Invigorating, vibrant, and a total crowd-pleaser, Easy Shrimp Ceviche captures everything you love about summer in one zesty bowl. This dish pops with the brightness of lime, the freshness of crunchy veggies, and the ocean-kissed sweetness of shrimp—all melding together into something utterly irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a sunny backyard fiesta or looking for a light and healthy meal, this ceviche is breezy to throw together, requires zero cooking, and delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with ingredients you probably already have. Once you try Easy Shrimp Ceviche, it just might become your go-to appetizer for every occasion!

Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Shrimp Ceviche is that it’s both simple and spectacular, relying on ultra-fresh ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each item brings something unique to the table—from the citrusy zip of lime to the creamy finish of avocado. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Shrimp: Using medium, peeled, and deveined shrimp ensures every bite is sweet, tender, and soaks up all those citrus flavors.
Fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is non-negotiable; it “cooks” the shrimp and infuses the whole dish with tangy brightness.
Tomato: Just the right amount of juicy, summery flavor and gorgeous color — make sure to seed and dice for the best texture.
Red onion: This adds a punchy bite and a hint of sweetness; finely dice it for even distribution.
Jalapeño: A gentle heat from minced jalapeño wakes up every forkful; remove seeds for milder spice.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a lively herbal note that’s classic in every ceviche.
Cucumber: Peeled, seeded, and diced cucumber keeps things crunchy and refreshing.
Avocado: Creamy diced avocado balances all the citrus and spice, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Salt and pepper: Season as you go—these essentials fine-tune the flavors.
Tortilla chips: For scooping and extra crunch—don’t skip these, they turn your ceviche into a party!

How to Make Easy Shrimp Ceviche

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Combine the chopped shrimp and fresh lime juice in a large glass bowl, making sure every piece of shrimp is fully submerged. Stir gently to coat, then cover and refrigerate. Watch as the lime juice works its magic—the shrimp will become pink and opaque in about 30 minutes to 1 hour, meaning it’s perfectly “cooked” and ready for the next step. Trust the process—this citrus cure is what makes Easy Shrimp Ceviche so special.

Step 2: Drain the Citrus

After your shrimp have marinated and look bright and glossy, drain off most of the lime juice. Leave just a bit behind to keep everything vibrant and moist—this way, your ceviche stays juicy but never watery.

Step 3: Toss with Fresh Ingredients

Gently fold in the diced tomato, red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, cucumber, and creamy avocado. A gentle touch preserves the shape of your ingredients and keeps your Easy Shrimp Ceviche looking as delicious as it tastes. This is the moment when all those fresh flavors mingle and really come alive!

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a final, delicate toss. Don’t be shy—this is your chance to adjust and make sure every bite hums with zesty, savory goodness. Go ahead—taste and tweak here for your perfect balance!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let your ceviche chill until it’s ice-cold, which helps meld all the flavors together. Spoon it up with crispy tortilla chips, savor how bright and refreshing it is, and get ready for your guests to ask for seconds!

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Ceviche

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro and thinly sliced jalapeños make your Easy Shrimp Ceviche pop, both visually and flavor-wise. A few wedges of lime on the side let everyone add their own squeeze of citrus, making each bite their own.

Side Dishes

Pair Easy Shrimp Ceviche with classic tortilla chips for effortless dipping. If you want a more substantial spread, set out crispy tostadas, long plantain chips, or even a tangy slaw for extra crunch and contrast. This dish also partners beautifully with a cool beer or sparkling agua fresca.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your ceviche in small glasses or cocktail cups for an appetizer that looks as festive as it tastes. Spoon it into halved avocados for a gorgeous edible bowl, or pile generous scoops onto mini tostadas for individual bites. However you present it, Easy Shrimp Ceviche is always a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Easy Shrimp Ceviche, stash it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best quality, enjoy your leftovers within one day—after that, the veggies can become soft and the shrimp may start to lose its bright flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Easy Shrimp Ceviche. The fresh veggies and citrus-cooked shrimp simply don’t hold up to freezing and thawing, resulting in a mushy texture and muted flavors. Fresh is the best way to enjoy this dish!

Reheating

There’s no reheating necessary with Easy Shrimp Ceviche—it’s designed to be served cold and crisp from the fridge. Just give it a good stir, freshen up with a sprinkle of salt or a squeeze of lime, and you’re ready to serve again.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp if you’re in a hurry. However, the real magic of Easy Shrimp Ceviche comes from marinating raw shrimp in lime juice—it amplifies the flavor and gives the shrimp their signature tender texture. If you use pre-cooked, just skip the marinating time and adjust seasoning to taste.

How long does ceviche need to marinate?

Plan for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque—when this happens, they’re ready. Over-marinating can slightly toughen the shrimp, so check for doneness and enjoy right away.

Can I add other seafood?

Absolutely! Mix in chunks of white fish or bay scallops for a seafood lover’s version of Easy Shrimp Ceviche. Just make sure any added seafood is fresh and cut to similar size as the shrimp for even “cooking” in the citrus juice.

What makes shrimp turn pink without heat?

It’s all about the acid! The lime juice in Easy Shrimp Ceviche denatures the proteins in the shrimp much like heat would, turning them pink and opaque while keeping them juicy and flavorful. It’s science that you can taste!

What’s the best way to serve ceviche at a party?

For a party, spoon Easy Shrimp Ceviche into mini cups or on individual potato chips for a fun, grab-and-go appetizer. Put out plenty of lime wedges, chips, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their perfect bite.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like the freshness and zesty joy of Easy Shrimp Ceviche. It’s quick, healthy, and feels like an instant vacation with every bite. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to celebrate good times and great company!

Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Shrimp Ceviche recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light appetizer or snack. Made with fresh shrimp marinated in lime juice and mixed with vibrant vegetables and herbs, it’s a zesty and satisfying treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

1 pound medium shrimp (peeled, deveined, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces)

Lime Juice Marinade:

1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8 limes)

Vegetables and Herbs:

1 medium tomato (seeded and diced)
1/2 red onion (finely diced)
1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 cucumber (peeled, seeded, and diced)
1 avocado (diced)

Seasoning:

Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

Tortilla chips

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Instructions

Marinate Shrimp: Place the chopped shrimp in a large glass bowl and pour the fresh lime juice over it until completely covered. Stir gently, then cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Prepare Ceviche: Drain off most of the lime juice, leaving a little to keep the mixture moist. Add the diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, cucumber, and avocado to the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper and toss gently to combine.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled with tortilla chips for scooping.