Description
This easy shrimp ceviche recipe is a fresh and vibrant seafood dish perfect for warm days or light meals. Raw shrimp is marinated in a zesty mixture of lime, orange, and lemon juices until it turns pink and opaque, then mixed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and garlic. Creamy avocado is gently folded in just before serving to add richness and texture. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or tostadas for a refreshing appetizer or snack that bursts with bright citrus flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and finely diced)
- ½ cup lime juice (fresh, about 4-5 limes)
- ⅓ cup orange juice (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup seedless cucumber (finely diced)
- 1 cup tomatoes (finely diced)
- ½ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1-2 jalapeños (seeded and finely diced, optional)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
Finishing Ingredient
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 avocados (peeled, pitted, and diced)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the diced raw shrimp with fresh lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice, and ¾ teaspoon salt. Spread the mixture into an even layer ensuring all shrimp pieces are submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20-25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the shrimp turn fully pink and opaque, indicating they are 'cooked' by the citrus.
- Add the Vegetables and Seasoning: Remove the shrimp mixture from the refrigerator. Stir in the diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño (if using), chopped cilantro, minced garlic, the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Fold in the Avocado: Just before serving, gently fold the diced avocado into the ceviche to maintain its shape and creamy texture without mashing it.
- Serve: Serve the ceviche immediately alongside homemade tortilla chips or tostadas. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes beforehand to let the flavors meld for an even more delicious taste.
Notes
- If you prefer cooked shrimp instead of raw, you can briefly boil or steam peeled, deveined shrimp until pink and opaque before dicing and marinating.
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder flavor.
- For best flavor, use fresh citrus juices rather than bottled.
- Serve immediately after adding avocado to prevent browning.
- This ceviche is best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
