Shrimp Ceviche
Tender shrimp 'cooked' in a zesty lime marinade, tossed with fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeño, and creamy avocado. This California-style ceviche is a refreshing, no-cook appetizer perfect for warm days.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Marinate the Shrimp
- b.Rinse the raw shrimp and pat them dry. Cut into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch each.
- c.Place the chopped shrimp and finely diced red onion in a medium-sized glass or ceramic bowl (non-reactive).
- d.Pour the fresh lime juice over the shrimp and onion, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged. Stir gently.
- e.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. The shrimp is 'cooked' when it turns opaque and pinkish-white throughout.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Vegetables
- b.While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the rest of your ingredients.
- c.Seed and dice the Roma tomatoes and English cucumber.
- d.Seed and mince the jalapeños. For less heat, make sure to remove all white membranes.
- e.Chop the cilantro.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Season
- b.Once the shrimp is opaque, drain off about half of the lime juice from the bowl to prevent the ceviche from being too soupy.
- c.Add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the shrimp.
- d.Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- e.Stir everything together gently until well combined.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Avocado and Serve
- b.Just before serving, dice the avocados and gently fold them into the ceviche. This prevents them from browning and becoming mushy.
- c.Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice.
- d.Serve immediately with tortilla chips, tostadas, plantain chips, or in lettuce cups.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use a non-reactive bowl like glass or ceramic for marinating. Metal bowls can react with the acid and impart a metallic taste.
- 2For the best flavor and safety, use the freshest, highest-quality shrimp you can find. Previously frozen (and thawed) is often a great choice.
- 3Do not over-marinate the shrimp. The acid will continue to 'cook' it, and if left for too long (over 30 minutes), it can become tough and rubbery.
- 4The heat from jalapeños is concentrated in the seeds and white membranes. Remove them for a milder spice level, or leave some in for more kick.
- 5Ceviche is best enjoyed fresh, ideally within 1-2 hours of making it. It does not store well as the texture of the shrimp and avocado will degrade.
- 6If you're hesitant to use raw shrimp, you can quickly blanch the shrimp in boiling water for 60 seconds, then plunge into an ice bath before chopping and marinating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace shrimp with a firm white fish like halibut, sea bass, or snapper, cut into 1/2-inch cubes. You can also use bay scallops.
Flavor BoostFlavor Boost
Add 1/2 cup of diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy tropical twist.
Extra CrunchExtra Crunch
Mix in 1/2 cup of finely diced jicama or bell peppers for added texture and color.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
For more heat, use a serrano or habanero pepper instead of jalapeño, or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Powerhouse
Shrimp provides high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which support heart health by helping to reduce bad cholesterol levels and providing essential fatty acids.
Vitamin C Boost
The generous amount of fresh lime juice provides a significant dose of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.
Packed with Antioxidants
Ingredients like onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. It's packed with lean protein from the shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and vitamins from the fresh vegetables and lime juice. It's naturally low in carbs and calories, making it a great light meal or appetizer.