Name: Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 2 pounds shrimp (cooked or raw; cooked is preferred); 1/2 cup lime juice (use 1/2 cup for cooked shrimp, 3/4 cup for raw shrimp); 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/3 cup orange juice; Salt to taste; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1 jalapeno, ribs and seeds removed, minced; 3/4 cup cucumber, diced; 1 cup Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced; 3/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped; 1 avocado, peeled, seeded, and chopped; Tortilla chips for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 78 reviews

If you love fresh, zesty flavors that make your taste buds sing, you have to try this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe. It combines tender shrimp with crisp vegetables and a lively citrus marinade, creating a bright and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm days, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss. Whether you use cooked shrimp for a quick preparation or raw shrimp for that authentic ceviche experience, this recipe delivers bursts of tangy, herbaceous, and slightly spicy goodness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl is filled with many peeled and cooked shrimp that have a soft pink and white color. The shrimp are piled high and show their curved shape with detail on their smooth texture. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, making the shrimp stand out with their gentle orange tones and slight shine. The image focuses closely on the shrimp, showing their softness and freshness photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Shrimp Ceviche Recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients. Each item plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible.

2 pounds shrimp: Use cooked for convenience or raw for the traditional ceviche experience, both offering sweet, delicate seafood flavor.
1/2 cup red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild crunch and subtle sharpness that balances the dish.
1 jalapeno: Minced with ribs and seeds removed to add just the right kick without overwhelming heat.
3/4 cup cucumber: Diced to bring refreshing coolness and a crisp texture contrast.
1 cup Roma tomatoes: Seeded and diced to provide juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
3/4 cup cilantro leaves: Chopped to infuse a fresh, citrusy herbal note that’s classic in ceviche.
1 avocado: Peeled, seeded, and chopped for creamy richness that mellows the zesty marinade.
1/2 cup lime juice: Essential for marinating and flavor, use 3/4 cup if using raw shrimp to properly cure it.
1/4 cup lemon juice: Adds an extra dimension of bright citrus acidity.
1/3 cup orange juice: Brings subtle sweetness and balances the tartness beautifully.
Salt to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors and rounds out the dish.
Tortilla chips: Perfect for scooping up your ceviche to enjoy every bit of the delicious sauce and toppings.

How to Make Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp

If using cooked shrimp, simply peel, devein, and chop them into bite-sized pieces if needed. For raw shrimp, place them in a bowl with 3/4 cup lime juice and lemon juice, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, signaling they are “cooked” by the citrus. This natural curing brings out a fresh texture and vibrant seafood flavor that’s the heart of this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe.

Step 2: Combine Fresh Vegetables

While the shrimp marinate (or immediately if using pre-cooked), get your veggies ready. Thinly slice the red onion, mince the jalapeno, dice cucumber and tomatoes, and chop the cilantro. This mix adds a crunchy, colorful base bursting with herbal brightness and mild heat, perfectly complementing the shrimp’s sweetness.

Step 3: Mix the Ceviche

If you started with cooked shrimp, simply toss them together with all the chopped veggies and the diced avocado in a large bowl. Pour in the lime juice (1/2 cup this time for cooked shrimp), lemon juice, and orange juice to create that signature tangy, citrusy marinade. Add salt to your liking and gently toss everything to coat well, making sure each bite delivers a harmonious flavor explosion.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the ceviche and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. If refrigerating longer than 30 minutes, hold off on adding the avocado until just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy. This resting step allows the ingredients to harmonize, turning your Shrimp Ceviche Recipe into a dazzling appetizer or light main course.

How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

A white bowl filled with six distinct layers of fresh ingredients. The bottom layer is made of small pieces of shrimp, pale pink and white in color, spread evenly. On top of the shrimp, there are separate piles of diced green cucumber, chopped red tomatoes, cubed light green avocado, thinly sliced purple onion, small chopped green jalapeños, and finely chopped darker green herbs in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate your shrimp ceviche to restaurant-worthy levels. Consider sprinkling a little extra chopped cilantro or thinly sliced jalapeno for a punch of color and freshness. A few lime wedges on the side provide an extra burst of brightness for those who love a tangy finish.

Side Dishes

This ceviche pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips, which add texture and make perfect scooping partners. For a heartier meal, serve alongside light salads, grilled corn, or a simple rice dish to balance the citrusy flavors and keep guests satisfied.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve your Shrimp Ceviche Recipe in individual small glasses or clear bowls for an elegant touch. Layer it with avocado slices or even edible flowers for a fresh, vibrant presentation. This bright dish also makes a stunning topping for tostadas, turning each bite into a perfect blend of crunch and zest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 days while the shrimp remain tender and the vegetables crisp. If you included avocado, it may brown slightly, so adding fresh avocado when serving again is a great idea.

Freezing

Because of the fresh vegetables and citrus juices, freezing shrimp ceviche is not recommended. The texture and flavor of the ingredients will degrade significantly after thawing, detracting from the delightful experience of this dish.

Reheating

Reheating is generally not advised for ceviche since it’s intended to be served cold and fresh. If the shrimp were cooked beforehand and you prefer a warm dish, consider preparing separately cooked shrimp to mix in after gently warming, but traditionally, enjoy ceviche chilled for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works well—just thaw it completely and pat dry before using. If it’s cooked frozen shrimp, you can add it directly to the mix; if raw frozen shrimp, follow the marinating step carefully to ensure safe preparation.

How long can I marinate the shrimp in citrus juices?

The shrimp should marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours if raw, which allows the citrus to “cook” the shrimp thoroughly. Over-marinating can make the shrimp tough, so it’s important to keep an eye on timing for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for jalapeno if I want it less spicy?

If you want milder heat, switch jalapeno with a small amount of diced bell pepper or omit it entirely. You can also leave the seeds and ribs in for more heat or out for less, depending on your spice preferences.

Can this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe be made vegan or vegetarian?

While this version highlights shrimp, you can create a vegan ceviche by substituting shrimp with hearts of palm, mushrooms, or firm white beans and following similar marinating and mixing steps for a refreshing, plant-based twist.

Is it okay to add avocado before marinating?

It’s best to add avocado just before serving because it can brown and become mushy if left in the acidic marinade for too long. Adding it last keeps your dish looking vibrant and tasting fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is a fantastic addition to any meal rotation, bringing joy through its bright, fresh flavors and easy preparation. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a leisurely afternoon, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic. Give it a go and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite!