Zesty Shrimp Ceviche: Sunshine in a Bowl

Zesty shrimp ceviche recipe alert! My easy version is sunshine in a bowl – lime-marinated shrimp, cilantro, and a touch of chili. Perfect for summer! Get the best ceviche recipe now! ... Global Cuisine
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of sunshine? Are you looking for a shrimp ceviche recipe ? This Easy Shrimp Ceviche is proper banging, lemony, and packed with flavour.
Brief Overview
Ceviche comes from Latin America. It is super easy to make and doesn't take long at all. You'll get about 4 servings ready in about 2 hours.
Main Benefits
It's got loads of protein. this seafood appetizer recipes is ideal for a bbq. honestly, what makes it special is the citrus cooked shrimp .
This refreshing summer recipes is also so quick to prep!.
Right, so I remember my first time making ceviche. I totally underestimated the power of the lime.
Getting Started: The Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to get started on this best ceviche recipe . first, you need 1 pound of raw shrimp.
Get some good quality ones, yeah? then grab 8-10 limes for that all-important lime marinated shrimp recipe juice.
Don't forget the red onion and cilantro. For a bit of a kick, a jalapeño is vital! Tomatoes and avocado add sweetness. Of course, you'll need salt and pepper to season.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to spice things up? mango mexican shrimp is a shout. not a fan of cilantro? use flat-leaf parsley instead.
No red onion? that's fine you can white or yellow will work. also if you are a heat lover, swap out the jalapeño for a serrano pepper.
Zesty Shrimp Ceviche: Sunshine in a Bowl Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Shrimp Ceviche
Okay, so you wanna make the best ceviche recipe ever? i get it! it's like sunshine in a bowl. this easy shrimp ceviche needs great stuff.
Let's dive into what you'll need to get started. honestly, sourcing the right ingredients is half the battle. remember that refreshing summer recipes rely on the produce freshness.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Here's what goes into my awesome shrimp ceviche recipe . Measurements are important, so pay attention.
- Raw Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) . Get the freshest, sushi-grade shrimp if you can find it. The quality really matters in a raw shrimp ceviche .
- Lime Juice: 1 cup (240ml) . Freshly squeezed from about 8-10 limes. Trust me, bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
- Red Onion: ½ cup (120ml) , finely diced.
- Cilantro: 1 cup (45g) , chopped.
- Jalapeños: 1-2, seeded and minced. Adjust to your spice level. I like mine hot .
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, seeded and diced.
- Avocado: 1, diced. (Optional, but come on, who skips the avo?).
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) , plus more to taste.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (3g) , freshly ground, plus more to taste.
When grabbing your shrimp, give it a sniff. it shouldn't smell fishy, more like the ocean. fresh is key. as for limes, give them a good squeeze, go for the ones that feel heavy.
Seasoning Notes: Adding Zing
Seasoning is where the magic happens. It transforms the lime marinated shrimp recipe into something special.
- Essential Spice Combo: Salt and pepper are crucial. Don't skimp.
- Flavor Enhancers: Lime juice is your main flavor driver. Adjust to your taste. I usually add a splash more for that extra zing.
- Aromatics: Red onion and cilantro create that classic Mexican Shrimp vibe. Can't do cilantro? Flat-leaf parsley works too. Jalapeños are key, but be careful with the heat. Serranos will bring even more fire for those who love it.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
No fancy gadgets needed for this seafood appetizer recipes . The simpler, the better.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large glass or stainless steel bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Don't have a fancy juicer? no worries. just use your hands and a fork. works like a charm. and if you don't have a glass bowl, stainless steel is totally fine too.
Just avoid aluminum; it can react with the lime.

Zesty Shrimp Ceviche : Sunshine in a Bowl
Honestly, who doesn't love a bit of sunshine? especially when it comes in the form of food. that's why i'm sharing my easy shrimp ceviche recipe.
This isn't just any old ceviche recipe; it's the best ceviche recipe for those hot summer days. think of it as a holiday in your mouth.
Prep Like a Pro
Right then, first things first: the mise en place . get everything chopped and ready. red onion , cilantro , jalapeños – the works.
This saves loads of time later. it is essential.
Time-saving tip: dice all your veggies at once. store them in little containers. this mexican shrimp prep makes things run smoothly.
Safety first, obviously. mind those knives! no one wants a trip to a&e while making refreshing summer recipes .
Let's Make Some Ceviche
- Rinse that 1 pound of raw shrimp. Pat it dry. Cut it into ½-inch pieces.
- Pop the shrimp into a large bowl. Drench it in 1 cup of fresh lime juice. Make sure those shrimps are swimming.
- Cover the bowl. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours . This is where the magic happens, my friend.
- Add ½ cup finely diced red onion, 1 cup chopped cilantro, 1-2 minced jalapeños, and 2 diced tomatoes to the shrimp mix.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a gentle toss. Taste. Adjust. It's all about your preference, innit?
