Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe (2024)

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3.35 from 140 votes

This is the best Shrimp Ceviche recipe that’s refreshing, easy to make, and healthy! Serve with tortilla chips to dip, top on tostadas, tacos, salads, or enjoy just as it is.

PIN this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe to try later!

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A bowl of chilled shrimp ceviche (especially on a warm day) will instantly satisfy your ceviche cravings. Zesty and refreshing citrus flavors are combined with succulent pieces of shrimp, and vegetables. You can put this together in just minutes and the spiciness can be adjusted to your preference.

One of my favorite things to order when we eat out at any Mexican restaurant is the Shrimp Ceviche! I love how it’s always the healthier option on the menu and I never feel guilty about indulging in it.

My favorite way to enjoy a bowl of fresh ceviche is with crispy tortilla chips. Some of my other Mexican-inspired recipes to serve with this dish is my Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats, Homemade Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Tostadas, Enchiladas, or Tacos.

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INGREDIENTS

Shrimp: cooked medium-sized shrimp with the tails removed. You could also use large shrimp, just be sure to cut them into smaller pieces. Bay shrimp will also work, you can just leave them whole since they are smaller.

Red onion: red onions are mild but still have a sharp flavor. If you wanted to a milder taste, use white onions.

Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes work best since they have a firm flesh. You could also use cherry tomatoes and vine ripe tomatoes, just be sure to scoop out as much of the middle as possible.

Cilantro: you just need a handful roughly chopped. You can also use fresh parsley instead.

Lime and lemon juice: freshly squeezed is best. You can even add some zest if you want to add more of a zingy flavor.

Salsa: use any of your favorite salsa brands, I love using a chunkier mild salsa.

Seasonings: garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

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HOW TO MAKE SHRIMP CEVICHE

MIX INGREDIENTS TOGETHER. In a large mixing bowl, combine shrimp, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, salsa, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

STIR. Stir until combined and all the ingredients are mixed together.

REFRIGERATE. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow all the ingredients to come together and the flavors will absorb in the shrimp. Enjoy!

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THIS SHRIMP CEVICHE RECIPE IS

  • Refreshing, light, and zesty.
  • Packed with protein and flavor so it will keep you feeling satisfied.
  • Perfect as a dip, adding to salads, tacos, and more!
  • Easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ceviche ingredients.

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WHAT IS SHRIMP CEVICHE?

Shrimp Ceviche is traditionally made with raw fish or shrimp that gets cooked in the citrus juices (lemon and lime juice). The acid from the citrus “cooks” the proteins in the fish, making it safe to eat. The fish will turn opaque and the texture will become firm.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, so when they are exposed to acid, the chains break down and arrange themselves into different forms which is how the fish “cooks” without there being any heat involved. This process takes about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the seafood pieces.

This recipe uses cooked shrimp so you don’t have to go through that process but it is still made the same way. The ceviche chills in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so all of the flavors get absorbed.

HOW TO EAT SHRIMP CEVICHE

You can eat ceviche just as it is since it’s packed with protein so it will keep you full. It makes a great healthy snack, appetizer, or main dish.

I love using dippers such as tortilla chips or crackers! You can also add a few scoops on top of tostadas, salads, or tacos.

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RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS

Add more seafood! If you’re a seafood lover like me, some other seafood options to add are cooked baby scallops, white fish, imitation or real crab meat, sliced octopus, and cooked squid.

Add spice. You can make this ceviche as mild or spicy as you want. Add your favorite hot sauce, diced jalapenos, and spicy salsa.

Add avocados: I recommend serving cubed or sliced avocado on the side instead of adding it to the ceviche. This will prevent the avocado from turning brown if you have leftovers.

Add sweetness. If you want to add sweetness, mix in 1 cup of diced fresh mango or pineapple.

Add more vegetables: some extra veggies you can add are diced bell peppers, carrots, celery, and corn.

Shrimp: I always recommend using cooked, medium-sized shrimp because it saves time and is one less step you have to do. You could also use large shrimp or bay shrimp. If you use large shrimp, it’s best to cut the shrimp into smaller pieces. If you use bay shrimp you can leave them whole since they are smaller.

STORAGE AND LEFTOVERS

Fresh is always best and has the most flavor when it comes to ceviche. If you do have leftovers store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

The longer the ceviche is in the refrigerator, the more liquid it will have and the tomatoes and cucumbers will start to wilt and get soggy.

To freeze, discard as much of the liquid as possible. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You may have to add more lime juice, lemon juice, and salsa to bring back the flavor that was in the juice.

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OTHER SEAFOOD RECIPES

  • The Best Tuna Poke
  • Smoked Salmon Flatbread
  • Spicy Tuna Bites
  • Clam Dip
  • Shrimp Stuffed Avocados
  • Homemade California Roll

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CAN’T GET ENOUGH

Subscribeand I’ll send all my newest andFREErecipes to your inbox! You can also keep up with me onPinterest,Instagram, and Facebook. If you make this recipe, please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and share a picture onInstagramso I can see and feature you!

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Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

This is the best Shrimp Ceviche recipe that’s refreshing, easy to make, and healthy! Serve with tortilla chips to dip, top on tostadas, tacos, salads, or enjoy just as it is.

3.35 from 140 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: shrimp ceviche

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Kathryn Donangelo

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cooked shrimp medium-sized
  • 1/2 medium red onion diced
  • 1 cup cucumber seeded and diced
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes seeded and diced
  • 1/3 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons salsa
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • jalapeno optional
  • avocado optional
  • tortilla chips or crackers to dip optional

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine shrimp, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, salsa, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  • Stir until combined and all the ingredients are mixed together.

  • Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow all the ingredients to come together and the flavors will absorb in the shrimp. Enjoy!

  • You don't have to place the ceviche in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, this is optional but I find the ceviche has better flavor when you do.

Find Kathryn's Kitchen Blog on Instagram!Mention @Kathryns.Kitchen.Blog or tag #kathrynskitchen!

Notes

Recipe Notes:

  • Add more seafood! If you're a seafood lover like me, some other seafood options to add are cooked baby scallops, white fish, imitation or real crab meat, sliced octopus, and cooked squid.
  • Add spice. You can make this ceviche as mild or spicy as you want. Add your favorite hot sauce, diced jalapenos, and spicy salsa.
  • Add avocados: I recommend serving cubed or sliced avocado on the side instead of adding it to the ceviche. This will prevent the avocado from turning brown if you have leftovers.
  • Add sweetness. If you want to add sweetness, mix in 1 cup of diced fresh mango or pineapple.
  • Add more vegetables: some extra veggies you can add are diced bell peppers, carrots, celery, and corn.
  • Leftovers: Fresh is always best and has the most flavor when it comes to ceviche. If you do have leftovers store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.The longer the ceviche is in the refrigerator, the more liquid it will have and the tomatoes and cucumbers will start to wilt and get soggy.
  • To freeze, discard as much of the liquid as possible. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You may have to add more lime juice, lemon juice, and salsa to bring back the flavor that was in the juice.

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Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long do raw shrimp need to sit in lime juice? ›

Place the pieces in a bowl and cover entirely with ½ cup fresh lime juice. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. The shrimp will "cook" and turn pink. After 20 minutes, drain the shrimp pieces, discarding the lime juice.

Can I use frozen shrimp for ceviche? ›

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe (in fact, most "fresh" shrimp you buy at the market is actually defrosted frozen shrimp), but you'll need to thaw it first.

How do I know when my shrimp ceviche is done? ›

Cover the bowl and set in the fridge until the shrimp is fully pink with no gray or raw parts, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Mix the ceviche: Add the jalapeno, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime in ceviche? ›

Bottled lemon and lime juice are safe to use for ceviche. The acids in them will "cook" the fish.

Why isn't my shrimp turning pink in lime juice? ›

It depends on the acidity of your limes. If you have been waiting for ages, and the shrimp seem to not be cooking, add some more lemon juice. Now that your shrimp are cooked through, drain off about 1/2 of the lime juice, add your clamato, onion, cucumber.

Can you eat raw shrimp marinated in lime juice? ›

The citrus from the lime helps to break down the proteins in the shrimp leaving the shrimp safe for consumption. This marinating time turns the flesh to opaque pink and destroys any harmful bacteria.

Can you eat GREY shrimp in ceviche? ›

Unlike tuna or salmon, shrimp should be poached as part of the ceviche making process. Otherwise, the crustacean takes on a grey color and never quite reaches an ideal texture. Eating raw shrimp is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world but it is ill advised in most cases.

How long is homemade shrimp ceviche good for? ›

Because the fish has been marinated in an acidic mixture, ceviche should be safe to eat for about two days when stored in the fridge. However, the texture will continue to change as the acid in the citrus juice breaks down the protein, which is why we don't recommend trying to make leftovers out of ceviche.

When should you not use frozen shrimp? ›

While shrimp can last for up to one year in the freezer, it's best to use it within three months for optimum taste and texture. Be sure to label and date the bag so you know when it was originally frozen.

Should ceviche be white all the way through? ›

At its core, Ceviche is as simple as tossing raw fish with lime juice, then leaving it for 5 minutes to let the acid “cook” the fish, making it turn white on the surface, but still raw inside.

How long should ceviche sit before eating? ›

Let it sit for 15 to 25 minutes for medium, and 25 minutes for medium-well. The best way to decide how you like your ceviche "cooked" is to throw five pieces of fish in some marinade and taste every five minutes.

How long do you wait for ceviche? ›

How long should the ceviche be marinated to be safe to eat? The marination time can vary anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the size of pieces you've cut your fish into. That's why I typically opt for smaller bite-sized pieces to ensure it's "cooked" through.

Can you use bottled lime juice instead of fresh limes? ›

Although it seems like a simple swap, you need to be careful when substituting bottled lime juice for fresh. Check the label to be sure it is pure juice; some varieties, such as the popular Rose's label, are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.

How long does it take ceviche to cook in lime juice? ›

The fish will begin to cook immediately, however, because citrus is acidic it is not being being cooked by heat but the citrus juice from the lime. This process will take anywhere from 15-20 minutes. You can leave in the lime juice longer as it will cook the fish more thoroughly. Overcooking isn't an issue.

Why do Mexicans use lime instead of lemon? ›

When it comes to food, lime is a great way to add a tart and acidic flavor that can really brighten up a dish. It's often used in Mexican cuisine, where it pairs well with spicy dishes. But it can also be used in more subtle ways, as a way to add brightness to flavors that might otherwise be a little bland.

How long do you have to wait to eat aguachiles? ›

This dish should be eaten within 24 hours of being prepared but it is best eaten immediately. The dish is soaked in lime juice, which is highly acidic and breaks down the proteins in the other ingredients. After a few days the ingredients will start to get mushy, so it's best to enjoy the dish while it's fresh.

How long does ceviche need to stay in lime juice? ›

The fish will begin to cook immediately, however, because citrus is acidic it is not being being cooked by heat but the citrus juice from the lime. This process will take anywhere from 15-20 minutes. You can leave in the lime juice longer as it will cook the fish more thoroughly. Overcooking isn't an issue.

How long can shrimp stay in lemon juice? ›

However, if your marinade is acidic (i. e. contains lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar) limit your marinating to 30 minutes or less as acid breaks down the shrimp and can turn it mushy.

Can I marinate shrimp in lime juice overnight? ›

Simply mix all of the marinade ingredients together, cover and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just remember to avoid marinating the shrimp for more than 2 hours, so that it does not begin to cook in the lime juice, as that will make the shrimp tough and chewy.

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