Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe with Avocado (So Fresh!)

Jun 17, 2024, Updated Sep 29, 2024

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Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe with Avocado (So Fresh!)– a zesty and refreshing recipe for shrimp ceviche with avocado, a dish that combines simplicity and rustic flavors beautifully, perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer at your next gathering.

Serve with Pollo Asado, Corn Dip, and Mexican fruit Salad.

Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe in. a bowl with tostadas on the side.

Why you’ll love this recipe…

This is the best easy shrimp ceviche recipe, and it is so simple to prepare! It’s a spin on the traditional ceviche since we use cooked shrimp! Here’s why you’ll love this delicious Mexican shrimp cocktail:

Refreshingly Delicious: The combination of fresh citrus juices with seafood offers a cooling and refreshing taste that is especially satisfying during warm weather or as a bright starter to any meal.
Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with high-quality proteins from the shrimp and healthy fats from the avocado, this ceviche is not only low in calories but also very nutritious, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Customizable: Easily adjust the level of heat, acidity, or herbs to suit your taste. You can make it spicier with more jalapeño or milder by omitting it. You can also try different herbs instead of cilantro or add other vegetables like bell peppers for a different crunch.

You’ll also love my creamy shrimp salad, red chili salsa, and fried shrimp.

fresh and easy shrimp ceviche on top of tostadas on a white platter. Limes on the side.

Why you’ll love this recipe…
Simple Ingredients
How to Make Shrimp Ceviche
Substitutions and Variations
How to Eat Shrimp Ceviche
Storage
Recipe Tips to Make Perfect Shrimp Ceviche
FAQs
More Recipes
What to Serve with Shrimp Ceviche
Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe (So Fresh!)

Simple Ingredients

This ceviche is made with chopped shrimp, crisp veggies, and fresh avocado, all tossed in a delicious citrus mixture. It is perfect for a summer party on a sunny day!

Fresh Shrimp: tender shrimp adds a sweet, succulent texture that’s both filling and refreshing. You can use pre-cooked or raw shrimp.
Red Onion: Brings a sharp, slightly spicy bite that balances the sweetness of the shrimp and the acidity of the citrus.
Jalapeño: Adds a kick of heat to the dish, adjust based on how spicy you like your food.
Cucumber: crispy cucumbers add a fresh crunch, offering a contrast to the softer textures in the ceviche.
Roma Tomatoes: Contribute a juicy, mild sweetness and are less watery than other tomatoes, making them perfect for ceviche.
Cilantro: Its bright, herbal notes are a classic in Latin American dishes, infusing the ceviche with a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Avocado: Creamy avocado adds a buttery texture that complements the acidic components beautifully.
Fresh Lime Juice: Acts as the cooking medium for the raw shrimp and adds a zesty, tangy flavor that’s crucial for ceviche.
Lemon Juice: Enhances the citrus profile with its bright and slightly sweet acidity.
Orange Juice: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the tangy mix of citrus juices.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Use these to season the ceviche.
Tortilla Chips or Tostadas: Serve as the crunchy vessels for enjoying the ceviche, adding texture and a salty finish to each bite.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Shrimp Ceviche

Simple and Quick to Prepare: This dish requires no cooking (unless you opt to briefly cook the shrimp), so it can be prepared in advance, leaving more time to enjoy with guests. It’s essentially just chopping and mixing—perfect for a quick, no-fuss meal.

Add the shrimp to a bowl with the dressing.

how to make shrimp ceviche step-by-step: tossing the shrimp ceviche to combine.

Add in the fresh ingredients and toss to combine!

Enjoy your delicious shrimp ceviche. See the recipe card for more instructions!

Substitutions and Variations

Different Seafood: Instead of shrimp, you can use other types of seafood such as scallops, fish (like tilapia or cod), sea bass, or even a combination for a seafood medley. Each type of seafood brings its own unique flavor and texture.
Mango or Pineapple Addition: For a sweet, tropical twist, add diced mango or pineapple. This adds a burst of sweetness that complements the tangy citrus and spicy jalapeño beautifully.
Herb Variations: While cilantro is traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like parsley or dill for a different flavor profile. Mint could also be a refreshing addition, especially when paired with fruit.
Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, increase the amount of jalapeño or add other types of chili peppers like serrano or habanero. You could also sprinkle in some chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra fiery touch.
Creamy Element: For a creamier version of ceviche, incorporate some Greek yogurt or coconut milk. This adds a smooth texture and may help balance out the acidity and heat.

