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I will be showing you how to make this easy and simple shrimp ceviche recipe. It is light, fresh, and flavorful, and no cooking is required. Made with simple ingredients, it is the perfect appetizer for a crowd.

How to make shrimp ceviche - ceviche in a bowl
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This shrimp ceviche recipe is made with shrimp, avocado, cucumber, onions, Jalapeรฑo, cilantro, and lime. It takes just about 15 minutes or less to put together and very flavorful. Also, I prefer using pre-cooked shrimps to make this ceviche, but you may use raw shrimp and allow to cook in the lemon and lime juice. Whichever you prefer. I almost always use pre-cooked shrimps.

If you like seafood, why not try my Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad or my Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp?

Shrimp ceviche

  • Light and zesty. This is a real summer treat! Ceviche is such a fresh dish, with a citrus kick.
  • So easy to make. With only a few basic ingredients, this delicious and gorgeous plate is whipped up in less than 15 minutes.
  • Itโ€™s packed with flavor and healthy! Juicy shrimp and creamy avocados, all mixed with lime and herbs, make this a satisfying appetizer thatโ€™s also healthy.

Ingredients for shrimp ceviche

Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make shrimp ceviche. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.

ingredients to make shrimp ceviche.
  • Shrimp: Extra large, peeled, and deveined. They can be raw or pre-cooked.
  • Citrus: Fresh lime and lemon juice.
  • Red onion
  • Cucumber
  • Jalapenos: Deseeded and minced
  • Avocado: Diced
  • Cilantro: Chopped

How to make Shrimp Ceviche from scratch

avocado, cilantro, onion, cucumber, chopped on a cutting board.

Step 1: Dice the cucumber, onion, peppers, cilantro, and avocado.

chopped shrimp into bite sizes on a cutting board.

Step 2: Chop the shrimp. You may use pre-cooked or raw shrimp. I used pre-cooked shrimp.

shrimp and lime dressing in a bowl.

Step 3: Place the shrimp in a glass bowl. Add in the lime and lemon juice and let it stand refrigerated for 15 minutes.

Shrimp ceviche ingredients in a bowl before mixing.

Step 4: Stir in the chopped veggies with the shrimp. Mix well to combine

covered ceviche in a bowl with plastic wrap and place in fridge

Step 5: Finally, cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to nicely meld.

Using fish instead of shrimp

You can use fresh white fish like tilapia, cod, bass, halibut, or mahi mahi. If you are worried and want to use cooked fish, you may simmer the fish in water until it is almost fully cooked. You can also let it โ€œcookโ€ in the lemon marinade. You will need the fish to marinate in at least 1 cup lemon and lime juice until it doesnโ€™t look raw anymore. This will take about 6-8 hours.

What to know about Ceviche

The origin of ceviche is debated but said to have originated in Peru. Ceviche is a seafood dish/appetizer thatโ€™s made from a variety of raw fish thatโ€™s been cured/cooked in citric juices like lemons or lime. Also, other ingredients used in making ceviche are onion, chili or jalapeno, salt, cilantro, and coriander. Usually served cold as an appetizer.

How to cook the raw shrimp for ceviche

If you are using raw shrimp instead of buying already pre-cooked shrimp, you can easily cook them. Here is what you need to do:

  • Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Set up an ice bath in a separate bowl. While the water is boiling, clean and devein the shrimp and rinse well.
  • Add the shrimp into the boiling water and let it boil for 1-2 minutes. It doesnโ€™t take long to cook. As soon it curls up and turns orange in color it is ready.
  • Remove the shrimp from the boiling water and place it in the ice bath for 2-3 minutes to stop the cooking process. You do not want it to be overcooked and turn rubbery.

