Shrimp Ceviche

The beauty of this shrimp ceviche lies in its simplicity — a refreshing, citrusy seafood dish that’s both nourishing and crowd-pleasing. Lime juice gently “cooks” the shrimp, while creamy avocado, tangy tomato, and fiery jalapeño bring a balanced burst of flavor to every bite. Perfect for hot summer days, light lunches, or entertaining friends, this ceviche is a guilt-free indulgence that can be served with crispy tortilla chips, layered onto tacos, or enjoyed straight from the bowl. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant Latin flavors, right from your own kitchen.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb raw or cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed

• 3/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 6 large limes)

• 1 large tomato, diced

• 1 large avocado, diced

• 1/2 cup red onion, finely minced

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 jalapeño, deseeded and finely diced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 tsp salt)

Directions:

1. If using frozen shrimp, thaw by placing in warm water for 10 minutes. Drain and gently squeeze out excess water.

2. Dice the shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces.

3. Place the diced shrimp in a bowl and pour fresh lime juice over it. Stir to coat completely.

4. If using raw shrimp, marinate in the fridge for 1.5 to 2 hours until opaque and pink. If using cooked shrimp, marinate for 15 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, prep and mix tomato, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and avocado in a separate bowl. (Dice avocado just before combining to prevent browning.)

6. After the shrimp is marinated, mix it with the vegetables.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, on tostadas, or in tacos.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes (1.5 hrs marinating) | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Kcal: 110 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

The History and Origin of Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp ceviche is a delightful seafood dish with deep cultural roots in Latin American cuisine. While ceviche itself is widely believed to have originated in Peru over 2,000 years ago, variations of it have evolved across coastal regions throughout South and Central America. As it spread, each country and region added its own twist based on local ingredients and preferences.

Shrimp ceviche is especially popular in Mexico, Ecuador, and coastal areas of the Caribbean, where the abundance of fresh seafood makes it an everyday delicacy. In Mexican cuisine, it’s often served in beachside eateries or during hot summer months because of its light, cooling, and zesty nature. Traditionally made with raw seafood cured in citrus juice, ceviche is both a culinary technique and a delicious meal.

What sets shrimp ceviche apart from other variations is the use of shrimp instead of fish, which offers a slightly firmer texture and naturally sweet flavor. Whether made with raw or pre-cooked shrimp, the acidic lime juice works as a “cooking” agent, making the dish not only flavorful but safe and satisfying.

Why Shrimp Ceviche is a Must-Try Dish

One of the biggest appeals of shrimp ceviche is how incredibly fresh and vibrant it tastes. It’s a combination of clean, bold flavors: the acidity of lime juice, the creaminess of ripe avocado, the heat from jalapeño, and the sweetness of tomato. When combined with tender shrimp, this blend becomes a burst of flavor in every bite.

But beyond taste, this recipe is celebrated for how simple and quick it is to prepare. It doesn’t require any stovetop or oven time, making it ideal for summer days, dinner parties, or light snacks. With a short list of fresh ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers maximum impact.

For health-conscious individuals, shrimp ceviche is naturally low in calories and high in protein. It’s also gluten-free, low-carb, and rich in nutrients like omega-3s, vitamin C, and potassium. Thanks to its clean profile, it’s suitable for many diets, including keto, paleo, and Whole30 with slight adjustments.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp Ceviche

Let’s take a closer look at why shrimp ceviche isn’t just delicious—but also nourishing.

• High in Protein: Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, with about 12g per serving in this recipe. This helps promote muscle maintenance and a feeling of fullness.
• Low in Calories: One serving comes in at just around 110 calories, making it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake.
• Rich in Healthy Fats: Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, making the dish more satiating.
• Packed with Vitamins: Tomatoes and limes offer vitamin C and antioxidants, while red onions bring in vitamin B6 and folate.
• Hydrating and Refreshing: Since the recipe includes water-rich ingredients and citrus, it helps keep you hydrated, which is perfect for hot weather or post-workout meals.

Why This Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is the Best

There are hundreds of shrimp ceviche recipes on the internet, so what makes this one stand out? It’s all in the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and method.

