Name: Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined (450g); 1 cup diced cucumber; ¼ medium red onion, finely minced; 2 chile peppers, deseeded and minced (Fresno, serrano, or jalapeño); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 1 medium avocado, diced; ¾ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, from 6 to 7 limes (177ml); ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, from 1 to 2 lemons (60ml); 2 tablespoons salt (for poaching); Pinch of salt (for ceviche seasoning)

Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavors, this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration in every bite. Combining tender, lightly poached shrimp with zesty lime and lemon juices, crunchy cucumber, and creamy avocado, it’s the perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a dinner party or just craving a light, vibrant meal, this shrimp ceviche is so simple to put together, yet incredibly impressive in taste. Trust me, once you try this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for warm-weather days and anytime you want something fresh and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl contains several layers of fresh ingredients: roughly chopped pale pink shrimp placed on the top right, bright green chopped cilantro near the top center, two kinds of chopped chili peppers — red on the left center and green on the right center, light purple diced onions on the bottom right, and vibrant green cucumber chunks on the bottom left. A thin stream of liquid is being poured into the bowl, caught just above the ingredients, adding a glossy texture. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, fresh, and essential. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish truly sing. From the shrimp’s tender bite to the crisp cucumber and the heat of fresh chiles, these components come together effortlessly.

1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that’s tender and packed with flavor after poaching.
1 cup diced cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and a subtle cooling effect.
¼ medium red onion, finely minced: Brings a mild sweetness and a bit of sharpness to balance the tangy citrus.
2 chile peppers, deseeded and minced: Fresno, serrano, or jalapeño work beautifully to provide a touch of heat without overpowering.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Offers a burst of herbal brightness and color contrast.
¾ cup freshly squeezed lime juice: The citrusy cornerstone that ‘cooks’ the shrimp and brightens every bite.
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a complementary tang and layers of citrus complexity.
1 medium avocado, diced: Creamy texture that soothes the palate and balances the acidity.
Salt: To season perfectly and bring all the flavors together.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

Step 1: Poach the Shrimp

Start by lightly poaching the shrimp to ensure they are perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Fill a pot with 2 quarts of water and add 2 tablespoons of salt – this not only seasons the shrimp but enhances their natural flavor. Bring the water to a boil, add the peeled and deveined shrimp, then immediately remove the pot from heat. Let the shrimp sit in the hot water until they turn firm and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. This gentle poach keeps the shrimp tender without overcooking.

Step 2: Cool and Chop

Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and spread them out on a large plate or baking sheet to cool quickly. Quick cooling prevents carryover cooking, preserving that perfect texture. Once cooled enough to handle, remove any tails if necessary, then chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

In a large non-reactive bowl, mix the chopped shrimp with diced cucumber, finely minced red onion, minced chile peppers, and fresh cilantro. Pour the freshly squeezed lime and lemon juices over the mixture and add a pinch of salt. Toss everything well, then gently press the shrimp down into the liquid to ensure it all absorbs those vibrant citrus flavors. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Avocado and Final Seasoning

Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado carefully to keep that creamy texture intact. Give your ceviche a final taste test and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt if needed. That’s it – your Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is ready to shine on the table!

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

A clear glass bowl contains a fresh shrimp salad with three main visible layers. The bottom layer shows small, white shrimp mixed with diced dark green cucumber, tiny pieces of purple onion, and small bits of red chili, all lightly coated in a clear, slightly shiny liquid. On top of the shrimp mix, there are two halves of a bright green avocado, with one half showing a grid pattern scored into the flesh and the other half chopped into cube pieces. The textures are a mix of smooth avocado and the chunky, juicy shrimp salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate this dish even more. Try a few sprigs of fresh cilantro on top for that unmistakable herbaceous pop. A few thin slices of extra chile peppers or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add color and a hint of richness. Don’t forget a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to finish!

Side Dishes

This ceviche pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips for scooping or on a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves for a lighter option. If you’re looking for something heartier, serving it alongside grilled corn or a fresh mango salad adds delightful texture and complementary sweetness. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—think fresh, crunchy, and bright sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe in individual small glasses or shot glasses for elegant appetizers. For a picnic or casual gathering, fill halved avocados with the ceviche for an eye-catching presentation. You can even stuff it into crispy tostadas topped with a dollop of sour cream or a slice of jalapeño for added excitement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ceviche keeps best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The key is to add avocado only right before serving because it will brown and lose its fresh texture if mixed in too early. Make sure the ceviche is well chilled to maintain its refreshing qualities.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp ceviche is generally not recommended because the texture of avocado and cucumber tends to deteriorate after thawing. Also, the citrus ‘cooking’ effect can change texture over time. For the best experience, enjoy this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe fresh or within a couple of days.

Reheating

This is a dish best served cold and fresh, so reheating isn’t advised. The bright, citrusy flavors and firm texture of the shrimp will be diminished by warming. If you prefer a warm seafood dish, consider saving the shrimp for a cooked recipe instead.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp without poaching?

Absolutely! If you have very fresh, high-quality shrimp, you can skip the poaching step and allow the citrus juice to ‘cook’ the shrimp naturally. Just be sure to cut the shrimp into small pieces and cover them completely with juice to ensure even ‘cooking’ in the fridge.

How spicy is this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe?

The heat level depends on the chiles you use and how much you include. Removing the seeds tones down the spiciness, but if you love a kick, you can leave some seeds in or even add hot sauce. It’s very customizable!

Can I substitute other seafood for shrimp?

Yes! This recipe works wonderfully with other seafood like scallops or firm white fish. If using raw alternatives, remember to ‘cook’ them thoroughly in the citrus juice and always choose fresh, high-quality products.

How long should the ceviche marinate?

At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator is ideal to let the flavors meld and allow the shrimp to soak up the citrus. You can refrigerate for up to 4 hours, but be careful not to leave it much longer or the shrimp may become overly firm.

Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes, this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for many dietary preferences and restrictions.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe — it’s fresh, bright, and delightfully simple to prepare, yet it feels special enough to serve for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving a light, flavorful meal, it hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation!

Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need