As the sun shines and the air warms, I find myself craving something fresh and invigorating to match the energy of summer. That’s when I turn to this Easy Shrimp Ceviche, a delightful dish that transports me straight to the beach with every bite. The vibrant colors of ripe tomatoes and creamy avocado dance in my bowl, while the zesty lime and lemon juices awaken my senses.
One sizzling afternoon, feeling adventurous yet quick on time, I decided to try my hand at making ceviche. Surprisingly, it turned out to be an effortless and satisfying way to enjoy the season’s bounty without breaking a sweat—or turning on the stove! This dish is perfect for sharing at backyard barbecues or simply enjoying on a lazy afternoon. Trust me, once you get a taste of this light, tangy treat, you’ll want it on repeat every summer.
Why is Easy Shrimp Ceviche a Must-Try?
Refreshing flavors come alive in every bite, thanks to zesty lime and lemon juices that brighten the dish. Quick preparation means you can whip this up in no time, perfect for those hot summer days when you want to keep cooking to a minimum. Healthful and satisfying, it’s gluten-free and packed with protein from shrimp, making it a stellar choice for everyone. Versatile options invite creativity; feel free to add tropical fruits or substitute with different seafood! This ceviche is a hit at gatherings, leaving everyone craving more. Enjoy it with crispy tostadas for the ultimate taste experience!
Easy Shrimp Ceviche Ingredients
• Let’s dive into this refreshing dish!
For the Ceviche
• Shrimp – The heart of the dish; ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easier enjoyment.
• Lemon Juice – Essential for marinating shrimp; it adds brightness and acidity.
• Lime Juice – Boosts the citrus punch; feel free to adjust to your taste preferences.
• Tomatoes – Use ripe summer tomatoes for a juicy sweetness that complements the dish perfectly.
• Red Onion – Provides sharpness and crunch; you can swap it out with milder white or yellow onion for a different flavor profile.
• Jalapeño – Adds a kick of heat; remove seeds for a milder version or switch to bell pepper for sweetness.
• Cilantro – Brings freshness and vitality; parsley works as a good substitute if cilantro isn’t your thing.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances all the flavors; adjust according to your taste.
• Avocado – Introduces creamy goodness; don’t skip this ingredient for the right texture!
• Tostadas/Tortilla Chips – Ideal for serving; they’re perfect for scooping up all that delicious ceviche.
This Easy Shrimp Ceviche is sure to brighten up any summer gathering!
How to Make Easy Shrimp Ceviche
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Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This will be used to poach the shrimp, giving them a tender texture once cooked.
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Poach Shrimp: Turn off the heat and add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the water. Let them sit for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn opaque and pink.
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Cool Down: Drain the shrimp and allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Chopping them into 1/2-inch pieces will make for easier eating in the ceviche.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with freshly squeezed lemon juice, lime juice, diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and kosher salt. Toss everything gently to ensure the flavors meld.
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Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-4 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the shrimp will absorb, but don’t exceed 4 hours to maintain their texture.
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Add Avocado: Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado to keep it fresh and creamy. Serve with tostadas or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch!
Optional: Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Easy Shrimp Ceviche?
Brighten your table with complimenting dishes that enhance the fresh flavors of this summertime delight.
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Crispy Tostadas: Perfect for scooping, these crunchy delights add a satisfying texture that balances the creaminess of the ceviche.
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Fresh Mango Salsa: The sweetness and acidity of mango create a refreshing contrast, enhancing the overall tropical vibes of your meal.
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Avocado Salad: A simple side with diced avocados, lime juice, and cilantro, it echoes the creamy element of the ceviche while adding a burst of freshness.
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Garlic Butter Grilled Corn: Charred and buttery, this side brings a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the zesty ceviche.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish’s citrus notes, making for a refreshing sip.
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Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut-infused rice adds a rich yet light flavor, enhancing the ceviche’s tangy profile.
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Tropical Fruit Platter: A mix of pineapple, kiwi, and berries adds a stunning burst of color and sweetness that pairs splendidly with your seafood dish.
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Chili-Lime Tortilla Chips: With a spicy kick and zesty lime flavor, these chips provide an exciting crunch alongside your ceviche.
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Dulce de Leche Flan: End the meal sweetly with this creamy, light dessert, a perfect palate cleanser that contrasts with the ceviche’s brightness.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Shrimp Ceviche
Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Consuming within this time frame ensures freshness and flavor remain intact.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze ceviche, as the texture of shrimp and vegetables will suffer. Best enjoyed fresh!
Serving Suggestions: If you do have leftovers, consider incorporating them into a salad or topping for a light lunch the next day.
Reheating: Don’t reheat ceviche. Instead, enjoy it chilled straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing treat!
Expert Tips for Easy Shrimp Ceviche
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Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Ensure shrimp are cooked just until opaque; overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. Aim for a 2-3 minute poach.
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Marination Time: For vibrant flavor, marinate for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 4 hours. Beyond that, shrimp may become mushy.
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Fresh Citrus Juice: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices. Bottled juices can impart an artificial taste, undermining your easy shrimp ceviche.
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Balancing Heat: Adjust jalapeño according to your spice tolerance; removing seeds will yield a milder ceviche. Consider bell peppers for a sweet crunch instead!
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Ingredient Freshness: Use the ripest tomatoes and avocados for the best taste. Fresh ingredients truly elevate this dish and enhance the overall experience.
Easy Shrimp Ceviche Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and customize it to suit your taste! Each variation offers a fun twist to enhance your ceviche experience.
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Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with scallops or tilapia for a unique flavor profile. Each seafood type brings its own distinct taste.
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Crunchy Cucumber: Add diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch; it also helps balance the acidity of the citrus.
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Tropical Twist: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tropical flavor that warms up those summer vibes.
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Spice It Up: Increase the heat by adding diced serrano peppers or use hot sauce for an extra kick. Spice lovers will adore this variation!
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Herb Change: Switch out cilantro for fresh basil or mint to give your ceviche a new aromatic flair. Each herb complements the dish beautifully.
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Fruit Fusion: Mix in some diced avocados and orange segments for added creaminess and a touch of sweetness—all about textures!
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Alternative Protein: Try using firm tofu or a plant-based seafood alternative for a refreshing vegan option without losing the ceviche vibe.
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Flavorful Marinade: Experiment with adding a splash of coconut milk for a creamy tropical base that enhances all the refreshing flavors in your ceviche.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Shrimp Ceviche are perfect for busy weeknights or summer gatherings! You can poach the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a more tender texture later. After cooling, chop the shrimp and mix them with lemon juice and lime juice, which helps to preserve freshness and prevents browning. Make sure to refrigerate your ceviche for up to 4 hours to enhance flavors. Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado to ensure it remains creamy and vibrant. This way, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort!
Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for ceviche?
I recommend using fresh, high-quality shrimp, ideally wild-caught if available. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight ocean smell. Avoid any that appear mushy or have dark spots on their shells as these can indicate poor quality.
How should I store leftover ceviche?
Store any leftover Easy Shrimp Ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume it within 1 day for the best freshness and flavor. The acids from the citrus can begin to cook the shrimp further, affecting texture, so it’s best not to keep it for too long.
Can I freeze Easy Shrimp Ceviche?
Freezing ceviche is not recommended because the texture of the shrimp and vegetables can become unappetizing upon thawing. If you must freeze it, consider doing so before adding avocado and refrigerate the liquid and shrimp separately. Enjoy fresh ceviche for the best experience!
What if my shrimp turns out rubbery?
If your shrimp come out rubbery, it may be due to overcooking. Always poach shrimp until they are just opaque, typically about 2-3 minutes. For a perfect texture, ensure the water is boiling before adding shrimp, then remove them from heat immediately after cooking.
Are there any allergy considerations with this recipe?
Absolutely! This Easy Shrimp Ceviche is gluten-free and suitable for pescatarians. However, if you’re planning to serve it to guests, be sure to check for any shellfish allergies beforehand, as shrimp is a common allergen. Additionally, for those sensitive to cilantro, parsley can be substituted.
Can I use other types of seafood instead?
Yes! Feel free to substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops or firm white fish such as tilapia. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as different seafood may require varying times to achieve the perfect texture. Enjoy experimenting!
Refreshing Easy Shrimp Ceviche for Your Summer Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Turn off the heat and add shrimp. Let sit for 2-3 minutes until opaque and pink.
- Drain shrimp and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp with lemon juice, lime juice, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and salt. Toss gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1-4 hours.
- Before serving, fold in diced avocado. Serve with tostadas or tortilla chips.