How to Eat Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp ceviche is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in several delightful ways, depending on your mood or the occasion. Here are some suggestions on how to serve and enjoy it:

With Tortilla Chips: Scoop up the ceviche with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. This is a classic way to enjoy ceviche and makes for a great party snack.
On Tostadas: Spread the ceviche over crispy tostadas and top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for a fuller meal. It’s a traditional presentation that turns the ceviche into a hand-held delight.
In Tacos: Fill soft or crunchy taco shells with shrimp ceviche for a fresh, light taco variation. Add some shredded lettuce or cabbage for extra crunch.
Avocado Boats: Serve the ceviche in halved avocados for a beautiful and healthy presentation. The creamy avocado pairs wonderfully with the tangy, zesty shrimp.
With Plantain Chips: For a tropical twist, use plantain chips to scoop up the ceviche. Their sweet flavor complements the acidity of the ceviche nicely.
Over Greens: Serve the ceviche atop a bed of fresh greens such as arugula or mixed salad leaves for a healthy, light lunch option.
As a Stuffed Pepper Filling: Stuff hollowed-out bell peppers with shrimp ceviche for a colorful and nutritious dish that’s easy to serve.

Each of these serving suggestions allows the bright flavors of the ceviche to shine while adding a unique twist to the traditional flavors.

Storage

Refrigerate Promptly: refrigerate within two hours of preparation. Place the ceviche in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Consume Quickly: enjoy this dish fresh! However, if you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator and consume it within 1 to 2 days. Over time, the fish will continue to “cook” in the acidic citrus juices, which can affect the texture and flavor.
Do Not Freeze: it can change the texture of the seafood and vegetables, making them mushy once thawed.

My Pro Tip

Recipe Tips to Make Perfect Shrimp Ceviche

Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the ceviche heavily depends on the freshness of its ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and fresh, ripe vegetables and fruits. Freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice are crucial for the best flavor.
Properly Prepare Shrimp: If using raw shrimp, make sure they are very fresh. Peel, devein, and wash them thoroughly. If you’re more comfortable with cooked shrimp, choose ones that are not overly cooked to avoid a rubbery texture when marinated.
Marinate Correctly: The marinating time affects the texture of the shrimp. For raw shrimp, ensure it’s marinated until opaque and firm but not too long as it can become overly firm and lose its delicate texture. For cooked shrimp, a brief marinating time is sufficient just to flavor it.
Cut Ingredients Evenly: Dice the vegetables and shrimp into uniform pieces to ensure each bite contains an even distribution of flavors and textures.
Add Avocado Last: Avocado can become mushy or brown if added too early or if the ceviche sits for too long. Add it just before serving to maintain its fresh color and creamy texture.
Serve Chilled: Ceviche is best served cold. Chill the serving dishes beforehand if you want to go the extra mile, ensuring a refreshing eating experience.

FAQs

Is Ceviche safe to eat?

When prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients ceviche is safe to eat. The acidic marinade helps “cook” the shrimp. Safety First: If you have any doubts about the freshness of your seafood or if your guests are pregnant, elderly, or have compromised immune systems, consider using pre-cooked shrimp to eliminate any risk.

is the shrimp cooked in ceviche?

In ceviche, shrimp (and other types of seafood) are typically “cooked” using the acidity of citrus juices, primarily lime and lemon, rather than heat. This process involves the citric acid causing the proteins in the seafood to become denatured, which alters their chemical structure and makes the seafood opaque and firm as if it had been cooked with heat.

can i make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare ceviche ahead of time, but it’s best served the same day it’s made. If you’re using raw shrimp, marinate it a few hours before serving. Keep it refrigerated until it’s time to serve. If using cooked shrimp, you can mix the ingredients and let them marinate for a short time to marry the flavors before serving.

what is shrimp ceviche?

Ceviche is a popular dish in Latin America made from fresh raw fish or seafood that’s “cooked” in citrus juices, typically lemon or lime, and mixed with fresh herbs, chopped onions, and other seasonings. It’s known for its fresh, tangy flavor and is often garnished with ingredients like avocado, cilantro, and chili peppers, served chilled as a refreshing appetizer or main dish.

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