Description
This Shrimp Ceviche is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion, featuring tender shrimp marinated in fresh lime juice and combined with crisp vegetables and flavorful spices. It offers a bright, zesty flavor profile and can be served as a light appetizer or snack alongside crunchy tortilla or plantain chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon fresh lime zest
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (from about 5 limes) + ½ cup additional fresh lime juice (if using the raw method)
- 3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 Persian cucumbers, chopped (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 1 medium avocado, pitted and diced
- Tortilla chips or plantain chips, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Peel and devein the medium raw shrimp if not already done. For a cooked ceviche, briefly boil or steam the shrimp until pink and firm, about 2-3 minutes, then cool. For a raw ceviche, skip cooking and use raw shrimp.
- Marinate shrimp in lime juice: Place the shrimp in a bowl and cover with ½ cup fresh lime juice and the fresh lime zest. If using raw shrimp, add an additional ½ cup lime juice. Let the mixture marinate for at least 15-20 minutes; the acid in the lime juice will “cook” the shrimp, turning it firm and opaque.
- Prepare vegetables: While the shrimp marinates, seed and chop the Roma tomatoes, chop the Persian cucumbers, finely chop the red onion, and mince the fresh cilantro.
- Combine ingredients: After marination, drain some of the excess lime juice if desired, then add the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, cilantro, sea salt, sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and cumin to the shrimp. Gently mix everything to incorporate the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the ceviche and add more salt or spices as needed to suit your preference.
- Add avocado: Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado carefully to retain its shape and creamy texture.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp ceviche chilled with tortilla chips or plantain chips for scooping, making it a perfect refreshing appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- For food safety, use only fresh, high-quality shrimp and keep it refrigerated.
- Allow enough marination time (at least 15-20 minutes) for the lime juice to properly cure the shrimp.
- Ceviche can be prepared a few hours ahead but add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best tangy flavor; bottled lime juice is not recommended.
