Zesty Shrimp Ceviche Recipe Everyone Will Love

Zesty shrimp ceviche changes ordinary seafood into a vibrant culinary experience that dances across taste buds.

Fresh ingredients merge into a refreshing blend of tangy and bright flavors that captivate the senses.

Raw seafood marinates in citrus juices, creating a delightful chemical reaction that gently “cooks” the delicate protein.

Latin American cuisine celebrates this technique as a cool, light alternative to traditional hot dishes.

Crisp vegetables add texture and crunch, complementing the tender seafood with their sharp, clean profiles.

Each ingredient contributes a unique layer of complexity, balancing acidity, heat, and subtle marine notes.

Summer gatherings and casual get-togethers become extraordinary with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Fresh Vibes of Shrimp Ceviche

• Burst of Freshness: This shrimp ceviche explodes with vibrant citrus flavors from freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices, creating a zesty and refreshing taste that dances on your palate.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: The simple poaching method and minimal chopping make this recipe super approachable, perfect for home cooks who want a delicious seafood dish without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Packed with colorful ingredients like tomatoes, jalapeño, and cilantro, this ceviche is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that works beautifully for summer gatherings, game nights, or casual entertaining.
• Healthy Coastal Comfort: Light, protein-rich shrimp combined with fresh vegetables and creamy avocado offers a nutritious meal that feels like a mini vacation to a sunny coastal destination.

Ingredients in Easy Shrimp Ceviche

• Shrimp: Fresh medium-sized shrimp with sweet ocean flavor, best when peeled and deveined for easy eating.

• Lemon Juice, Lime Juice

• Tomatoes: Ripe, red vegetables adding juicy texture and sweet-acidic taste to the ceviche.
• Red Onion: Sharp, crisp ingredient providing bold flavor and crunchy texture.
• Jalapeño: Spicy green pepper contributing mild heat and vibrant kick.
• Cilantro: Herbal green leaves offering fresh, bright, and slightly peppery notes.
• Avocado: Creamy green fruit adding rich, smooth texture and subtle buttery taste.

• Kosher Salt: Essential mineral for enhancing overall flavor and balancing other ingredients.

• Tostadas, Tortilla Chips: Crispy corn-based items perfect for scooping and enjoying the ceviche.

How to Prepare Shrimp Ceviche

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp Poaching Liquid

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 2: Cook Shrimp

Turn off heat and add raw shrimp. Poach until shrimp turn opaque and are just cooked, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Cool and Chop Shrimp

Drain shrimp and let cool for 10 minutes. Chop into small pieces.

Step 4: Combine Citrus Marinade

• Lemon juice
• Lime juice
• Chopped tomatoes
• Finely chopped red onion
• Chopped jalapeño
• Chopped cilantro
• Kosher salt

Step 5: Marinate Ceviche

Cover and refrigerate mixture for 1-4 hours to allow flavors to blend.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touch

Just before serving, dice avocado and gently fold into the ceviche.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the ceviche and serve with tostadas or tortilla chips if desired. Enjoy the fresh, zesty seafood dish!

Ceviche Tips for Zest and Texture

• Chill for Flavor Infusion
• Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose high-quality, fresh shrimp with a clean ocean smell to guarantee the best texture and flavor in your ceviche.
• Control Poaching Time: Watch the shrimp carefully during poaching to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Balance Heat Levels: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder ceviche or keep them for extra spiciness, adjusting to your personal heat tolerance.
• Add Avocado Last: Dice and fold in avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its creamy, fresh texture.

Preserving Shrimp Ceviche Leftovers

• Refrigerator Storage: Pack leftover ceviche in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The seafood's texture and flavor will slightly change after the first day.
• Quick Reheating: Avoid microwaving shrimp ceviche, as heat will cook the already marinated seafood and make it tough. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
• Fresh Serving Tips: If the ceviche looks watery after refrigeration, drain excess liquid and add fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to revive the flavors before enjoying.

Perfect Pairings with Shrimp Ceviche

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the zesty, bright flavors of shrimp ceviche with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which cuts through the citrusy acidity and enhances the seafood's delicate taste.
• Match with Mexican Beer: Enjoy a cold Corona or Modelo Especial alongside the ceviche, as the light, refreshing beer balances the dish's spicy jalapeño and provides a perfect coastal drinking experience.
• Serve with Tortilla Chip Varieties: Select colorful corn chips like blue corn, yellow corn, or multigrain options to add extra crunch and provide different textural experiences with each bite of the tangy seafood mix.
• Create a Refreshing Mocktail Pairing: Mix a cucumber-lime spritzer with sparkling water, fresh lime juice, and muddled cucumber to mirror the ceviche's citrus notes and offer a non-alcoholic thirst-quenching companion.

Easy Shrimp Ceviche Upgrades

• Mexican Street Style: Add grilled corn kernels, diced cucumber, and a splash of hot sauce for a street food-inspired version that brings bold Mexican flavors to your plate.
• Tropical Fusion: Incorporate diced mango, pineapple, and a pinch of chili powder to create a sweet and spicy Caribbean-inspired seafood appetizer with vibrant colors and tangy notes.
• Mediterranean Remix: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist that transforms the traditional ceviche into a zesty Mediterranean-style dish.
• Coconut Coastal: Mix in unsweetened coconut flakes, replace half the lime juice with coconut water, and garnish with toasted coconut chips for a creamy, tropical coastal experience that transports you to seaside destinations.

Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Mexican shrimp ceviche brings coastal freshness to your table with tangy lime-marinated seafood and crisp vegetables. Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, this refreshing dish promises a quick, delightful escape to seaside culinary bliss you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 pound (454 grams) peeled and deveined raw medium shrimp, thawed if frozen

Produce:

• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• ½ small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
• 1 medium avocado

Citrus and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Optional Serving:

• Tostadas or tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Gently poach raw shrimp in salted boiling water, removing from heat immediately after turning opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Allow shrimp to cool completely, then meticulously dice into uniform half-inch pieces.
3. Transfer shrimp to a spacious mixing vessel, creating a foundation for the ceviche.
4. Squeeze fresh citrus juices directly over the shrimp, incorporating both lemon and lime for vibrant acidity.
5. Incorporate finely diced tomatoes, providing a juicy and textural component to the mixture.
6. Add minced red onion for a sharp, crisp flavor profile and aromatic dimension.
7. Introduce finely chopped jalapeño to infuse a subtle, controlled heat into the preparation.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, enhancing the dish with its bright, herbaceous notes.
9. Season with kosher salt to elevate and balance the overall flavor spectrum.
10. Thoroughly blend all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of components.
11. Seal and refrigerate the mixture, allowing flavors to meld and develop for 1-4 hours.
12. Moments before serving, gently fold in freshly cubed avocado for creamy richness.
13. Present the ceviche accompanied by crisp tostadas or tortilla chips for textural contrast.

Notes

• Poach shrimp gently in salted water to ensure tender, perfectly cooked seafood without rubbery texture.
• Citrus juices like lemon and lime not only add bright flavor but also “cook” the shrimp through acid marinade.
• Refrigerate ceviche mixture for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and develop a complex, zesty profile.
• Add creamy avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain fresh, vibrant appearance.
• Customize heat level by adjusting jalapeño quantity or removing seeds for milder version.
• Enjoy within 4 hours for optimal freshness and texture of ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg