Fresh Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Citrus
If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavors fresh from the sea and garden, look no further than Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus. This delightful combination brings together tender shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty citrus juice for a tangy and vibrant meal that’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or seeking a quick snack that doesn’t compromise on taste, this recipe fits the bill with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Refreshing: The fresh citrus juice instantly wakes up your taste buds with a lively tangy flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses just a handful of fresh, wholesome components that come together beautifully.
- Light Yet Satisfying: Perfect for a healthy meal that’s filling without feeling heavy.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute guests.
- Customizable: Easily adapted with your favorite herbs, peppers, or veggies to suit any palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus truly shine. Each element contributes essential texture, vibrant color, and fresh flavor to this dish.
- Fresh shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for a tender, protein-packed base.
- Avocado: Adds creamy richness that balances the citrus acidity.
- Lime and orange juice: Provides the zesty citrus punch that “cooks” the shrimp in the ceviche.
- Red onion: Adds a slight crunch and mild sharpness for depth.
- Fresh cilantro: Brings a burst of herbaceous brightness to the dish.
- Jalapeño or serrano pepper: Introduces a gentle, warming heat—adjust based on your spice preference.
- Cherry tomatoes: Offer juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Variations for Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to play around with ingredients to tailor it to your taste, dietary needs, or pantry availability.
- Swap seafood: Use scallops, firm fish, or cooked crab for different seafood twists.
- Add mango or pineapple: Sweet tropical fruit adds a delicious contrast to the tart citrus.
- Include cucumber or jicama: For added crunch and a cool, refreshing texture.
- Try different herbs: Substitute cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a new flavor profile.
- Make it vegan: Replace shrimp with hearts of palm or marinated mushrooms for a plant-based version.
How to Make Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining raw shrimp if they aren’t prepped already. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a glass bowl. The shrimp will “cook” in the citrus juice in the next step.
Step 2: Marinate in Citrus Juice
Pour freshly squeezed lime and orange juice over the shrimp, making sure they are fully submerged. Let it sit refrigerated for 15 to 20 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque, signifying they are properly cured by the citrus acids.
Step 3: Chop the Fresh Ingredients
While the shrimp marinate, finely dice red onion, jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat), cherry tomatoes, and roughly chop fresh cilantro. Cube the avocado right before mixing to avoid browning.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Drain a little of the citrus juice if it feels too watery, then gently mix the shrimp with the onion, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, and avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring carefully to keep avocado intact.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the completed shrimp ceviche for another 10 minutes to let all flavors meld perfectly together before serving chilled.
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
- Use the freshest shrimp possible: Freshness is key to achieving the best taste and safety when making ceviche.
- Dose your citrus carefully: Too much juice can make the dish overly tart; balance acidity with the sweetness from orange juice.
- Reserve half the avocado last: Add at the very end to maintain its perfect creamy texture without browning.
- Control heat levels: Start with a small amount of jalapeño, adding more gradually as desired.
- Serve immediately or within a few hours: To enjoy the freshest flavors and best texture.
How to Serve Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro, thinly sliced radishes, or a few crunchy tortilla chips elevate the dish’s presentation and add delightful flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
Pair this zesty shrimp ceviche with light sides such as a green salad, grilled vegetables, or simply a bowl of warm tortilla chips for scooping.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the ceviche in individual glasses or hollowed-out citrus halves for charming party platters or appetizers with a wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover shrimp ceviche covered tightly in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Ceviche is not recommended for freezing as the texture of the shrimp and avocado will suffer upon thawing.
Reheating
This dish is intended to be enjoyed cold; avoid reheating to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp for ceviche?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp if you prefer; just toss them in the citrus marinade for flavor rather than “cooking” in it.
How can I tell when the shrimp is properly cured in the citrus?
Once the shrimp turn from translucent to opaque and firm, they are fully “cooked” by the citrus acids.
Is it necessary to refrigerate ceviche while it marinates?
Yes, refrigerating keeps the dish safe and fresh as the shrimp cure and the flavors develop.
How long does Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus last?
It’s best consumed within 24 hours when stored properly in the fridge to maintain optimal freshness.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Add more jalapeño or include hot sauce to kick up the heat according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
I warmly invite you to try this sensational Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus as a bright, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy fresh seafood. Its effortless preparation and lively flavors make it a true favorite that shines on any table, so go ahead—bring some sunshine to your next meal with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe!
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Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado & Fresh Citrus is a bright, tangy, and refreshing appetizer combining tender shrimp cured in zesty lime and orange juice with creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and fresh herbs. This quick and healthy dish is perfect for summer gatherings or a light snack, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that can be customized with various herbs, fruits, and spice levels.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 oranges)
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein raw shrimp if not already done. Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place them in a glass bowl ready for marinating.
- Marinate in Citrus Juice: Pour freshly squeezed lime and orange juice over the shrimp, making sure they are fully submerged. Refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque, indicating they are cured by the citrus acids.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: While the shrimp marinate, finely dice the red onion, jalapeño (remove seeds for milder heat), and quarter the cherry tomatoes. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Cube the avocado just before mixing to prevent browning.
- Combine and Season: Drain some of the citrus juice if it seems too watery. Gently mix the shrimp with the diced onion, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, and avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring carefully to keep the avocado intact.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the shrimp ceviche for an additional 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled.
Notes
- Use the freshest shrimp possible for the best taste and safety.
- Balance citrus juice to avoid overly tart flavor by mixing lime and orange juice.
- Add half the avocado at the very end to keep it creamy and prevent browning.
- Start with a small amount of jalapeño and adjust spice level to preference.
- Serve immediately or consume within a few hours for optimal freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (curing time: 15-20 minutes)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook (Curing in citrus juice)
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: shrimp ceviche, avocado, citrus, lime, orange, fresh, appetizer, gluten free, quick snack, summer recipe