There is something truly magical about a bright and flavorful Shrimp Ceviche Recipe that instantly transports you to warm coastal vibes with every bite. This dish combines the tangy burst of citrus with plump, tender shrimp and refreshing chopped vegetables, creating a perfect balance of zest, texture, and freshness. Whether you’re serving this as an elegant appetizer or a light dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress with its clarity of flavors and simple preparation. Trust me, once you try this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again for friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A brown cutting board on a white marbled surface holds five piles of chopped ingredients: bright red diced tomatoes in the center front, small green diced peppers to the left, finely minced white garlic in the front right, a pile of white and purple chopped red onions at the back left, and chopped dark green cilantro at the back right. In the background, there is a whole tomato and half of a green avocado with the pit removed. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Shrimp Ceviche Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each bring something wonderful to the table. From juicy tomatoes to aromatic cilantro and spicy jalapeños, every component contributes to a lively and colorful dish that’s as delicious as it looks.

1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp gives you the ideal texture and sweetness that pairs beautifully with citrus.
2 limes divided: Essential for “cooking” the shrimp and adding bright acidity throughout the dish.
1 lemon: Enhances the citrus punch while balancing flavors.
1 large tomato or 2 small tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a pop of vibrant red color.
1/3 cup diced red onion: Offers a mild sharpness and crunch to brighten the ceviche.
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Brings fresh, herbal notes that tie all the flavors together wonderfully.
1 tablespoon diced jalapeno (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like a little kick.
1 clove garlic minced: Provides subtle depth and savoriness.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the ingredients.

How to Make Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by chopping the raw shrimp into bite-sized pieces, about ¼ to ½ inch each. Place them in a medium bowl and then squeeze the juice of one lime and one lemon over the shrimp. This citrus juice “cooks” the shrimp by breaking down the proteins, giving the shrimp a firm, opaque texture without any heat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour to let the magic happen.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables and Herbs

While the shrimp marinate in citrus, finely chop the tomatoes and red onion into ¼-inch pieces. Be sure to remove excess tomato seeds and juice to avoid watering down the ceviche. Next, chop the cilantro, mince the garlic, and if you want some heat, finely dice the jalapeño. Having these vibrant, fresh ingredients ready builds layers of texture and flavor that make this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe shine.

Step 3: Combine and Season

After the shrimp has “cooked” in the citrus, drain off the juice and discard it to avoid overpowering sourness. Squeeze the remaining lime over the shrimp pieces to keep them bright and juicy. Add the chopped tomato, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic to the bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, then taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference. This final combination step is where the dish truly comes alive.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the shrimp ceviche and chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Letting it rest for a bit allows the flavors to marry beautifully. When it’s time, give it one last gentle toss, and it’s ready to delight your taste buds.

How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

A small black bowl filled with a colorful shrimp ceviche mix, containing white and pink shrimp pieces, green avocado cubes, red tomato chunks, finely chopped red onion, and green herbs scattered throughout. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface and surrounded by yellow tortilla chips, some overlapping the bowl's edges. The textures in the ceviche appear fresh and slightly juicy, with bright and contrasting colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your shrimp ceviche experience. Try topping it with slices of creamy avocado to add richness and smoothness to each bite. Fresh cilantro leaves bring that herbal brightness right on top, while a sprinkle of thinly sliced radishes adds delightful crunch and a peppery zing. A few extra lime wedges on the side invite guests to add a kiss more citrus according to their taste.

Side Dishes

This Shrimp Ceviche Recipe pairs beautifully with light and crispy tortilla chips for scooping, making it the perfect party appetizer. Alternatively, serve it with a bed of chilled cooked quinoa or a dollop of coconut rice for an easy, refreshing meal. Crisp green salads with citrus vinaigrette complement the ceviche’s tang while adding more greens and texture to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, serve the ceviche in individual glass cups or small bowls so everyone can enjoy their own portion. Layering the ceviche with colorful avocado slices or cucumber ribbons in a clear serving dish highlights the dish’s vibrant colors. You can also stuff it into hollowed-out mini bell peppers or endive leaves for charming, handheld bites that pack a delicious punch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shrimp ceviche should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 24 hours for the best freshness. The shrimp continue to marinate and can become overly firm or mushy if kept too long, so plan to savor it soon after making.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp ceviche is not recommended due to the delicate texture of the cooked shrimp and fresh vegetables, which can become watery and lose quality upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Reheating

This Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, but avoid heating as it will alter the shrimp’s tenderness and the overall bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?

It’s best to use raw shrimp for this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe as the citrus juice “cooks” it gently, giving the ideal texture. Using pre-cooked shrimp may result in a less vibrant texture and could become rubbery after marinating.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I omit the jalapeño?

Absolutely! The jalapeño is optional and can be left out if you prefer to keep your ceviche mild. You can always add a little more cilantro or fresh lime juice to enhance flavor instead.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinating the shrimp in citrus juice for at least one hour is recommended. This time ensures the shrimp “cook” fully and absorb those zesty flavors, resulting in a tender, delicious bite every time.

Can I add other vegetables to the ceviche?

Definitely! This Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is very versatile. Feel free to include diced cucumber, radishes, or even a splash of chili paste to customize your ceviche to your personal taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, you can prepare this ceviche up to a day ahead. However, it’s best to add delicate ingredients like avocado right before serving to keep your dish fresh and visually appealing.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both effortlessly simple and wonderfully impressive. Its lively flavors, beautiful colors, and fresh ingredients make it a fantastic choice for warm days, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a taste of the coast at home. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it becoming a new favorite you’ll keep coming back to with a smile.

Shrimp Ceviche Recipe