First, it gives you the flexibility to use either raw or pre-cooked shrimp. This is a game-changer for home cooks who may not be comfortable with raw seafood. The lime juice will “cook” raw shrimp over 1.5 to 2 hours, but if you’re short on time or just feel safer, you can use cooked shrimp and still enjoy a delicious result.

Second, it includes avocado, which adds a creamy contrast to the bright and tangy ingredients. Many ceviche recipes leave this out, but the avocado elevates the dish from a simple appetizer to a fully satisfying meal.

Third, it’s simple and no-fuss, yet delivers a restaurant-quality flavor. With only a handful of fresh ingredients—shrimp, lime juice, tomato, red onion, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, salt, and pepper—you create something that tastes gourmet without the complexity.

And finally, the recipe is customizable, so you can easily make it your own.

Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp Ceviche

Want your shrimp ceviche to turn out flawlessly every time? Here are some tried-and-true tips:

• Use Fresh Lime Juice Only: Bottled lime juice won’t cut it here. The flavor difference is significant, and the preservatives in bottled juice can dull the taste.
• Chop Ingredients Evenly: Aim for uniform dice, especially with the shrimp and veggies, to ensure you get a bit of everything in every bite.
• Don’t Over-Marinate Cooked Shrimp: If you’re using cooked shrimp, limit the lime marinating time to 15 minutes to avoid a rubbery texture.
• Wait to Add Avocado: Dice and stir in avocado at the very end so it doesn’t brown or break down during mixing.
• Season Last: Salt and pepper should be added after taste testing with a tortilla chip, as chips themselves contain salt that can skew your final flavor.

Ways to Customize Shrimp Ceviche

The beauty of shrimp ceviche is its flexibility. You can easily customize it based on your taste preferences or what’s in your fridge:

• Add Fruit: Mango, pineapple, or diced cucumber give a refreshing sweetness.
• Mix Seafood: Combine shrimp with white fish, scallops, or even crab for a mixed ceviche.
• Spice It Up: Use serrano chiles for more heat or add a few drops of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Tajin.
• Change the Herbs: Swap cilantro for parsley or even mint for a different twist.
• Go Tropical: Add coconut milk or grated coconut for an island-style flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp ceviche is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some of the most popular and fun ways to enjoy it:

• With Tortilla Chips: The classic pairing. Scoop up bites like salsa for the ultimate appetizer.
• On Tostadas: Spread ceviche on crisp tostada shells for a crunchy, flavorful snack or light lunch.
• In Tacos: Add ceviche to soft corn tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of crema.
• As a Salad Topper: Serve on a bed of greens or quinoa for a more filling meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Great for low-carb diets—wrap ceviche in butter lettuce for a crisp bite.

Storage and Food Safety Tips

Because ceviche is a raw or semi-raw dish, it’s important to keep safety in mind.

• Refrigeration is a Must: Always store ceviche in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed the same day.
• Use Glass Containers: Acidic lime juice can react with plastic or metal containers. Glass keeps the flavor pure and the dish safe.
• Do Not Freeze: Freezing shrimp ceviche affects the texture and quality of both the shrimp and the avocado, making it watery and mushy when thawed.

Shrimp Ceviche for Entertaining

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer for your next party or get-together, this shrimp ceviche fits the bill. It looks colorful and vibrant in a large serving bowl or elegant cocktail glasses. You can even set up a DIY ceviche bar with bowls of extra toppings like mango, jalapeños, lime wedges, and hot sauce.

It pairs wonderfully with margaritas, mojitos, or even light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Its fresh, tangy taste makes it an ideal pairing with light cocktails or bubbly drinks.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp ceviche is more than just a trendy seafood dish—it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. With its rich cultural roots, nutritional value, and endless versatility, it’s easy to see why this recipe remains a favorite for so many people across the globe.

Whether you’re making it for a casual family meal, a healthy lunch, or an upscale appetizer, shrimp ceviche never disappoints. With just a bit of chopping and marinating, you’ll have a light, refreshing dish that’s full of character and culinary charm.

So next time you’re in the mood for something that’s healthy, quick, and full of flavor—shrimp ceviche should be at the top of your list.