Shrimp Ceviche
Whenever I think of summer gatherings, the refreshing tang of Shrimp Ceviche comes to mind. I remember the first time I tried it at a beach party, the sun was shining, and the vibrant colors of the ceviche caught my eye. The dish was a burst of citrus and fresh flavors, a perfect complement to the ocean breeze. The zesty lime and lime juice brought everything together, making it an unforgettable experience. Now, I find myself making Shrimp Ceviche for family and friends, enjoying the simple pleasure it brings to any occasion.
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 30 mins
90 mins
0 mins
Medium
150 kcal
28 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
2 g
Peeler, Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board
The Magic of This Shrimp Ceviche
Fresh Ingredients Make All the Difference
One of the best parts about Shrimp Ceviche is the freshness of its ingredients. Using high-quality, fresh shrimp is crucial; it makes all the difference in flavor. When you chop up the shrimp and let it marinate in citrus juice, it physically transforms, taking on the flavors of the lime and lemon as the acids ‘cook’ the seafood.
A Dish for Every Occasion
Shrimp Ceviche is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, beach picnics, or even a fancy dinner party. The bright colors and flavors make it an eye-catching appetizer, and it’s sure to impress your guests!
Healthy and Light
In a world where heavier dishes often steal the spotlight, Shrimp Ceviche shines as a light, healthy choice. With fresh vegetables and lean protein, it fits seamlessly into a balanced diet, so you can indulge without guilt.
Easy to Customize
Another reason to love this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you prefer a spicier kick with diced jalapeños or a milder version with extra cilantro, the possibilities are endless. The beauty of Shrimp Ceviche is that it caters to all palates.
A Skill to Master
While making ceviche might seem daunting at first, it’s actually quite simple! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s a fun skill to master and share with others. Plus, every time you prepare it, you’ll relive those sunny beach memories.
Shrimp Ceviche Shopping List
Creating your Shrimp Ceviche starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that vibrant flavor profile we crave. Fresh shrimp, zesty citrus, and crisp vegetables come together beautifully, and it’s this combination that makes the dish truly special.
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 limes, divided
- 1 lemon
- 1 large tomato or 2 small tomatoes
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeño (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Shrimp Ceviche
Making Shrimp Ceviche is a fun and engaging process that will leave you proud of your culinary skills. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that tastes like summer on a plate.
- Set out a medium bowl. Start by chopping the shrimp into small bite-size pieces, about ¼ to ½ inches. The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll absorb the citrus flavors.
- Place the chopped shrimp in the bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lime and one lemon over the top, reserving the second lime for later. This is where the magic begins!
- Toss the shrimp gently to coat them in citrus juice, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour. This marination time is essential as it allows the shrimp to ‘cook’ in the acidity.
- While the shrimp is marinating, chop the tomatoes and red onion into ¼ inch pieces. Be sure to remove as much of the tomato seed jelly as possible to avoid excess moisture.
- Chop the cilantro, finely dice the jalapeño pepper, and mince the garlic. These ingredients will add depth and complexity to your Shrimp Ceviche.
- Once the shrimp has marinated for an hour, drain off the excess juice and discard it. Squeeze the remaining lime over the chopped shrimp, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic to the bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the ceviche gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the shrimp is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Give it a taste, adjusting the salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to add more cilantro or jalapeño for extra flavor!
- Cover the bowl again and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Things Worth Knowing
- Freshness is Key: Use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can work, but fresh is ideal.
- Marination Time: The more time the shrimp spends in the citrus juice, the better the flavor will be. Don’t rush this step!
- Texture Matters: Be mindful of cutting the vegetables into even sizes; this ensures a balanced bite in every spoonful.
- Serving Fresh: Serve Shrimp Ceviche immediately after making it for the best taste, but it can be stored in the fridge for a day.
Recipe Tips about Shrimp Ceviche
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Shrimp Ceviche turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, these suggestions will enhance your culinary journey.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, but be cautious about the freshness of the shrimp.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for Shrimp Ceviche as the texture of the shrimp will change upon thawing.
- Pairing: Serve with tortilla chips, avocado slices, or on a bed of leafy greens for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Garnish: Consider adding avocado, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of chili powder on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
- Personal Touch: Feel free to get creative with additional ingredients, such as diced mango or pineapple, for a fruity twist.
Serve This Shrimp Ceviche With
- Light Lunch: This dish makes for a refreshing light lunch, especially on warm summer days.
- Appetizer: Serve small portions as an appetizer at your next gathering, allowing guests to enjoy a burst of flavor before the main course.
- Tortilla Chips: Pair with crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
- Salads: Use it as a topping on mixed greens or a refreshing salad for added flavor and nutrition.
- Seafood Feast: Include Shrimp Ceviche as part of a larger seafood platter for a delicious coastal feast.
- Chilled Beverages: Enjoy alongside chilled drinks like soda, iced tea, or a light cocktail to enhance the summer vibe.
FAQ
Conclusion
The vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients of Shrimp Ceviche truly make it a standout dish, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making this dish at home, as it’s not only easy to prepare but also a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the taste of summer with every bite!
Shrimp Ceviche
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set out a medium bowl. Start by chopping the shrimp into small bite-size pieces, about ¼ to ½ inches. The smaller the pieces, the better they'll absorb the citrus flavors.
- Place the chopped shrimp in the bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lime and one lemon over the top, reserving the second lime for later. This is where the magic begins!
- Toss the shrimp gently to coat them in citrus juice, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour. This marination time is essential as it allows the shrimp to 'cook' in the acidity.
- While the shrimp is marinating, chop the tomatoes and red onion into ¼ inch pieces. Be sure to remove as much of the tomato seed jelly as possible to avoid excess moisture.
- Chop the cilantro, finely dice the jalapeño pepper, and mince the garlic. These ingredients will add depth and complexity to your Shrimp Ceviche.
- Once the shrimp has marinated for an hour, drain off the excess juice and discard it. Squeeze the remaining lime over the chopped shrimp, ensuring it's well coated.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic to the bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the ceviche gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the shrimp is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Give it a taste, adjusting the salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to add more cilantro or jalapeño for extra flavor!
- Cover the bowl again and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, but be cautious about the freshness of the shrimp.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for Shrimp Ceviche as the texture of the shrimp will change upon thawing.
- Pairing: Serve with tortilla chips, avocado slices, or on a bed of leafy greens for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Garnish: Consider adding avocado, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of chili powder on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
- Personal Touch: Feel free to get creative with additional ingredients, such as diced mango or pineapple, for a fruity twist.
