Authentic Shrimp Ceviche Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

When summer heats up, it’s time to fire up the grills and cool down with dishes that bring a burst of freshness. One such dish that always graces my table is authentic shrimp ceviche. It’s bright, zesty, and pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or a light, crisp salad. 

As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I enjoy creating recipes that are not just tasty but also nutritious.

Before diving into the preparation of this delightful plate, let me take you on a quick journey of what makes authentic shrimp ceviche stand out. 

This dish is essentially a celebration of flavors, colors, and textures. Think of it as a refreshing pool party for your taste buds!

What is Authentic Shrimp Ceviche?

Ceviche is a traditional dish of Latin American origin, particularly hailing from countries like Peru and Mexico. At its core, it involves marinating seafood—usually fish or shrimp—in citrus juices, primarily lime. 

This process “cooks” the shrimp in a delicious, acidic bath. In authentic varieties, the combination of fresh ingredients gives it a signature brightness that’s tough to match.

The Ingredients

To craft the perfect batch of authentic shrimp ceviche, you’ll need:

– 1 tablespoon Tajín seasoning or clamato  

– 1 lb shrimp, cleaned and deveined  

– 1 cup fresh lime juice (approximately 10 limes)  

– 1 fresh lemon, juiced  

– 1 ripe avocado, cubed  

– 2 ripe roma tomatoes, diced  

– ½ red onion, finely chopped  

– 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped  

– 4 serrano peppers, finely chopped  

– 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped  

– 1 medium cucumber, diced  

– Salt to taste  

– 1 teaspoon agave syrup or honey

How to Make Authentic Shrimp Ceviche

Making shrimp ceviche is a straightforward process that combines the beauty of fresh ingredients with essential culinary techniques. I’ll guide you through it step-by-step, focusing on each stage to ensure you achieve the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

First, you need to clean and devein the shrimp. I prefer using fresh shrimp because they offer better flavor and texture, but if you can only find frozen shrimp, that’s okay too. Just make sure to thaw them properly.

Once clean, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. This not only makes them easy to eat but also allows them to soak up the marinade.

Step 2: Citrus Marinade

Now comes the fun part—creating the marinade! In a large bowl, combine your fresh lime and lemon juices. The acids will “cook” the shrimp, giving them that firm and opaque appearance associated with ceviche. 

Add the chopped shrimp to this bowl and mix gently to ensure all the pieces are submerged. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes. Depending on the size of your shrimp, you can let them marinate longer, up to two hours.

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies

While the shrimp gets its flavor infusion, it’s time to chop your vegetables. Dice the tomatoes and cucumber, and finely chop the red onion, serrano peppers, and jalapeño, as well as the cilantro.

 You’re building layers of flavor, so don’t rush this step.

Step 4: Combine Everything

After your shrimp has marinated, it’s time to combine everything. In the bowl with your citrus-marinated shrimp, gently fold in the chopped vegetables and avocado. The creaminess of the avocado balances the acidity beautifully. 

Ashing in Tajín seasoning adds a kick of flavor that ties the whole dish together. Taste and adjust with salt, lime, or even a hint of agave syrup if you find it too acidic.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Everything is ready, but wait! For the best flavor experience, let the ceviche chill in the refrigerator for another 15-30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously.

Notes

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Freshness is Key: Use high-quality shrimp. Fresh shrimp make a noticeable difference in flavor.
  
• Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the quantity of jalapeño and serrano peppers.
  
• Keep It Cool: Serve ceviche chilled for the best experience.
  
• Presentation Matters: Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a beautiful finish.
  
• Serve Immediately: Ceviche tastes best fresh, so try to consume it within a couple of hours of making it.
  

Storage Tips

If you need to store your ceviche, keep in mind:

• Refrigerate immediately and consume within 24 hours for the best flavor.
  
• Avoid freezing as it alters the texture of the shrimp.
  
• If it sits too long, the acidity can break down the shrimp, making it mushy.
  

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying shrimp ceviche, consider these serving ideas:

1. Chips and Dip: Serve your ceviche with crispy tortilla chips. The crunch pairs perfectly with the zing of the dish.
   
2. Over a Mixed Salad: Place a scoop of ceviche atop a bed of mixed greens. The flavors meld beautifully with the freshness of lettuce.
   
3. Tacos: Use it as a filling for soft corn tortillas. This elevates your taco game with minimal effort.
   
4. Avocado Boats: Serve ceviche in halved avocados for a stunning presentation and a healthier twist.
   
5. Garnish with Extra Lime: A fresh squeeze right before serving adds a delightful zing and brings all the flavors together.
   

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Authentic Shrimp Ceviche?

If shrimp isn’t your thing or you want to try something different, here are some fantastic substitutes:

• Scallops: These can lend a buttery texture. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces and marinate as you would shrimp.
  
• White Fish: Cod or tilapia works well. They have a mild flavor and absorb the marinade’s essence.
  
• Octopus: Cooked octopus provides a chewier texture and an intriguing flavor. Be sure to slice it thinly!
  
• Crab Meat: Lump crab meat adds a sweet and delicate flavor that’s hard to resist. It doesn’t need much marination, just a quick toss.
  
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu cubes. Marinate them for a while to soak in the citrus flavor.
  

Conclusion

Creating authentic shrimp ceviche is an enriching experience that brings together fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a touch of culinary skill. It’s a dish that never fails to impress and is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a relaxing meal at home.

As you whip up this delightful treat, remember that the key lies in quality ingredients and your own personal touch. Whether you’re sticking to tradition or experimenting with new flavors, shrimp ceviche can become your go-to recipe for any occasion. 

So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and let’s dive into a bowl of this deliciousness!

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