Frequently asked questions

How to pronounce Ceviche
What to serve with Ceviche
How long does ceviche last in the fridge
Can you freeze ceviche
Is ceviche cooked?
classic shrimp ceviche recipe

Recipe notes and tips

  • Consider adding the avocados last when you are ready to serve so they stay bright and fresh because sometimes they get discolored.
  • Note: I do prefer pre-cooking the shrimp or the fish to prevent mishaps with consuming raw meats. If you donโ€™t mind and are ok and confident, then just let the raw shrimp or fish โ€œcookโ€ in the acid of the lemon juice.
  • Chop your onions well! You just want a hint of spicy raw onion, not a mouthful of it. Using a mandoline to thinly slice the red onion is great.
  • Donโ€™t skimp on the cilantro. Just like guacamole, ceviche needs a good helping of cilantro to balance the flavors.
  • Add a spicy kick. Adding a few drops of Tabasco (or any other favorite hot sauce) will give your ceviche just the right amount of kick. It also adds flavor from the vinegar and spices.
  • Removing the ribs and seeds from your jalapeno will significantly reduce the heat of the pepper. If you prefer spicy food, keep some of the seeds and ribs in the pepper when you dice it up.
  • Add orange for a subtle but satisfying twist. Adding a little orange juice or lemon juice in addition to the lime adds a nice, subtle flavor that compliments the lime. Orange juice also adds a perfect little sweetness that can stand up to the spice.
  • You can substitute part of the shrimp with pieces of firm white fish, bay scallops, mahi mahi, tilapia, cod, or even sliced octopus.
How to make shrimp ceviche

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5 from 2 votes

Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

By: Rena
Servings:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
0 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
shrimp ceviche added to a white round bow.
Easy Shrimp ceviche recipe made with cucumbers, shrimp, onions, avocado, and a simple cilantro lime dressing.

Video

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound Extra Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined, (raw or pre-cooked)
  • 3 Limes, squeezed
  • 1 Lemon, squeezed
  • ยฝ Medium Red Onion, finely sliced
  • ยฝ English Cucumber, diced
  • 1-2 Jalapeรฑo Peppers, deseeded and minced
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
  • 2 Medium avocado, Or 1 large, diced

Instructions

  • Dice the cucumber, avocado, onions, peppers, and cilantro.
    avocado, cilantro, onion, cucumber, chopped on a cutting board.
  • Chop up the shrimp.
    chopped shrimp into bite sizes on a cutting board.
  • Place the shrimp in a glass bowl. Add in the lime and lemon juice and let it stand refrigerated for 15 minutes.
    shrimp and lime dressing in a bowl.
  • Stir in the chopped veggies, and mix well.
    Shrimp ceviche ingredients in a bowl before mixing.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to nicely meld. Serve and enjoy.
    covered ceviche in a bowl with plastic wrap and place in fridge

Notes

  • You may use pre-cooked shrimp or raw shrimp; I prefer cooked.
  • If using pre-cooked, you do not need to soak the shrimp in the lemon and lime juice for 15 minutes. Just about 5 minutes will do.
  • If using raw shrimp, you must time the soak time for 15 minutes to allow it to cook in the acidity of the lemon and lime juice.
  • Chop your onions well! You just want a hint of spicy raw onion, not a mouthful of it. Using a mandoline to thinly slice the red onion is great.
  • Donโ€™t skimp on the cilantro. Just like guacamole, ceviche needs a good helping of cilantro to balance the flavors.
  • Add a spicy kick. Adding a few drops of Tabasco (or any other favorite hot sauce) will give your ceviche just the right amount of kick. It also adds flavor from the vinegar and spices.
  • Removing the ribs and seeds from your jalapeno will significantly reduce the heat of the pepper. If you prefer spicy food, keep some of the seeds and ribs in the pepper when you dice it up.
  • Add orange for a subtle but satisfying twist. Adding a little orange juice or lemon juice in addition to the lime adds a nice, subtle flavor that compliments the lime. Orange juice also adds a perfect little sweetness that can stand up to the spice.
  • You can substitute part of the shrimp with pieces of firm white fish, bay scallops, or even sliced octopus.

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 12gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 435mgPotassium: 526mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 315IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Latin, Mexican
Tried this recipe?Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!

About Rena Awada

Hi, Iโ€™m Rena! Welcome to my blog. I am here to help you prepare delicious, light, fresh meals that your whole family will love!

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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I have used this recipe for years. Love it!!! In the summer my friends always ask me to bring a ceviche as appetizer ๐Ÿ˜‰