Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp Ceviche: What Exactly Is It? 

Ceviche, also known as cebiche, seviche, or cebiche, is a popular South American recipe that originated in Peru. In English, it is translated to mean, “a method of preparing raw fish by covering it in lemon or lime juice.” Both a method of preparation and a dish, ceviche is made with either fish or shrimp but always features a base of simple ingredients. 

Bright, refreshing, and zesty, it’s no mystery why ceviche gained such immense popularity. To ensure that our shrimp ceviche is one hundred percent safe to eat, we went ahead and cooked the shrimp, but the flavor is still great! 

Fun fact: ceviche is pronounced seh-vee-chay. 

Ingredients for Shrimp Ceviche

Though there are many variations of this classic recipe, we stuck with the basics and gave it just a little twist. For the absolute best taste, be sure to use the freshest ingredients you can, and be sure not to overcook the shrimp. 

• Peeled and deveined shrimp form the base of the appetizer. Both raw and pre-cooked shrimp are great. However, you’ll want to be sure to thaw and drain them first.
• Plenty of spice belongs here! Red onion provides a mild heat that we elevate even further with diced jalapeño. 
• Fresh tomatoes and jicama are included for a pop of color, a bit of crunch, and just a little extra sweetness that balances out the intensity of the peppers. 

• A semi-firm avocado is ideal to counter the crunch of the veggies and boost the fat content for a creamy mouthfeel that keeps you full. 
• Simplicity is key around here! Lots and lots of flavor is achieved with just a handful of cilantro, salt, and pepper. 
• A bit of ketchup is optional, but we’d be remiss not to let you in on the option, as it gives ceviche a pop of sweet-tangy flavor that makes this recipe even livelier.

More to Cook and Eat

Shrimp Ceviche

This simple Shrimp Ceviche is incredibly refreshing all summer long! Sweet and spicy, it comes together with minimal ingredients. A deliciously addictive appetizer for cookouts, picnics, and more! 

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 1 min

Total Time: 21 mins

Servings: 6

• ½ cup + 2 TB freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 lb raw shrimp, 41/50 count peeled and deveined
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 cup peeled/diced jicama, cucumber or sweet bell peppers can be subbed
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1 semi-firm avocado
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Optional: 1-2 TB ketchup, to taste
• Other: Tortilla chips, street taco corn tortillas, or lime slices for serving

• Mix and Chill: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup fresh lime juice with the red onions. Mix well, cover, and chill at least 1 hour.

• Cook Shrimp: In a large pot, bring well salted water to a boil. Add 2 TB lime juice. Cook shrimp for a few seconds only – just until they start turning opaque. Immediately remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander. Rinse with cool water and drain well. Once drained shrimp is cool, use paper towels to pat-dry excess water from shrimp and cut into bite-size pieces. Set aside until ready to serve.

• Combine: To the bowl with red onion/lime mixture, add cilantro, tomatoes, jicama or other veggies, and kosher salt. Toss gently to coat, and cover/chill until ready to serve.

• Toss and Serve: When ready to serve, dice the avocado and sprinkle with fresh lime juice to coat. Toss avocado and shrimp into the red onion mixture. Toss gently to coat well. If needed, add kosher salt to taste. Add ketchup, if desired, for a bit of “cocktail shrimp” flavor. Serve immediately with lime slices and tortilla chips.

*If you’d like to use precooked frozen shrimp, thaw the shrimp and drain fully. Remove tail and slice shrimp into halves or thirds (depending on their size.) Add shrimp in at the end, so it doesn’t get too “overcooked” in the lime juice.
*Grape/cherry tomatoes tend to be sweeter than the larger tomatoes found at grocery stores.
*Jicama lends an extra crispy, slightly sweet balance to this ceviche.

*If you enjoyed this dish, please come back and give it a rating 🙂

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.6g | Protein: 16.6g | Fat: 6.4g | Cholesterol: 121.6mg | Sodium: 96.5mg | Fiber: 3.7g | Sugar: 2.7g

Course: Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine: Spanish

Diet: Gluten Free

Method: Mixing