If you’re craving a refreshingly zesty and vibrant dish, this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a delightful celebration of fresh, bright flavors where tender shrimp bathe in a tangy citrus marinade, perfectly complemented by crisp vegetables and creamy avocado. Whether you need a quick appetizer for a warm day or a light yet satisfying snack, this recipe brings all the deliciousness together without any fuss or long cooking times. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends or keeping as your own little secret treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in balancing taste, texture, and color. The freshness of the shrimp paired with vibrant citrus juice, crunchy vegetables, and a touch of heat makes every bite a little celebration of flavor.
- 1 pound shrimp (20/24 count, peeled, deveined, tails removed): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and taste.
- ½ cup lime juice (fresh): Adds bright acidity that ‘cooks’ the shrimp and enhances freshness.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh): Brings another layer of zesty brightness to the marinade.
- ¼ cup orange juice (fresh): A touch of sweetness to balance the tart citrus notes beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth richness that rounds out the flavors.
- ½ cup red onion (finely diced): Adds a mild sharpness and crunch for vibrant texture.
- 1 jalapeño (seeded, finely diced): Gives just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering.
- 1 cup tomatoes (finely diced): Juicy and colorful, they brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- 1 cup seedless cucumber (finely diced): Refreshing crunch that keeps the ceviche light and crisp.
- 1 cup avocado (finely diced): Creamy texture that balances the acidity and adds richness.
- ½ cup cilantro (finely chopped): Herbal freshness that lifts the overall profile.
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste): Essential for enhancing every flavor and tying it all together.
How to Make Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. When the water is bubbling, add the shrimp and cook them quickly for about 1 to 2 minutes. The shrimp will turn a pretty light pink color, signaling that they’re perfectly cooked and still tender. Be careful not to overcook because shrimp can get rubbery fast.
Step 2: Cool and Chop
Immediately remove the shrimp from the boiling water to stop the cooking process. Wait until they cool enough to handle, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. This step makes every morsel easy to enjoy and ensures the marinade can fully coat each piece.
Step 3: Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil, and salt. Toss the chopped shrimp into this vibrant liquid bath. Pop it into the refrigerator and let those flavors mingle for 10 minutes. This not only infuses the shrimp with tanginess but also helps ‘cook’ it a bit more in that citrus acidity.
Step 4: Chop and Add Vegetables
While your shrimp marinates, finely dice the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and jalapeño. Once chopped, mix them in with the shrimp mixture. Return the bowl to the fridge and let it sit for at least another 10 minutes to marry all the fresh flavors together — patience here really pays off!
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Just before serving, stir in the diced avocado and chopped cilantro. These last-minute additions bring creamy texture and fresh herbal brightness, making every bite irresistible. This Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is now ready to shine on your table.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your ceviche presentation and add extra pops of color and flavor. Try a few lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus hit, sprinkle a little chopped cilantro on top for freshness, or add thin slices of jalapeño for those who love some heat.
Side Dishes
This ceviche goes wonderfully with crispy baked tortilla chips for scooping or as a bright topping over a bed of leafy greens or even grilled chicken for a more substantial meal. It also pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or a light, citrusy cocktail.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe in individual glasses or small bowls for a stylish appetizer, or go rustic by ladling it into a hollowed-out avocado shell for a charming touch. You can also use endive leaves or cucumber cups for bite-sized servings that wow guests at any party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover ceviche refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors develop even more but try to add avocado fresh when serving again to keep that creamy texture at its best. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the juices.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe, as the fresh vegetables and avocado do not hold up well to freezing and thawing, which can alter their texture and freshness.
Reheating
Since ceviche is a cold dish, reheating is not typical. It’s best enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator. If you want to serve at room temperature, let it sit out for about 15 minutes but avoid warming up in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work great as long as you thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess water in the ceviche.
Is it necessary to cook the shrimp or can I use raw shrimp?
Cooking the shrimp briefly ensures safety and the perfect texture, but if you have very fresh, sushi-grade shrimp, you could try marinating raw shrimp in citrus juice longer. However, cooking is recommended for best results.
How spicy is the jalapeño in this recipe?
The jalapeño adds a gentle kick that’s easily adjusted by removing the seeds or reducing the amount. It’s meant to wake up your palate without overwhelming the fresh citrus flavors.
Can I substitute any of the citrus juices?
While the combination of lime, lemon, and orange juice creates a nicely balanced flavor, you can experiment with grapefruit or even some pineapple juice for more tropical notes, but stick to fresh juice for that bright taste.
What can I serve with ceviche to make it a full meal?
Try serving the ceviche over a bed of quinoa or with whole grain tortillas and a side salad. Adding some black beans or grilled chicken provides protein and makes for a satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy but is so simple to make. Its fresh and tangy profile makes it perfect for warm days or anytime you want something light, bright, and bursting with flavor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s a sure way to impress your friends or satisfy your own craving for something fresh and delightful!
Print
Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling and Marinating
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is a refreshing and vibrant appetizer featuring tender shrimp marinated in fresh citrus juices with crisp vegetables and creamy avocado. Perfect for warm weather or as a light snack, this dish combines bright flavors and simple ingredients for a quick, no-cook meal after a brief poaching step.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (20/24 count, peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Vegetables and Herbs
- ½ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded, finely diced)
- 1 cup tomatoes (finely diced)
- 1 cup seedless cucumber (finely diced)
- 1 cup avocado (finely diced)
- ½ cup cilantro (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Boil Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn light pink and are cooked through.
- Cool and Chop Shrimp: Immediately remove shrimp from boiling water to prevent overcooking. Once cool enough to handle, cut the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil, chopped shrimp, and salt. Place in the refrigerator and marinate for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Prepare Vegetables: While shrimp marinates, finely dice the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and jalapeño to add texture and freshness to the ceviche.
- Combine Vegetables and Shrimp: Mix the diced vegetables into the marinated shrimp bowl. Return to the refrigerator and marinate for at least another 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add Avocado and Cilantro: Just before serving, gently stir in the diced avocado and chopped cilantro for creaminess and herbal brightness.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp ceviche chilled with baked tortilla chips or over chicken as a delicious, light meal or appetizer.
Notes
- Use fresh citrus juice for best flavor—avoid bottled juices.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and opaque.
- For spicier ceviche, retain some jalapeño seeds or add extra peppers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day but are best eaten fresh.
- Serve immediately after adding avocado to avoid browning.
