Zesty Fresh Shrimp Ceviche Recipe: Tropical Flavor Burst

Summers sizzle with vibrant flavors, and this zesty easy shrimp ceviche recipe promises a refreshing escape from traditional appetizers.

Cool, tangy citrus juices delicately cook tender shrimp into a mouthwatering coastal delight.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a light and zingy dish that transports you straight to seaside shores.

Crisp vegetables add crunch and color to this classic Latin American favorite.

Seafood lovers will adore the bright, clean taste that bursts with fresh ingredients.

Perfectly balanced and simple to assemble, this ceviche turns any gathering into an instant celebration.

Dive into this delectable recipe and let your taste buds embark on a culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Shrimp Ceviche

• Shrimp: Fresh, medium-sized shrimp ensure tender and succulent texture, selecting deveined and peeled for convenience and clean flavor profile.

• Lemon Juice, Lime Juice

• Tomatoes, Red Onion, Jalapeño, Cilantro: Vibrant vegetables add crunch, heat, and herbal complexity, balancing the seafood's delicate flavor with their sharp and aromatic characteristics.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich addition provides smooth contrast to the tangy seafood, introducing luxurious texture and nutritional depth.

• Kosher Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that elevates and harmonizes all ingredient profiles, drawing out natural tastes in the dish.

• Tostadas, Tortilla Chips: Crispy vehicles for enjoying ceviche, offering delightful textural counterpoint and traditional Mexican-inspired presentation.

Tools Needed for Shrimp Ceviche

• Large pot: Essential for poaching shrimp in salted water.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping shrimp, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Critical for precise cutting of ingredients.
• Large bowl: Used for mixing and marinating ceviche ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Help measure lemon and lime juice accurately.
• Citrus juicer or reamer: Useful for extracting fresh citrus juice.
• Colander or strainer: Helps drain cooked shrimp.

How to Prepare Shrimp Ceviche

Ocean Fresh Seafood Delight

• Seafood Preparation

Gently cook shrimp in boiling water until perfectly opaque, then cool completely. Slice into bite-sized pieces.

• Citrus Magic

Squeeze fresh lemon and lime juices over the shrimp. Add vibrant diced tomatoes, crisp red onion, spicy jalapeño, and fragrant cilantro. Sprinkle with sea salt and blend everything together.

• Chilling Time

Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and dance. The longer it sits, the more intense the taste becomes.

• Creamy Finish

Just before serving, fold in creamy chunks of ripe avocado. Gently mix to keep the texture light and fresh.

• Serving Suggestion

Scoop the zesty seafood mixture onto crispy tostadas or serve with crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful coastal-inspired experience.

Tips & Additions for Shrimp Ceviche

• Replace shrimp with fresh white fish like tilapia, cod, or sea bass for a different protein experience.
• Control spice levels by removing jalapeño seeds or adding extra chili for more kick depending on your heat tolerance.
• Prepare ceviche up to 4 hours in advance, keeping the avocado separate until just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
• Enhance presentation by topping with crispy radish slices, extra cilantro sprigs, or a drizzle of olive oil for added texture and flavor complexity.

Serving Ideas for Shrimp Ceviche

• Beach Party Platter: Create a colorful spread with crispy tostadas, tortilla chips, and fresh lime wedges surrounding the vibrant shrimp ceviche for a festive Mexican-inspired appetizer station.
• Tropical Taco Night Starter: Offer this zesty ceviche as a cool, refreshing first course before main dishes, letting guests scoop up the seafood mixture with crisp corn tortilla chips and enjoy the bright, tangy flavors.
• Summer Poolside Snack: Pack the ceviche in a chilled container with extra chips for a light, refreshing seafood treat that's perfect for hot days, outdoor gatherings, and casual entertaining with friends.
• Cocktail Hour Companion: Pair the shrimp ceviche with a crisp white wine or margarita, creating an elegant appetizer that transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated and delicious party starter.

Planning Ahead with Shrimp Ceviche

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store shrimp ceviche in an airtight container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, keeping it fresh for up to 2 days. Ensure the container seals tightly to prevent flavor mixing with other foods.
• Quick Consumption Window: Enjoy the ceviche within 24-48 hours for optimal taste and texture. The seafood's delicate nature means freshness diminishes quickly after preparation.
• Avocado Pro Tip: Add diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant green color and creamy texture. Squeeze extra lime juice on avocado pieces to slow oxidation.
• Smart Meal Prep: Make the base ceviche mixture without avocado up to 4 hours ahead of time. Keep it chilled and add fresh avocado right before serving for maximum flavor and presentation quality.

Tangy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Zesty lime-marinated easy shrimp ceviche brings coastal Mexican flavors to your table. Crisp vegetables and tender seafood combine for a refreshing appetizer that delights with its balanced, tangy profile.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
• ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (about 3 tbsps)
• 1 medium avocado
• ½ small red onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Tostadas or tortilla chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Poaching Preparation: Immerse raw shrimp in salted boiling water, removing immediately after turning opaque to prevent overcooking, then cool completely and dice into uniform half-inch pieces.
2. Citrus Infusion: Transfer shrimp to a mixing bowl and generously drench with freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices, creating a vibrant acidic base that will “cook” the seafood.
3. Flavor Layering: Combine diced tomatoes, minced red onion, finely chopped jalapeño, and freshly chopped cilantro, thoroughly mixing to distribute ingredients evenly and create a complex flavor profile.
4. Seasoning and Marination: Sprinkle kosher salt across the mixture, then seal and refrigerate for 1-4 hours, allowing the citrus juices to penetrate and transform the shrimp while melding the ingredients’ flavors.
5. Final Touches: Moments before serving, gently fold in freshly cubed avocado to introduce creamy richness, then plate alongside crisp tostadas or tortilla chips for a textural counterpoint, creating a refreshing and dynamic seafood appetizer.

Notes

• Poach Precisely: Cook shrimp just until opaque to prevent rubbery texture, watching carefully during 2-3 minute cooking window.
• Citrus Magic: Use freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices for bright, authentic flavor that “cooks” the seafood and adds vibrant acidity.
• Chill and Develop: Refrigerate mixture for at least one hour to allow ingredients to marry and flavors to intensify, with maximum marinating time of 4 hours.
• Avocado Timing: Add creamy avocado just before serving to maintain fresh texture and prevent browning, ensuring perfect last-minute addition.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg