If you’re searching for a dish with unbeatable summer flavors that comes together in minutes, Easy Shrimp Ceviche is about to become your new go-to favorite! Bursting with bright, zesty lime, fresh veggies, plump shrimp, and creamy avocado, this Mexican-inspired appetizer brings the fiesta straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving something light and refreshing, this vibrant dish always impresses—without ever having to turn on the stove!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Shrimp Ceviche lies in its ultra-fresh, straightforward ingredients. Each component plays its own special role: some provide color and crunch, others add a bright or fiery kick, and together they create a perfectly balanced, crowd-pleasing bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp (1 lb, cooked, peeled, deveined, and chopped): Tender shrimp are the star of the show—choose high-quality, fresh or thawed frozen for best texture and flavor.
- Fresh lime juice (1 cup, about 6–8 limes): Nothing beats real citrus here; skip the bottled stuff for the brightest, zestiest marinade.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds a sharp, colorful crunch that livens up every bite.
- Tomato (1 medium, diced): Juicy tomatoes offer sweetness and help balance the acidity.
- Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped): A must for that unmistakable ceviche freshness—don’t skimp!
- Jalapeño (1, seeded and finely chopped): The kick that keeps things exciting; use more or less depending on your spice preference.
- Cucumber (1, peeled, seeded, and diced): For a cool, crisp contrast to the citrusy flavors.
- Avocado (1, diced): Creamy avocado adds a luscious, satisfying finish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for making all the flavors truly pop.
How to Make Easy Shrimp Ceviche
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp in Lime Juice
Begin your Easy Shrimp Ceviche by combining chopped shrimp and fresh lime juice in a large bowl. The acid in the lime juice both flavors the shrimp and gives them that classic ceviche “cooked” texture. Pop the bowl in the fridge and let it marinate for 15–20 minutes—this infuses the shrimp with incredible brightness and sets the stage for all the flavors to come together.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Herbs
While the shrimp marinates, prepare the red onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, and cucumber. Once the shrimp is ready, add these to the bowl. Give everything a gentle toss to combine, ensuring each bite will be loaded with a little crunch, freshness, and a touch of heat.
Step 3: Season to Taste
Don’t underestimate the power of a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper! Season your Easy Shrimp Ceviche generously, tasting as you go. This step is what brings out all the layers of flavors and brings harmony to the dish.
Step 4: Add the Avocado Just Before Serving
Diced avocado gives the ceviche its creamy, cool finish, but it’s best to add it right before serving to keep its color fresh and vibrant. Fold it in gently to prevent mashing and to keep those beautiful green cubes intact.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the chilled ceviche into individual cups, glasses, or onto tostadas. For the ultimate party vibe, offer a big communal bowl surrounded by tortilla chips and let guests help themselves. Easy Shrimp Ceviche is at its absolute best served cold and enjoyed right away!
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Ceviche
Garnishes
A handful of garnishes takes Easy Shrimp Ceviche from delicious to absolutely irresistible. Think extra cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeño, wedges of lime, or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who love an additional kick. These finishing touches add color, zing, and that irresistible “restaurant-style” flair.
Side Dishes
Scoop up ceviche with crunchy tortilla chips, layer it onto crispy tostadas, or stuff it into mini lettuce cups for a lighter option. Pair it with simple sides like plantain chips, corn salad, or a tangy slaw to round out your appetizer spread and keep everyone coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
To really steal the show, serve your Easy Shrimp Ceviche in individual cocktail glasses or mini mason jars for a stylish appetizer. For backyard parties, fill avocado halves for an edible bowl or spoon ceviche into cucumber cups for elegant finger food. Vibrant colors and creative presentation make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Easy Shrimp Ceviche, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The flavors will continue to mingle but the avocado may start to brown and the vegetables can lose their crunch, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for ceviche, as the texture of both the shrimp and the fresh vegetables changes after thawing, often becoming mushy or watery. For the best results, always make and enjoy Easy Shrimp Ceviche fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook, cold appetizer, reheating is not necessary or recommended. If your ceviche has been refrigerated, simply give it a gentle stir before serving and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take off the chill if desired.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
Yes! Raw shrimp is traditional for ceviche. Simply dice it and marinate in lime juice (completely covering the shrimp) for 1–2 hours in the fridge until fully opaque. This process “cooks” the shrimp in the citrus and gives you that classic taste and texture.
Is Easy Shrimp Ceviche safe to eat?
Absolutely. Using cooked shrimp makes this version of Easy Shrimp Ceviche especially safe and quick, but if you opt for raw, just be sure to use very fresh, high-quality shrimp and allow enough time for the lime juice to do its work.
How spicy is this ceviche, and can I adjust the heat?
This ceviche is mildly spicy, thanks to the jalapeño. To make it milder, simply use less jalapeño or remove all the seeds. If you want more heat, swap in a serrano pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I make Easy Shrimp Ceviche ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and all the veggies a few hours ahead and store them separately. Just combine everything (especially the avocado) shortly before serving so it stays fresh and vibrant.
What can I serve with Easy Shrimp Ceviche at a party?
Tortilla chips, tostadas, or even plantain chips are classic picks. For a fresh twist, spoon ceviche into small lettuce leaves or layer it over rice for a light lunch. Pairing it with a tangy margarita or a cold cerveza is always a good choice, too!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making your own Easy Shrimp Ceviche, there’s truly no better time than now! With its sunny flavors, effortless prep, and endless ways to serve, this dish brings both a wow-factor and pure joy to any occasion. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Shrimp Ceviche recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light summer meal or appetizer. The combination of fresh shrimp marinated in lime juice with vibrant vegetables and herbs creates a zesty and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
1 lb cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
Lime Juice Marinade:
1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6–8 limes)
Vegetables:
1/2 cup diced red onion, 1 medium tomato (diced), 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped), 1 cucumber (peeled, seeded, and diced), 1 avocado (diced)
Seasoning:
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp and lime juice. Let sit in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to marinate and absorb the flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Add the red onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, and cucumber. Gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or on tostadas.
Notes
- You can use raw shrimp and marinate longer (about 1–2 hours) until fully opaque.
- Adjust jalapeño to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh lime juice is key—avoid bottled versions for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
