, healthy alternative to chips.
- In a Seafood Mocktail Glass: Serve in a mocktail glass with a spoon for a sophisticated appetizer.
- With a Side of Black Beans: Add a side of seasoned black beans for a balanced meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Shrimp – Fresh, high-quality shrimp will give your ceviche the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking.
- Precook for Safety – While traditional ceviche uses raw seafood cured in citrus, it’s safer to briefly boil or poach shrimp before marinating to eliminate any risk of bacteria.
- Chill for Optimal Flavor – Let the ceviche marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the shrimp to absorb the citrusy goodness.
- Balance the Acidity – Lime and lemon juice are essential, but too much acidity can overpower the dish. Adjust the citrus ratio to your taste and add a touch of orange juice for a hint of sweetness.
- Finely Chop Ingredients – Dice onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution of flavors in every bite.
- Season Gradually – Start with a little salt and adjust as needed. Too much salt too soon can draw out excess moisture from the ingredients, making the ceviche watery.
- Add Heat to Taste – Jalapeños, serranos, or a dash of hot sauce can add a spicy kick. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor or keep them for extra heat.
- Use Fresh Herbs – Cilantro enhances the freshness of the ceviche. If you’re not a fan, try substituting with fresh parsley or a mix of green onions and mint.
- Serve Chilled – Keep ceviche cold until serving to maintain its refreshing taste. Serve in a chilled bowl or over ice to prevent it from warming up too quickly.
- Pair with Crunchy Sides – Serve with tortilla chips, tostadas, or crispy plantain chips for a satisfying crunch that complements the juicy, tangy ceviche.
Recipe Variations
- Mango Shrimp Ceviche: Add diced mango for a sweet and tropical twist.
- Mexican-Style Ceviche: Include Clamato juice and Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Peruvian-Inspired Ceviche: Serve with sweet potatoes and corn for an authentic touch.
- Spicy Habanero Ceviche: Swap jalapeño for habanero if you love intense heat.
- Coconut Lime Ceviche: Mix in coconut milk for a creamy and exotic flavor.
- Mixed Seafood Ceviche: Add scallops, fish, or octopus for a seafood medley.
- Pineapple Shrimp Ceviche: Add pineapple chunks for a fruity, tropical flair.
- Cucumber-Lime Ceviche: Increase cucumber and lime for a cooling, hydrating variation.
- Ahi Tuna Ceviche: Replace shrimp with diced raw tuna for a sashimi-style ceviche.
- Avocado-Lover’s Ceviche: Mash avocado into the marinade for extra creaminess.
Special Equipment
- Sharp Knife: For finely dicing vegetables and shrimp.
- Citrus Juicer: To easily extract fresh lime and lemon juice.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating and mixing the ingredients.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: To drain excess citrus juice.
- Serving Dish: A chilled bowl or mocktail glasses for presentation.
FAQ Section
- Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but it won’t absorb as much citrus flavor. Reduce marinating time to 5 minutes. - How long does ceviche last?
It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. - Can I make it in advance?
Yes, prepare everything except the avocado and mix it in just before serving. - What if my shrimp isn’t fully opaque?
Let it sit in the citrus juice longer, checking every few minutes. - Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch. - Is it safe to eat raw shrimp?
The acid in lime juice “cooks” the shrimp, but use high-quality seafood for safety. - How do I make it less tart?
Add a bit of orange juice or extra diced tomatoes for balance. - What’s the best shrimp to use?
Wild-caught, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for freshness and convenience. - Can I freeze ceviche?
Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture. - How do I make it extra spicy?
Add diced serrano or habanero peppers for more heat.
Conclusion
Shrimp Ceviche is a bright and refreshing dish bursting with citrusy flavors, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables. This no-cook recipe lets the acidity of lime and lemon juice gently “cook” the shrimp, creating a light yet satisfying appetizer or main course. Packed with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, zesty onions, and a hint of spice from jalapeños, this dish is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh.
Quick and easy to prepare, Shrimp Ceviche is ideal for warm days, backyard gatherings, or a light, healthy meal. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips, over a bed of greens, or in lettuce cups for a refreshing twist. It’s endlessly customizable—add avocado for creaminess, mango for sweetness, or extra spice if you love the heat!
I can’t wait to see how your Shrimp Ceviche turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this dish your own!