- If you're feeling fancy, gently fold in 1 diced avocado just before serving.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips. Hot sauce? Lime wedges? Go wild. This is not raw shrimp ceviche because the citrus is citrus cooked shrimp .
Chef's Secrets
Don't over-marinate. 2 hours is golden . overdoing it gives you rubbery shrimp. no one wants that. use the freshest shrimp you can find.
It makes a world of difference. the quality of your shrimp makes all the difference! trust me. make it ahead, but hold off on the avocado until serving.
Stops it going brown and gross. this lime marinated shrimp recipe is really one of the best seafood appetizer recipes , and it is super easy to make.
And hey, if you mess up a bit? no worries! it's all part of the fun. now, go make some sunshine in a bowl!
Recipe Notes for Your Zesty Shrimp Ceviche Adventure
Right then, you've got the lowdown on my shrimp ceviche recipe . now for a few extra bits and bobs to make your life easier.
Honestly, this ceviche recipe is pretty foolproof, but these tips will elevate it from good to bloody brilliant!
Plating Like a Pro and Drinks that Zing
Presentation is key, innit? pile your zesty easy shrimp ceviche onto crispy tostadas for a classic look. or, for something a bit fancy, serve it in martini glasses.
I did this for my sister's baby shower. it looks elegant. for sides, think crunchy tortilla chips and maybe some grilled corn on the cob.
As for drinks, a cold mexican beer or a zingy margarita would be top-notch. a nice crisp sauvignon blanc goes really well too.
Storage Savvy
Mexican shrimp doesn't last forever, sadly. once you've made your best ceviche recipe , keep it in the fridge, in an airtight container, for no more than 24 hours .
The lime juice continues to "cook" the shrimp. this can make it rubbery if left too long. freezing? nah, wouldn't recommend it.
It changes the texture. reheating isn't really a thing either, you want it cold, like a refreshing summer recipe .
Tweaks and Twists
Fancy a change? swap the jalapeños for a scotch bonnet pepper if you like it hot. just a little bit will do! my personal favourite swap is mango for tomato, makes a spicy mango ceviche .
I love the sweetness of the mango with the kick of the jalapeños. if you're avoiding carbs, serve the lime marinated shrimp recipe in lettuce cups instead of with chips.
For a more citrus cooked shrimp recipe, leave the shrimp for about 3 hours.
Nutrition Nuggets
Okay, so shrimp ceviche is pretty healthy. you're getting a good dose of protein from the shrimp. plus vitamin c from the lime.
It's relatively low in fat, unless you add loads of avocado. just bear in mind it can be high in sodium, so go easy on the salt.
If you are looking for seafood appetizer recipes , there are a lot of choices, but this is a good and pretty healthy one.
So there you have it! Now go forth and create the shrimp ceviche of your dreams. It’s easier than you think. Get creative and have fun.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the lime juice to "cook" the shrimp in this shrimp ceviche recipe? I'm a bit worried about eating raw seafood!
The lime juice needs at least 2 hours to properly "cook" the shrimp in the shrimp ceviche recipe. The shrimp should turn opaque and pink all the way through. Think of it like a chemical marinade that denatures the proteins, making it safe and delicious to eat! If you're still concerned, use sushi-grade shrimp for extra peace of mind, but the citrus does a pretty good job, promise!
Can I make this shrimp ceviche recipe ahead of time? I'm having a party and want to get as much done in advance as possible.
Yes, you can definitely prep the shrimp ceviche ahead of time! However, I recommend making it no more than a few hours in advance. Prepare everything except the avocado (add that just before serving to prevent it from browning). Keep it chilled in the fridge until you're ready to wow your guests. Think of it like preparing a salad - you want it fresh, not wilted!
What if I don't like cilantro? Is there a good substitute for it in this shrimp ceviche recipe?
Not a cilantro fan? No worries, it's a divisive herb, a bit like Marmite, you either love it or hate it! A good substitute for cilantro in the shrimp ceviche recipe is flat-leaf parsley. It'll give you a similar fresh, herbaceous flavour without the soapy undertones that some people experience with cilantro. You could also try a little bit of mint for a slightly different, but still refreshing, twist.
How do I make my shrimp ceviche recipe spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
If you're a chilli fiend, there are several ways to crank up the heat in your shrimp ceviche recipe! First, leave the seeds in the jalapeños, or increase the amount you use. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favourite hot sauce (like Tabasco or a Mexican-style hot sauce). If you want to get really adventurous, try using a Scotch bonnet pepper, but be careful – they're seriously hot!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this shrimp ceviche recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this shrimp ceviche recipe, but make sure to thaw it completely before using it. The best method is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, or you can use the cold water method for a faster thaw. Just place the frozen shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge it in a bowl of cold water until thawed. Be sure to pat it dry before marinating.
How long will leftover shrimp ceviche last in the fridge?
Shrimp ceviche is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. After that, the texture of the shrimp may become a bit rubbery, and the flavors will start to degrade. Plus, food safety is paramount, so don't risk it for longer than a day. Eat it up quick!