This is The Best Shrimp Ceviche, a refreshing dish perfect for summer! This vibrant recipe features citrus-marinated shrimp, crisp vegetables, and creamy avocado, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a light meal, this ceviche stands out with its zesty flavors and healthy ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This The Best Shrimp Ceviche
This dish is a crowd-pleaser and brings joy to your table!
- Quick Preparation: With minimal cooking time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh shrimp and vegetables ensures vibrant flavors that pop in every bite.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer with chips or over tostada shells for a delightful main course.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and nutrients, this ceviche fits perfectly into a healthy diet.
- Citrus Goodness: The lime juice not only cooks the shrimp but also enhances the overall taste with its tangy brightness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for an effortless cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- 9×13 inch pan
- Plastic wrap
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for uniform shrimp pieces and vegetables.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop ingredients without mess.
- 9×13 inch pan: Perfect size for marinating shrimp while allowing the lime juice to fully coat them.
- Plastic wrap: Keeps the shrimp covered during marination, preventing contamination.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Ceviche
- 1¼ lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup English cucumber, chopped (or Persian cucumbers)
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, deseeded & finely chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (leaves and stems are ok)
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8-12 limes, or enough lime juice to submerge your shrimp)
- 1-2 avocados, diced or mashed (to serve with it)
How to Make The Best Shrimp Ceviche
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
- Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place them in a 9×13 inch pan.
- Pour your lime juice over the shrimp until they are fully submerged.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Afterward, refrigerate the pan to continue cooking for another 1-2 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- While the shrimp is marinating, chop your tomatoes, cucumber, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro.
- Store these ingredients in the fridge until you’re ready to combine them with the shrimp.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
- Once the shrimp has finished marinating and is opaque in color, remove it from the fridge.
- Stir in all prepared vegetables into the marinated shrimp gently until well mixed.
Step 4: Serve Your Ceviche
- Optional: Add diced or mashed avocado on top before serving.
- Serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer or spoon it over tostada shells for an easy dinner.
Now enjoy your refreshing dish of The Best Shrimp Ceviche!
How to Serve The Best Shrimp Ceviche
Serving The Best Shrimp Ceviche is all about presentation and pairing. This vibrant dish can be enjoyed in various ways that elevate its fresh flavors and make it perfect for any occasion.
As an Appetizer
- Serve chilled in small bowls or cups for a refreshing starter.
- Accompany with crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
On Tostada Shells
- Spoon the ceviche onto crispy tostada shells for a fun, easy meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or crema for extra richness.
With Avocado
- Top each serving with diced or mashed avocado for creaminess.
- This adds a rich texture that balances the acidity of the lime.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves as wraps to make a fresh, low-carb option.
- Fill with ceviche and enjoy a light, healthy bite.
Paired with Rice
- Serve alongside or over a bed of fluffy rice to make it heartier.
- Jasmine or coconut rice complements the tropical flavors nicely.
How to Perfect The Best Shrimp Ceviche
Creating The Best Shrimp Ceviche requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your ceviche is a hit every time.
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture.
- Use Plenty of Lime Juice: Ensure your shrimp is fully submerged in lime juice; this is key to marinating properly.
- Chill Ingredients: Keep your vegetables and shrimp cold before mixing for optimal freshness.
- Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of jalapeño based on your heat preference; start with less if unsure.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with garnishes like microgreens or edible flowers for an attractive finish.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve within a few hours of making it.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Shrimp Ceviche
Pairing side dishes with The Best Shrimp Ceviche enhances your meal experience. Here are some delightful options that complement this refreshing dish perfectly.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A creamy corn salad topped with cheese, lime, and spices adds sweetness and crunch.
- Guacamole: Rich and creamy guacamole serves as a perfect dip alongside ceviche, enhancing its flavors.
- Black Bean Salad: A hearty black bean salad brings protein-rich elements that balance the light ceviche well.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a satisfying texture contrast when dipped into ceviche.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa offers a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the citrus notes of ceviche.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly grilled veggies add smoky flavors that enhance the overall freshness of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making shrimp ceviche can be easy, but avoiding common pitfalls will elevate your dish.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Leaving the shrimp in lime juice for too long can make it tough. Stick to the recommended time for perfect texture.
- Using low-quality shrimp: Always choose fresh or high-quality shrimp. Frozen shrimp can work, but ensure they are properly thawed and cleaned.
- Neglecting seasoning: A pinch of salt enhances flavors. Don’t forget to season your mix for a balanced taste.
- Ignoring freshness of ingredients: Fresh veggies make a big difference. Use ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Skipping the marinating step: Allowing the shrimp to marinate is crucial. This step cooks the shrimp using lime juice, which is essential for traditional ceviche.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover ceviche in an airtight container.
- It can last in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep it chilled at all times to maintain freshness.
Freezing Instructions
- Ceviche is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it.
- Use a freezer-safe container and ensure it’s sealed tightly.
- Frozen ceviche can last up to 3 months; however, texture may change upon thawing.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This method can dry out the dish, so monitor closely.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (15-30 seconds), stirring in between. This is quick but may affect texture.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat while stirring continuously. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Best Shrimp Ceviche special?
The Best Shrimp Ceviche stands out due to its vibrant flavors from fresh lime juice, combined with crispy vegetables and creamy avocado.
Can I use cooked shrimp for The Best Shrimp Ceviche?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp if you’re short on time. Just mix it with other ingredients without needing to marinate.
How long does The Best Shrimp Ceviche last?
When stored properly, The Best Shrimp Ceviche can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What can I serve with The Best Shrimp Ceviche?
This dish pairs well with tortilla chips or tostada shells. You can also enjoy it as a refreshing salad on its own!
Final Thoughts
The Best Shrimp Ceviche is not just delicious; it’s versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding your favorite ingredients like mango or additional spices for an extra kick. Give this refreshing recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
The Best Shrimp Ceviche
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Experience the ultimate summer delight with The Best Shrimp Ceviche! This vibrant and refreshing dish showcases tender citrus-marinated shrimp paired with crisp vegetables and creamy avocado, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or a light meal. With its zesty flavors and healthy ingredients, this ceviche is not only a crowd-pleaser but also an easy recipe that takes minimal preparation time. Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips, or elevate it on tostada shells for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
- 1¼ lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped English cucumber
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8–12 limes)
- 1–2 avocados, diced or mashed
Instructions
- Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place them in a 9×13 inch pan.
- Pour lime juice over the shrimp until fully submerged. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for an additional 1-2 hours until shrimp are opaque.
- While marinating, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro; keep refrigerated.
- Once shrimp are ready, mix in the prepared vegetables until well combined.
- Optional: Top with diced or mashed avocado before serving.
- Enjoy with tortilla chips or on tostada shells.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: APPETIZERS
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Leave a Comment