Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

Shrimp Ceviche – This No Cooking Required Mexican-inspired ceviche recipe is light, fresh and full of flavor. Citrus marinated shrimp, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, avocado and jalapenos make the most delicious and easy to make ceviche ever!

Shrimp ceviche is a simple and tasty dish that can be made in very little time. No fancy ingredients are needed and no cooking is involved in the preparation of this full flavored ceviche recipe.

Ceviche can be served as an appetizer with tortilla chips for scooping or with crackers.  As part of a meal I like to serve it taco style over lettuce leaves or atop crispy corn tostadas.

What is Ceviche?

I always think of ceviche as a seafood salad. It is a popular dish from South and Central America made with raw fish and seafood. Traditional ceviches are made by marinating fish and seafood in citrus juices. The citrus “cooks” the fish and seafood perfectly. Onions and other vegetables and herbs are then added to finish the dish.

Did You Know?

Citrus cooks the fish/seafood by denaturation (altering) of their proteins. Denaturation is a process in which proteins lose the structure of their native state, by application of some external stress or compound such as a strong acid. 

Is This Shrimp Ceviche Made with Raw Shrimp?

No. Although traditional Mexican ceviche starts with raw shrimp, in this ceviche recipe I use cooked shrimp. There are a few reasons for this – convenience, safety and time.

Most of the seafood sold in supermarkets is farm raised and shipped from a remote area. Unlike fish, which I eat raw in sushi, shrimp can grow bacteria much faster and although the citrus “cooks” the shrimp, it may not kill all the bacteria. Cooked shrimp is readily available and by using it, you can shave off about 30 minutes of prep time.

If you have fresh shrimp available in your area and would like to make this recipe the traditional way, marinate the raw shrimp in the citrus marinade for 30 minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients. Just like when eating sushi, if you are pregnant or have a compromised immune system, I will suggest you use cooked shrimp.

Is It Safe To Eat Shrimp Ceviche?

For safety, if using raw shrimp to prepare ceviche, make sure you buy it from a trusted source. It is also better to use wild shrimp instead of farm raised shrimp.
Shrimp ceviche made with raw shrimp is best to eat the day is made. I don’t recommend eating it after that. When in doubt, use pre-cooked shrimp as the recipe belows suggests.

Ceviche Recipe Ingredients

• Cooked Shrimp: You can use small, medium or large shrimp. (If using medium and large, cut into smaller pieces).
• Red Onions
• Cucumbers: I prefer seedless English cucumbers.
• Tomatoes
• Jalapeno
• Cilantro
• Fresh lime, lemon and orange juices: From fresh citrus.
• Avocado (not shown in picture below)

How To Make Shrimp Ceviche?

1. Cut the shrimp (peeled, deveined and tails removed) into smaller pieces.
2. Place the shrimp, onions, jalapenos, cucumbers, tomatoes and cilantro into a large bowl.
3. Mix the citrus juices and pour over the shrimp and vegetable mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix to combine.
5. Marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
6. Add the chopped avocado to the shrimp mixture, toss gently and serve.

How Long Should Shrimp Sit In Lime Juice / Be Marinated?

When making ceviche with cooked shrimp, the shrimp can sit in the lime juice and seasonings for up to 2 days. I like to marinate the shrimp in lime juice for a minimum of 15 minutes, although 30 minutes is best as the shrimp has more time to absorb all the seasonings.

If using raw shrimp, I suggest you consume the ceviche the day is made. I don’t keep ceviche more than overnight in the fridge.

How Do You Know When Shrimp Is Done?

Raw it has a grayish-white color and it looks a bit translucent. Cooked shrimp turns opaque and has a whitish-pink color. 

What Goes With Shrimp Ceviche?

Ceviche can be served with tortilla chips, crackers or plantain chips. It’s also a great tostada topping. You can make ceviche stuffed avocado by spooning ceviche in the center of a peeled avocado after removing the pit. You can also stuffed tomatoes with fresh shrimp ceviche or serve it over lettuce cups.

Is Mexican ceviche like Peruvian ceviche?

Peruvian ceviche is usually made with fish only.  Ceviche mixto has fish and seafood and only contains lime juice, cilantro, onions, chiles and sometimes garlic. Vegetables like tomatoes, and cucumbers are not part of the dish. Traditionally it is served over a lettuce leaf with a piece of sweet potato and corn on the cob.

Take A Look At These Other Shrimp Recipes:

• Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
• Creamy Shrimp Scampi Dip
• Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
• Shrimp Fajitas
• Tom Yum Soup