Ceviche is a fresh and flavorful seafood dish that originates from Latin America, particularly Peru. It’s made by marinating raw fish or seafood in citrus juices, which “cook” the fish by denaturing the proteins. This results in a dish that’s light, tangy, and perfect for a refreshing appetizer or light meal. In this recipe, we’ll be making a classic shrimp ceviche.
Ingredients for Shrimp Ceviche
- 1 pound of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tomato, seeded and chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How to Make Shrimp Ceviche
- Prepare the Shrimp: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the water and let them cool.
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, lemon juice, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño peppers. Cut the cooled shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Stir to combine, making sure the shrimp are fully coated in the citrus juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Tomato and Avocado: Just before serving, stir in the chopped tomato and diced avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp ceviche chilled, either on its own or with tortilla chips for scooping.
About the Main Ingredients
- Shrimp: The choice of seafood is crucial in ceviche. Fresh shrimp works best for this recipe. Be sure to properly clean and devein them before cooking.
- Citrus Juices: Lime and lemon juices are used to “cook” the shrimp. The acidity in these juices denatures the proteins in the shrimp, turning them opaque and firm.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to the ceviche. Finely chop the onion to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.
- Cilantro: Provides a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements the seafood. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use parsley instead.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Add a bit of heat to the ceviche. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness.
- Tomato: Adds color, texture, and a slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and richness to the ceviche. Be sure to use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.
Enjoy this delicious and refreshing shrimp ceviche as a light and flavorful appetizer or meal!
