How to Make Shrimp Ceviche: A Zesty, Anytime Favorite

Whip up a zesty, refreshing shrimp ceviche recipe—a healthy no-cook summer meal or easy appetizer. Ready in 20 minutes!"

A Zingy Dish You’ll Want Year-Round

There’s something wildly satisfying about a dish that doesn’t need an oven, stove, or even much patience. Enter: shrimp ceviche—the citrusy, flavor-packed seafood marvel that looks fancy but comes together faster than your delivery app can locate your house.

It's the kind of recipe that makes you go, "Why don’t I make this more often?"

Lets say you're hosting friends, meal-prepping something fresh, or just feel like pretending you're on a tropical vacation (minus the jet lag), this dish checks every box. Bright, punchy, and layered with crunch—it's the kind of recipe that makes you go, "Why don’t I make this more often?"

Anytime you want something refreshing, healthy, and totally craveable.

Let’s dive into the delicious world of authentic Mexican shrimp ceviche, your new go-to anytime you want something refreshing, healthy, and totally craveable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (small or medium work best)
1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6–8 limes)
½ cup fresh lemon juice (for extra zip)
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
1 jalapeño, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
1 ripe avocado, diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips or tostadas, for serving

Tip: Use super fresh shrimp. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

⏱️ Prep Time:
20 minutes (plus 30–60 minutes to cure the shrimp in lime juice)

🔥 Cook Time:
0 minutes (no cooking required!)

🍽️ Total Time:
50–80 minutes (including marinating time)

🥣 Servings Yield:
Serves 4 as an appetizer or 2–3 as a light meal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: “Cook” the Shrimp in Citrus

Place the chopped shrimp in a glass or non-reactive bowl. Pour the fresh lime juice over the shrimp until fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the shrimp turn opaque and firm—this means they’re “cooked” by the acid. Stir once or twice during this process to ensure even curing.

Pro Tip: Smaller shrimp pieces marinate faster, so chop to your preferred size!

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the shrimp are curing, prep your vegetables. Dice the onion, tomato, cucumber, jalapeño, and avocado, and chop the cilantro. If you like things spicy, leave some jalapeño seeds in.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Drain the shrimp (if it’s very juicy—keep a few tablespoons if you love a saucier ceviche). In a large bowl, mix the cured shrimp with the chopped veggies and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a dash of hot sauce or more lime juice if you want to kick it up a notch.

Step 4: Chill (Both You and the Ceviche)

Let everything sit for at least 10–15 minutes so the flavors can mingle and get cozy. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, lettuce cups, or in little appetizer spoons for fancy vibes.

Ingredient Variations & Customizations

Vegan Ceviche: Swap shrimp for hearts of palm or diced mushrooms.
Mango Madness: Add diced mango for a sweet contrast.
Spice Swap: Use serrano peppers for a hotter kick.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Pair with certified GF chips if needed.

How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche (And Look Fancy Doing It)

On Tostadas: Spread ceviche on crunchy tostadas, top with a squeeze of lime.
In Lettuce Cups: Light, crisp, and low-carb.
Ceviche Shooter: Serve in shot glasses as a party appetizer.
With Guac & Margs: Because why not?

Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine, crisp lager, or a tangy margarita for the ultimate summer seafood recipe experience.

FAQs & Troubleshooting

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but it won’t absorb the citrus as deeply. Still tasty in a pinch!

How long does shrimp ceviche last?
Best eaten the day it’s made. You can store it for 1 day max in the fridge.

Is this safe to eat raw shrimp?
The citrus effectively "cooks" the shrimp, but always use fresh, high-quality shrimp.

Final Thoughts

This shrimp ceviche recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a party trick—it looks fancy, tastes amazing, but is secretly so easy it feels like cheating. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout, packing a picnic, or just dodging your stove, authentic Mexican shrimp ceviche has your back.

Try this out and let me know: what’s your favorite add-in—mango, extra spice, or avocado overload?

Other Shrimp recipes to enjoy:

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet.> a 30-minute meal that won't leave you with a sink full of dishes
Roasted GArlic Shrimp: > healthy, delicious, and easy-to-prepare shrimp dish
Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles Pasta with Parmesan is a delightful, healthy meal that combines the flavors of fresh zucchini, succulent shrimp, and rich Parmesan cheese.