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Fresh Shrimp Ceviche Recipe – Easy 15-Minute Appetizer

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A quick and easy shrimp ceviche with avocado and lime that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for last-minute entertaining, this bright and refreshing dish features tender shrimp, creamy avocado, and a punchy citrus dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 45 limes)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 cup Roma tomatoes, diced (about 2 medium tomatoes)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 medium cucumber, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 12 jalapeños, seeded and minced
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw under cold running water for about 5 minutes. Pat dry. Dice raw shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch chunks).
  2. Juice the citrus: Roll limes and lemons on the counter before cutting. Strain juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. You need 3/4 cup combined citrus juice.
  3. Marinate the shrimp: Place diced shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Pour lime and lemon juice over shrimp, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Stir gently. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are opaque and firm.
  4. While shrimp marinates, prep vegetables: Dice tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and jalapeño. Chop cilantro. If desired, soak diced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow flavor.
  5. Check the shrimp: After 10-12 minutes, shrimp should be pink and firm. Cut one piece in half to check for opacity. If not done, marinate 2-3 more minutes.
  6. Drain the shrimp: Pour shrimp and citrus juice through a fine-mesh strainer. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the citrus marinade. Do not rinse shrimp.
  7. Combine ingredients (except avocado): Return drained shrimp to the bowl. Add tomatoes, red onion (drained if soaked), cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, salt, black pepper, cumin, reserved citrus marinade, and olive oil (if using). Toss gently.
  8. Add avocado: Dice avocados and gently fold into ceviche just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with extra cilantro and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, tostadas, or other accompaniments.

Notes

Don’t over-marinate the shrimp; 10-12 minutes is ideal. Use cold ingredients for best texture. Add avocado at the last minute to prevent browning. For a milder onion flavor, soak diced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes. This ceviche is best eaten within 2-3 hours of making.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp ceviche, easy ceviche, 15-minute appetizer, fresh ceviche, avocado ceviche, lime ceviche, no-cook recipe, gluten-free, low-carb