Classic Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

Looking for the ultimate shrimp ceviche recipe? This classic dish is a refreshing and vibrant combination of tender shrimp marinated in zesty lime juice, crisp vegetables, and flavorful Clamato juice. Perfect for summer appetizers, healthy snacks, or as a delicious meal, this recipe is a hit for any gathering. Serve it with tostadas or tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing treat!

With minimal prep and no actual cooking required, this easy ceviche recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality dish at home. Whether you use raw or cooked shrimp, the fresh ingredients and bold flavors will transport you to a coastal paradise.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp (raw or cooked), peeled, deveined, and diced
• 1 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed from about 6 limes
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 avocados, diced
• 3 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1 cup Clamato juice (use “picante” version for extra spice)

Optional To Serve:

• 16 tostadas or tortilla chips
• Hot sauce (Tabasco, Cholula, or your favorite brand)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   Dice the shrimp and place them into a large glass or non-reactive bowl. Squeeze 1 to 1 1/4 cups of lime juice (from about 6 limes) over the shrimp. Stir to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and marinate the shrimp in the refrigerator:
   • For raw shrimp: Marinate for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring halfway through. Shrimp should turn opaque and no longer be translucent.
   • For cooked shrimp: Marinate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Dice the cucumber, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño. Chop the cilantro finely. Using a food chopper can speed up this step.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   Once the shrimp are done marinating, add the prepared vegetables to the bowl along with the Clamato juice. Stir until well combined.
4. Serve:
   Serve the ceviche immediately with a dash of hot sauce, if desired, alongside tostadas or tortilla chips. Enjoy!

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Tips

• Marination Time: Adjust the marination time based on the type of shrimp used (raw or cooked). Raw shrimp should marinate long enough to ensure complete cooking in lime juice.
• Glass Bowl: Always use a glass or non-reactive bowl to prevent the lime juice from reacting with metal.
• Chilling: Keep the ceviche chilled until serving to maintain freshness and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with a mix of scallops, white fish, or even cooked octopus for a different take on ceviche.
• Vegan Option: Replace shrimp with hearts of palm or diced mango for a plant-based version.
• Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by adding more jalapeño, serrano peppers, or a pinch of cayenne.
• Clamato Alternatives: If unavailable, substitute Clamato with tomato juice and a splash of seafood stock or hot sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare ceviche ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the vegetables a few hours in advance and marinate the shrimp closer to serving time for optimal freshness.

Q: How do I know if raw shrimp is fully “cooked” in lime juice?
A: The shrimp will turn opaque and lose its translucent appearance.

Q: Can I freeze leftover ceviche?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Note that the texture of the avocado may change upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on crispy tostadas topped with shredded lettuce for extra crunch.
• Pair with tortilla chips and a cold beer or margarita.
• Use as a topping for taco salads or as a filling for lettuce wraps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of lime juice, fresh vegetables, and seafood creates a vibrant dish.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
• No Cooking Required: Perfect for hot days or quick meal prep.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, or family dinners!