Shrimp ceviche is a refreshing and zesty dish that's perfect for a light meal or appetizer. The shrimp is "cooked" in citrus juices, which gives it a bright and tangy flavor. Here's a straightforward recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
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For the Ceviche:
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4-6 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2-3 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
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For Serving:
- Tortilla chips or tostadas
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Shrimp:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Immediately transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and pat dry.
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Marinate the Shrimp:
- Cut the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Pour the fresh lime and lemon juice over the shrimp. The citrus juices will "cook" the shrimp further, giving it a firm texture. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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Mix the Vegetables:
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped red onion, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado.
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Combine and Season:
- After the shrimp has marinated, add the vegetable mixture to the bowl.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with salt, black pepper, and ground cumin (if using).
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Serve:
- Serve the ceviche chilled, with tortilla chips or tostadas on the side.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Tips:
- Marinating Time: For the best texture and flavor, let the ceviche marinate for at least 30 minutes, but you can also let it sit for up to 2 hours.
- Freshness: Use the freshest shrimp possible for the best taste. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and well-drained.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or by using a milder or hotter pepper.
Enjoy your shrimp ceviche!
