Shrimp ceviche is a dish that brings the ocean straight to your table, bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful tang. This Latin American classic showcases the vibrant combination of shrimp, citrus juices, and aromatic ingredients, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why We Love This Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
What makes shrimp ceviche so popular? First and foremost, its vibrant flavors captivate your palate. The marinated shrimp take on a tangy zest from fresh lime and lemon juices, while the addition of fresh vegetables adds a satisfying crunch. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also incredibly healthy. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, it offers a guilt-free option that leaves you feeling satisfied yet light. Additionally, shrimp ceviche is quick to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. The versatility it offers—serving as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course—further enhances its appeal. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why shrimp ceviche has a special place in the hearts of many food lovers!
Ingredients for Shrimp Ceviche
Creating shrimp ceviche is simple once you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. Here’s what you’ll need to craft this refreshing dish.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 1/3 cup red onion, very finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 serrano peppers, seeds removed and diced
- 1/3 cup English cucumber, seeds removed and finely diced
- 8 tbsp fresh lime juice or 2-3 limes
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice or 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 avocado, diced small
How to Make Shrimp Ceviche
Now, let’s dive into the preparation process. Making shrimp ceviche is straightforward and revolves around the key step of marinating shrimp in citrus juices, which “cooks” the shrimp through the power of acid. Here’s how to do it:
Cut the Shrimp: Start by slicing the shrimp in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3-4 smaller pieces. This will ensure even marination and a better overall texture.
Prepare the Citrus Mixture: In a food processor, blend together the lime juice, lemon juice, and one serrano pepper (with seeds removed) until smooth. This zesty mixture forms the base of your ceviche, offering that essential tart flavor.
Combine Ingredients: Take a large bowl and add the shrimp. Pour in the serrano pepper-citrus mixture, followed by the red onion, chopped cilantro, and the remaining diced serrano pepper. Add the diced cucumber, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Mix Gently: Using a spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together. You want to ensure everything is well-coated in the zesty marinade without breaking the shrimp or vegetables.
Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ceviche for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the shrimp to “cook” with the acidic juices.
Final Touch: Just before serving, add the diced avocado. This creamy element cuts through the acidity and enhances the overall flavor. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche
Serving shrimp ceviche can be as simple or elegant as you desire. Here are some ideas to present this vibrant dish perfectly:
- Chilled Bowls: Serve the shrimp ceviche in chilled bowls to keep it refreshingly cold. This is particularly great for warm summer days.
- Tortilla Chips: Scoop the ceviche with crispy tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer. The crunchiness of the chips complements the softness of the shrimp and avocado beautifully.
- Lettuce Leaves: For a healthier alternative, offer the ceviche in durable lettuce leaves, giving each guest a chance to create their own wraps.
- Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of additional cilantro or a dash of lime juice on top before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Expert Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp Ceviche
Creating exquisite shrimp ceviche is easy, but here are some expert tips to ensure your dish stands out:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and crisp vegetables can significantly enhance the taste of your ceviche. Always opt for the freshest possible ingredients.
Adjust the Heat: If you enjoy a bit more spice, consider adding another serrano pepper or including a dash of hot sauce. On the other hand, you can easily reduce the heat by removing all seeds from the peppers.
Marination Time: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your ceviche will become. While an hour is generally enough, you can let it sit for several hours for an extra punch of flavor.
Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, remember to toss gently. Overmixing can break down the shrimp and create an undesirable mushy texture.
Serving Fresh: Ceviche is best served fresh but can be kept for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Just be aware that the shrimp may become firmer if left for too long.
How to Store Shrimp Ceviche
Storing shrimp ceviche requires some care to maintain its freshness. Here’s how to do it properly:
Refrigerate Promptly: If you have leftovers, immediately transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. This helps keep the ceviche cool and prevents bacterial growth.
Consume Within Time: It’s best enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness. The shrimp may lose some texture and taste after this period.
Avoid Freezing: Unfortunately, frozen ceviche doesn’t hold up well. Freezing can alter the texture of shrimp and other ingredients, leading to an unappetizing final result.
Variations of Shrimp Ceviche
Get creative with your shrimp ceviche! Here are several variations to inspire your culinary adventures:
Mango Shrimp Ceviche: Add diced mango for a touch of sweetness that complements the tanginess of lime juice.
Tropical Twist: Mix in diced pineapple and jalapeños for a bright, tropical flavor.
Herbaceous Spin: Experiment with different herbs such as mint or basil to give your ceviche a unique profile while maintaining its freshness.
Mixed Seafood Ceviche: For a seafood lover’s dream, incorporate scallops or crab along with shrimp to add depth and variety to the dish.
Zesty Citrus Ceviche: Use a variety of citrus fruits—like orange and grapefruit—as substitutes or complements to lime and lemon for an exciting flavor profile.
FAQs about Shrimp Ceviche
What is shrimp ceviche?
Shrimp ceviche is a fresh, flavorful dish made with shrimp marinated in citrus juices, typically lime and lemon, blended with herbs and vegetables. It’s popular in Latin American cuisine and served cold.
How do you know when shrimp ceviche is done?
The shrimp are considered “cooked” or ready when they turn opaque and firm in texture after marinating in the citrus juice, which typically takes about one hour.
Can I use frozen shrimp for ceviche?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but ensure they are thawed completely and well-drained before preparing your ceviche for the best results.
How spicy is shrimp ceviche?
The spiciness of shrimp ceviche can be adjusted based on your preference. Using serrano peppers can add heat, but you can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
What’s the best way to enjoy shrimp ceviche?
Shrimp ceviche can be served on its own, with tortilla chips, or in lettuce wraps. You can add extra lime or garnish with cilantro for added flavor when serving.
Shrimp Ceviche
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Food Processor
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 1/3 cup red onion very finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1/3 cup English cucumber seeds removed and finely diced
- 8 Tbsp fresh lime juice or 2-3 limes
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the shrimp in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3-4 smaller pieces.
- In a food processor, blend lime juice, lemon juice, and one serrano pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp and pour in the citrus mixture.
- Add red onion, chopped cilantro, the remaining diced serrano pepper, cucumber, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Gently toss all ingredients together and cover the bowl.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the shrimp to marinate.
- Before serving, add diced avocado and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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