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.

Like this recipe? Then you'll love these:

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Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat raw shrimp in ceviche? ›

Can You Eat Raw Shrimp in Ceviche? Yes, it is completely safe to use raw shrimp in ceviche. The acidity in the lime cooks the shrimp, so you're not actually eating raw shrimp at all. You can even watch the shrimp turn from raw and translucent to perfectly cooked and opaque in the bowl!

How long should ceviche marinate before eating? ›

Two hours is fine, but beyond that the ceviche, while still good, becomes more of a pickled fish thing. It's a subtle difference, but you can taste it. If you don't marinate the fish at all, and serve basically a mash-up of sushi and ceviche, you have Mexican aguachile. Citrus matters, too.

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

Here's how to do it:

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 frozen shrimp be used 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.

Is bacteria killed in ceviche? ›

Experimental results from multiple studies reveal that although lime juice provides an acidified environment for seafood in ceviche dishes, it is inadequate to kill or inactivate all forms of pathogens and parasites that may be present in fish and molluscan shellfish used in ceviche.

How long do shrimp need to cook in lime? ›

Add 1/2 cup lime juice and let stand for 15 minutes so the shrimp can "cook" in the lime juice (any less and it won't cook, any more and it toughens). Meanwhile, in a separate large mixing bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup lime juice, cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro, red onions and serrano chile to incorporate evenly.

Can shrimp still be grey in ceviche? ›

Make sure the shrimp is covered well with the citrus juice. If your shrimp isn't well covered, transfer to a smaller bowl or add more juice. 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.

How long does ceviche need to sit 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.

Can you eat 3 day old ceviche? ›

Typically, ceviche should be consumed within 24 hours of preparation to ensure the best taste and texture, although it can remain safe to eat for up to two days when refrigerated.

How do you know when shrimp ceviche is done? ›

Just like with heat, lime juice can break down the proteins in shrimp. It only take 15-20 minutes for this process and you'll know it's done when the shrimp is pink on the outside and white & opaque in the center.

Can you overcook shrimp in lime juice? ›

Can shrimp ceviche be overcooked? Technically yes. Leaving shrimp in lime juice for an extended about of time will make the shrimp tough and dry.

How healthy is shrimp ceviche? ›

In summary, ceviche is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be a valuable addition to a weight loss diet. Its low-calorie content, rich protein sources, and abundance of vitamins and minerals make it an ideal choice for those looking to shed extra pounds.

What color should shrimp be in ceviche? ›

If you make shrimp ceviche with raw shrimp you need to place the raw shrimp in a bowl. Pour lime juice and lemon juice over the shrimp. Cover the bowl and place it in a refrigerator until the shrimp turns pink and has a firm texture.

Can you make ceviche with grocery store fish? ›

It might be tempting to get fresh fish to make your ceviche, but frozen actually comes with less risks. And for ceviche, higher quality is always better. Look for a wild caught and flash frozen white fish, like cod or halibut. You want the texture to be firm and the flavor subtle.

Is it safe to eat raw fish in ceviche? ›

The short answer: Ceviche is only as safe as the fish you start with, so you should only make ceviche with fish that you would be fully comfortable serving raw. With really good fish, ceviche is one of the most delicious things you can make.

Can you eat raw shrimp soaked in lime juice? ›

The safety of traditional shrimp ceviche depends entirely on the shrimp. While citrus juice has antimicrobial properties, it doesn't fully “cook” the crustacean in the same way as, say, poaching. Like sushi, ceviche is totally safe as long as the shrimp is fresh and free of any harmful bacteria or parasites.

Can you eat raw shrimp marinated in lime juice? ›

You can make ceviche with raw or cooked shrimp.

Is it safe to eat raw shrimp in aguachiles? ›

Ceviche and aguachile is made by marinating raw fish in citrus juices. Although this doesn't actually cook the fish, according to America's Test Kitchen, the marinade does provide an antimicrobial effect. They note that it's not as effective as heat, though, so you should treat it as if it's raw fish.

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