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Best Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

If there’s one thing I want to eat all summer long, it’s this. For a snack, for a light lunch, it’s really a great recipe anytime of day. One bite and I think you’ll agree that this shrimp ceviche recipes is a delicious and refreshing appetizer. Made with simple ingredients, it comes together quickly, but will impress anyone you make it for because the bright flavors taste SO GOOD! Simply mix the shrimp, lime juice, and fresh veggies together and let the best ceviche marinate or “cook” for a few hours before serving with tortilla chips.

If you love appetizers like this shrimp ceviche, be sure to try my steamed shrimp, whipped feta dip, chili cheese dip, or Mediterranean charcuterie board next time.

Shrimp ceviche in a bowl with tortilla chips.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

What is Shrimp Ceviche?

An authentic shrimp ceviche recipe consists of raw shrimp that is “cooked” with fresh citrus juice, which essentially cooks it with the acidity. Many versions also include fresh veggies like onion, tomato, jalapeno, and cilantro – similar to a pico de gallo. This version of ceviche is made with fresh raw shrimp, but traditional ceviche is typically made with raw fish.

Aguachile is a similar, but different dish from Mexico that is made with raw shrimp, sliced onion, sliced cucumber, lime juice, and peppers.

What You’ll Love About Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

  • Fresh and bright flavor
  • Perfect dish for parties
  • Great protein appetizer
  • Easy to make
  • Made with simple ingredients
  • Just 15 minutes prep time

Ingredients

  • Raw shrimp – Use high-quality shrimp, you don’t need large shrimp as you’re going to be slicing it, but you should buy the best fresh shrimp from a reputable store. Be sure to carefully devein them.
  • Limes – Fresh lime juice is a must here as it makes up such a big piece of the flavor and you want the best.
  • Cilantro – Use fresh cilantro without any browning.
  • Onion – I recommend using a combination of red onions and white onions for the best flavor, but one type can work in a pinch.
  • Tomato – You’ll want to dice the tomato, so I’d recommend using roma tomatoes or a slicing tomato, with the seeds removed.
  • Salt
  • Jalapeno – You can use fresh jalapeno or chile pepper for some heat, or omit it if you prefer.
  • Tortilla chips – Look for a sturdy tortilla chip that has great flavor. We like thicker, authentic-style tortilla chips but you could also use a tostada shell.
Ingredients to make ceviche shrimp recipe.

How to Make Shrimp Ceviche

This is an overview on how to make the best shrimp ceviche recipe, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.

Prep ingredients. Thinly slice shrimp and place chopped shrimp in a glass bowl (or a non-reactive bowl), juice limes, chop cilantro, mince onion, and dice tomato.
Bowl with raw shrimp in it.
Mix Mexican shrimp ceviche. To the bowl with shrimp, add in lime juice, cilantro, red onion, white onion, tomato, jalapeno, and sea salt. Toss together until combined.
Ingredients for ceviche shrimp in a bowl.
“Cook” ceviche. Cover bowl and store in refrigerator, stirring every 30 minutes or so to fully incorporate the lime juice mixture with the shrimp. You’ll see the shrimp in the fresh ceviche change color!

FAQs

Is ceviche raw shrimp?

Yes and no. Breaking down whether ceviche is raw or cooked is a little complicated as it is raw, and technically not cooked in a traditional sense, with heat. But it also isn’t raw, as the acidity of the lime juice does “cook” the raw seafood. You will be able to see the shrimp change color and when it is done marinating, the shrimp will be white and opaque, similar to how they would look after cooking.

Can you use cooked shrimp?

Yes, you could also make ceviche shrimp with pre-cooked shrimp, but you don’t want to marinate it too long as the acidity from the lime juice will continue to “cook” it more and you don’t want the shrimp to get rubbery. Toss everything together 30-60 minutes before serving.

Can I eat shrimp ceviche while pregnant?

You would want to check with your Doctor on this one, but I would liken ceviche to sushi, which is typically advised against for pregnant women.

How many calories in shrimp ceviche?

The shrimp ceviche calories will vary recipe to recipe, but I’ve provided an estimate for this particular recipe. The full nutrition stats can be found below the recipe card, but each serving of shrimp ceviche has 121 calories and 23 grams of protein.

Variations

  • Avocado – You can also include diced avocado (for best texture, use a lightly firm avocado) and gently mix in right before serving.
  • Fruit – Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet flavor.
  • Citrus – I prefer the flavor of lime juice, but you could use fresh lemon juice, orange juice, or a combination of the citrus flavors for a different flavor.
  • Spice – If you want some extra spice, serve with your favorite hot sauce or extra jalapeno or serrano pepper slices.
Bowl of shrimp ceviche with a tortilla chip in it.

Storage Instructions

You can store the ceviche shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day, but it’s really best around three hours after you mix it.

How long is shrimp ceviche good for?

This delicious shrimp ceviche is best eaten right away as the shrimp will continue to “cook” in the acidic marinade and you don’t want the shrimp to get rubbery. So aim for prepping it about three hours before you want to serve it.

Bowl of shrimp ceviche with a tortilla chip.

How to Eat Shrimp Ceviche

I have always had ceviche served with tortilla chips, but traditionally, it’s just served with a spoon and toasted corn kernels or fried plantain chips. Here are some other ideas:

  • Tortilla chips
  • Plantain chips
  • Rice crackers
  • On a tostada shell
  • Stuffed into taco shells
  • Saltine crackers

Want More?

Follow Emily on Instagram or TikTok for family dinner recipe videos and tips for feeding kids.

Bowl of shrimp ceviche with chips.

More Easy Shrimp Recipes

If you like this shrimp recipe, you might also like some of these other easy shrimp recipes:

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Shrimp ceviche in a bowl with tortilla chips.

Best Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Emily Dingmann of myeverydaytable.com
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: ~ 4 cups (2/3 cup per serving)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

ย This shrimp ceviche recipe is delicious, refreshing, and everyone will love it. Simple to make and perfect for hot summer nights.ย 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb. raw shrimp (high quality, peeled and deveined)
  • 1/2 cup fresh limes (about 3 limes)
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup finely minced red onion
  • 1/4 cup finely minced white onion
  • 1 cup diced tomato (use roma or slicing tomatoes)
  • 1 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 small jalapeno (or omit if you prefer)
  • sturdy tortilla chips for serving


Instructions

  1. Thinly slice shrimp and transfer to a glass bowl.
  2. Stir in lime juice, cilantro, red onion, white onion, tomato, jalapeno and sea salt. Chill in refrigerator for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to evenly coat shrimp with lime juice.ย 
  3. Serve with tortilla chips.


Notes

  • Nutrition does not include any chips or veggies for dipping

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