Shrimp Ceviche: A Refreshing, Zesty Summer Dish

Shrimp ceviche is a classic dish that’s both refreshing and full of bright flavors. It’s the kind of dish you crave during the hot summer months when you’re looking for something light, cooling, and packed with fresh ingredients. This shrimp ceviche recipe features shrimp marinated in tangy citrus juices and mixed with crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and spicy jalapeño for that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a summer party, as a light appetizer, or enjoying it on its own, this ceviche will become a favorite go-to.

The Ingredients: A Symphony of Fresh Flavors

The beauty of shrimp ceviche lies in its simplicity and fresh ingredients. Let’s break down the key components of the dish:

Shrimp

The base of the ceviche is, of course, shrimp. The shrimp should be fresh or frozen and deveined with shells removed. For a more succulent texture, jumbo shrimp works best, but medium shrimp can also be used. Once boiled and cooled, the shrimp is chopped into bite-sized pieces, ready to absorb all the flavors of the marinade.

Citrus Juices

Citrus juices are the key to giving ceviche its tangy, refreshing taste. For this recipe, lime juice and orange juice form the foundation of the marinade. The lime adds a sharp acidity, while the orange contributes a mild sweetness that balances the flavors.

Tomato Juice and Tomato Sauce

In many ceviche recipes, tomatoes are incorporated in the form of diced fresh tomatoes. However, this recipe uses tomato juice and tomato sauce to give the ceviche a slightly richer, more savory base. These ingredients add depth to the tangy citrus and give the shrimp ceviche a little more body.

Veggies: Crunch and Color

Ceviche is known for its colorful presentation and the crunch that vegetables bring. For this recipe, celery, cucumber, and onion are added. Celery provides a crisp texture and subtle earthy flavor. Cucumber adds a fresh, watery crunch that’s perfect for a light dish. The onion gives the ceviche a sharp bite and a savory contrast to the sweetness of the citrus.

Avocado

The avocado in this recipe adds richness and creaminess to balance the acidic ingredients. It also adds a buttery texture that helps round out the flavors in the ceviche, making each bite luxurious yet light.

Jalapeño and Hot Sauce

For those who enjoy a little heat, jalapeño peppers are included. The jalapeño adds a moderate level of heat and a touch of bitterness that complements the freshness of the other ingredients. Additionally, hot sauce can be added to taste, providing extra spice and depth.

Herbs and Seasonings

A generous handful of cilantro brings a herby freshness and a pop of green. This herb is essential in ceviche and gives it a distinctive flavor. The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a grated garlic clove, which all bring the flavors together and enhance the natural tastes of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook and Chill the Shrimp

Start by boiling a large pot of water and adding your shrimp. You’ll want to cook the shrimp just until they curl into a loose “C” shape and turn pink. This will only take about 2-3 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. Once they’re cooked, immediately drain the shrimp and either transfer them to an ice bath or run them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures the shrimp remain tender and don’t become overcooked.

After cooling the shrimp, cut them into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. The shrimp will soak up all the flavors of the marinade while retaining their tender, juicy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

Next, prepare the celery, cucumber, onion, and jalapeño. Chop the vegetables into small pieces, ensuring they’re similar in size so every bite has an even balance of flavor and texture. The avocado should be chopped just before adding to the mixture to avoid browning. Keep it chunky for a richer texture.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

In a separate bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, tomato juice, and tomato sauce. Add the grated garlic, a squeeze of hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This tangy, savory liquid will be the base that marinates the shrimp and veggies.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled shrimp, prepared vegetables, and fresh cilantro. Pour the marinade over the top and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the avocado—it’s best if it stays in large chunks, adding creaminess to the ceviche.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the ceviche chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This gives the shrimp and vegetables time to absorb all the citrusy goodness from the marinade. The flavors will meld together and become even more vibrant as they marinate.

After chilling, serve the ceviche cold. You can serve it in individual bowls or scoop it onto a platter. It pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, lettuce leaves, or even crusty bread. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if you like.

Tips and Variations

Sweetness Option: For a sweet twist, try adding diced mango or pineapple. The tropical fruit will add a refreshing contrast to the spicy and tangy elements.

Spicy Kick: If you want to ramp up the heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or add some cayenne pepper or chili powder.

Make Ahead: Shrimp ceviche is perfect for making ahead. The flavors get better as it marinates, so you can prepare it a day in advance. Just make sure to give it a quick stir before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This shrimp ceviche is a versatile dish that works well for many occasions. Serve it at your next summer BBQ or as an appetizer at a party. It’s also perfect for a light, healthy lunch or dinner. For an extra flair, serve the ceviche in martini glasses or small mason jars for a fun presentation.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Ceviche is a light, refreshing, and vibrant dish that combines citrus, spice, and creaminess in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a quick and healthy dish, this ceviche will impress your guests with its bold flavors and colorful ingredients. With its balance of shrimp, veggies, and citrus, it’s the ultimate summer dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

More Recipes You Might Like