If you’re looking for a vibrant, zesty dish that feels like a fiesta in every bite, look no further than this Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado for Quick Delight Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of bright citrus, creamy avocado, and tender shrimp that comes together so quickly you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon snack or a light dinner, this ceviche bursts with fresh flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to recipe for effortless, delicious gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully straightforward yet incredibly essential, each adding its own magic touch to the dish. The fresh seafood brings the star protein, while the lime and lemon juices provide a tangy brightness that cures and flavors the shrimp perfectly. The creamy avocado softens the sharp edges, and the crunchy onion and spicy jalapeno add layers of texture and excitement.
- 1 lb Cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp (size 31-40): Tender shrimp is the heart of this ceviche, providing a mild and juicy seafood base.
- 1/2 cup Fresh lime juice (Freshly squeezed): Adds a citrusy tang that “cooks” the shrimp and uplifts every bite.
- 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice (Freshly squeezed): Complements the lime with a subtle tartness and refreshing acidity.
- 1 small Red onion (Chopped): Offers a mild sharpness and crunch that contrasts perfectly with creamy avocado.
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes (Diced): Bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- 1 medium Avocado (Diced): Adds luscious creaminess that balances the citrus and heat.
- 1 small Jalapeno (Finely chopped, seeds removed): Provides a gentle kick to keep things lively without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped): Imparts a fresh, herbaceous note that ties the whole dish together.
- 1/4 cup Clamato juice (Optional): Introduces a subtle savory depth and slight sweetness to elevate complexity.
- Salt (To taste): Enhances all the flavors throughout.
- Pepper (To taste): Adds a gentle heat and aromatic touch.
- 1 bag Tortilla chips (Preferably ‘scoops’): The perfect crunchy companion for scooping up this delightful ceviche.
How to Make Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado for Quick Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Drop in your peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes until they turn an inviting pink and become opaque. It’s crucial not to overcook here—shrimp can get rubbery quickly! As soon as they’re ready, drain them promptly and submerge in an ice bath to chill and halt any further cooking. This keeps your shrimp tender and juicy.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Once the shrimp are cool, chop them into bite-sized pieces if needed and place them in a glass bowl. Pour the freshly squeezed lime and lemon juices directly over the shrimp, making sure they’re well coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the citrus juices “cook” the shrimp gently, infusing them with vibrant flavor and that signature ceviche zing.
Step 3: Combine Fresh Ingredients
After your shrimp has marinated to perfection, it’s time to fold in the finely chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, jalapeno, and fresh cilantro. If you’re using Clamato juice, drizzle it in now for a touch of umami richness. Gently stir everything together—remember, you want to keep those avocado chunks intact for creamy little bites throughout.
Step 4: Season and Chill
Give your ceviche a taste and sprinkle in salt and pepper as you see fit. The seasoning will highlight the interplay of fresh and tangy flavors beautifully. Pop it back into the fridge for a few minutes if you want it extra chilled—ceviche is always best served cold to keep it refreshing.
How to Serve Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado for Quick Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a few thin slices of fresh jalapeno on top really makes this dish pop visually and flavor-wise. You might also consider a light dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lime for that finishing zing. These small touches turn a simple bowl of ceviche into a stunning centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Serving Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado for Quick Delight Recipe alongside crispy, salty tortilla chips is classic—and perfect—for scooping up every last bite. For a more substantial meal, try it with a side of black beans and rice or a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve your ceviche in individual martini glasses or hollowed-out avocados for a fun and fresh presentation. You could also layer it in small mason jars with alternating layers of shrimp ceviche and crushed tortilla chips for a playful, portable option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This ceviche keeps best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness. The avocado may brown a bit, but a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving can brighten it right back up.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado for Quick Delight Recipe, as the delicate textures of the shrimp, avocado, and fresh vegetables will suffer and become mushy upon thawing. Best to enjoy this dish fresh!
Reheating
Since ceviche is traditionally served cold, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, let any leftovers sit at room temperature for a few minutes if they feel too cold from the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp for this ceviche?
Using cooked shrimp is preferred for this recipe since the marinating time with citrus juice is short—just 15 minutes—insufficient to properly “cook” raw shrimp to a safe level. Always ensure your shrimp is thoroughly cooked for safety and flavor.
Is Clamato juice necessary in the recipe?
Clamato juice is optional but highly recommended because it adds a subtle savory sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or substitute with a splash of tomato juice combined with a pinch of sea salt and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
How spicy is this ceviche with jalapeno included?
The jalapeno adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the freshness of the dish. Removing the seeds helps control the heat, but feel free to adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
Can I prepare this ceviche in advance?
Yes! Marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes is key, but you can prepare the entire dish a couple of hours ahead and chill it before serving. Just add the avocado right before serving to keep it from turning mushy or brown.
What can I substitute for tortilla chips?
If tortilla chips aren’t your thing, try serving the ceviche on crisp cucumber slices, tostadas, or even in lettuce cups for a refreshing and lighter way to enjoy it.
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado for Quick Delight Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings bright, fresh flavors together with incredible ease. Its quick preparation and balanced textures make it a perfect dish for any occasion, from casual weekday meals to vibrant parties. Give it a try, and I promise, it will become one of your freshest favorites in no time.
Print
Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado for Quick Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado is a quick and easy appetizer perfect for warm days. Featuring tender shrimp marinated in zesty lime and lemon juice, combined with crisp red onions, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a hint of jalapeno heat, it’s served chilled with crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb Cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp (size 31-40)
- 1/2 cup Fresh lime juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice (Freshly squeezed)
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1 small Red onion (Chopped)
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes (Diced)
- 1 medium Avocado (Diced)
- 1 small Jalapeno (Finely chopped, seeds removed)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped)
- 1/4 cup Clamato juice (Optional)
- Salt (To taste)
- Pepper (To taste)
To Serve
- 1 bag Tortilla chips (Preferably ‘scoops’)
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the prepared shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately drain the shrimp and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Allow them to chill for about 5 minutes, then drain again.
- Prepare the shrimp: Once the shrimp are cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces if they’re large and place them into a glass bowl.
- Marinate the shrimp: Pour freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice over the shrimp in the bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the citrus juices to infuse flavor and slightly cure the shrimp.
- Add vegetables and mix: After marinating, add chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, finely chopped jalapeno, and chopped cilantro to the shrimp mixture. Drizzle in Clamato juice if using, then gently stir until well combined to preserve the avocado’s texture.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the ceviche chilled with tortilla chips for scooping and enjoying the fresh, tangy flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh lime and lemon juice for the best flavor impact in the marinade.
- To avoid overly soft avocado, add it after marinating the shrimp and mix gently.
- Chilling the shrimp in an ice bath halts cooking and keeps them tender.
- Clamato juice is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the ceviche.
- Serve immediately after mixing all ingredients to maintain freshness.
- Use ‘scoops’ style tortilla chips for easier dipping and less mess.
