Looking for a light and refreshing appetizer or snack? Try making fresh and easy shrimp ceviche. This dish is bursting with flavor and is perfect for summer gatherings or when you’re craving something light and healthy.
To make shrimp ceviche, you’ll need some fresh and quality ingredients. Start with fresh shrimp, preferably cooked and peeled. The shrimp is then marinated in a mixture of lime juice, cilantro, and other seasonings to infuse it with vibrant flavors. Add diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos for a hint of heat and crunch.
One of the great things about shrimp ceviche is that it doesn’t require any cooking. The acid from the lime juice essentially “cooks” the shrimp, giving it a tender and succulent texture. Serve the ceviche with tortilla chips or on top of crispy lettuce leaves for a refreshing and satisfying appetizer. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests and make you feel like a culinary genius!
What is Shrimp Ceviche?
To prepare shrimp ceviche, the raw shrimp is peeled and deveined, then cut into small pieces or left whole, depending on personal preference. It is then combined with other ingredients, such as diced onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro, which add flavor and texture to the dish. The citrus juice is added to the mixture, along with salt and pepper, and the ceviche is refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
The resulting shrimp ceviche is a refreshing and tangy dish, perfect for hot summer days or as an appetizer at a seafood-themed gathering. It is typically served chilled, either on its own or with tortilla chips or tostadas for scooping. Shrimp ceviche can also be customized to suit individual tastes, with additional ingredients like avocado or mango being added for extra flavor and complexity.
How to Make Shrimp Ceviche at Home
To make shrimp ceviche, start by gathering the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have all the ingredients ready, follow these steps to prepare the shrimp ceviche:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the shrimp and pat them dry.
- Chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces and place them in a glass or ceramic bowl.
- Add the lime juice, lemon juice, red onion, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, tomatoes, and avocado to the bowl with the shrimp.
- Gently mix all the ingredients together to ensure everything is well coated with the citrus juices.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the ceviche a final stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Once your homemade shrimp ceviche is ready, serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips or as a main course accompanied by a side of rice and beans. The tangy, citrusy flavors combined with the succulent shrimp will surely impress your family and friends, making this a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Delicious Serving Ideas for Shrimp Ceviche
1. Tostadas or Tortilla Chips
Serve your shrimp ceviche on crisp tostadas or alongside tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. The combination of the tender shrimp and the crispy base adds a delightful texture contrast to the dish. You can also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top of the ceviche for an extra crispy element.
2. Avocado Halves
For a creamy and indulgent twist, serve your shrimp ceviche in halved avocados. The richness of the avocado complements the tanginess of the ceviche perfectly. Simply scoop out some of the avocado flesh and fill it with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with cilantro or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
3. Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter and healthier serving option, use lettuce leaves as a wrap for your shrimp ceviche. The crispness of the lettuce adds a nice crunch, while the shrimp filling provides a burst of flavor. You can use butter lettuce or Boston lettuce for a sturdy wrap, or even iceberg lettuce for a refreshing crunch.
4. Cucumber Cups
Add an extra element of freshness by serving your shrimp ceviche in cucumber cups. Slice cucumbers into thick rounds and hollow out the centers using a spoon. Fill the cucumber cups with the ceviche mixture and garnish with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime. The coolness of the cucumber pairs well with the vibrant flavors of the ceviche.
5. Mini Fillo Cups
For a bite-sized appetizer option, consider serving your shrimp ceviche in mini fillo cups. These delicate, flaky cups provide a perfect vessel for the ceviche mixture. Simply spoon the shrimp ceviche into the cups, and top them with a sprinkle of minced cilantro or a drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick.
Choose one of these serving ideas or mix and match to create a variety of presentation options for your shrimp ceviche. Experiment with different combinations and have fun serving this delicious and refreshing dish at your next gathering.
