How to Make Shrimp Ceviche at Home

Shrimp ceviche is a tangy, zesty dish that’s flawless for hot summer days or whenever you’re craving something fresh and packed with flavor. For seafood lovers, it’s an unbeatable combination of succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and bold citrus notes. The best part? It’s easy to make right at home!

Whether you’re a home cook, a foodie experimenting with new recipes, or someone just looking to wow your next dinner party guests, this shrimp ceviche recipe will have you hooked. Follow along as we walk through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish with practical tips to ensure it’s truly restaurant-quality.

What Is Shrimp Ceviche?

Shrimp ceviche, or ceviche de Camaroneswith as it’s called in Latin America, is a dish where shrimp is "cooked" by citrus juices like lime or lemon instead of heat. This chemical process, called denaturation, firms up the shrimp and infuses it with tangy flavor. Tossed together with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a touch of heat, shrimp ceviche is both refreshing and flavorful.

Although ceviche is traditionally a Peruvian dish, shrimp ceviche in particular is a variation popular in Mexico and other coastal regions, where fresh seafood is abundant.

Why Make Shrimp Ceviche at Home?

• Freshness Guaranteed: When you make it yourself, you control every ingredient, ensuring only the freshest shrimp and produce make it onto your plate.
• Customization: Want it spicier? Add more jalapeño. Don’t like cilantro? Leave it out! A homemade version allows you to tailor the recipe to your tastes.
• Healthier: Shrimp ceviche is naturally low in fat and calories, gluten-free, and protein-packed, making it ideal for those watching their diet.
• Simple and Quick: There’s no cooking involved—just a bit of chopping, tossing, and waiting. Perfect for a busy day.

Now that the case for homemade shrimp ceviche is clear, let's get to the recipe!

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish (serves 4–6):

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8–10 limes)

For the Ceviche:

• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, minced (adjust heat to your preference)
• 1/2 cucumber, diced (optional but adds a refreshing crunch)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced (optional but highly recommended)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Tortilla chips or tostadas
• Lime wedges

Steps to Make Shrimp Ceviche at Home

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Shrimp

Start by cutting the shrimp into bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 inch). Place the shrimp in a glass or stainless-steel bowl (avoid reactive materials like aluminum) and pour the freshly squeezed lime juice over the top. Stir to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns opaque and "cooked" through.

Step 2: Chop and Prep the Vegetables

While the shrimp marinates, prep your vegetables. Dice the red onion, tomatoes, jalapeño, and cucumber (if you're using it). Keep everything roughly the same size so each bite is balanced. Chop the cilantro and set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Once the shrimp is fully cooked by the lime juice, drain off about half of the juice (you can keep more if you like a saucier ceviche). Add the onion, tomatoes, jalapeño, cucumber, and cilantro to the shrimp. Gently fold everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Season the mix with a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or heat to suit your preference.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Fold in diced avocado right before serving for a creamy contrast to the tangy flavors. Be gentle to avoid mashing the avocado.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve chilled with tortilla chips, tostadas, or even lettuce cups for a lighter option. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for an extra zest.

Pro Tip: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge and consume them within 1 day—freshness is key to ceviche!

Tips for Making the Perfect Shrimp Ceviche

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh shrimp and produce are essential for the best ceviche. Frozen shrimp can work in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and pat it dry thoroughly.

2. Experiment with Add-ons

Love tropical flavors? Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist. Prefer bolder spices? Sprinkle in some Tajín or smoked paprika.

3. Chill as Needed

Ceviche is best served cold. If it's been sitting out, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before serving.

4. Watch the Heat

Jalapeños and serranos vary in spiciness. Start small, taste, and add more if needed. Too spicy? Add diced cucumber or a splash of orange juice to mellow the heat.

Why Shrimp Ceviche is a Crowd Favorite

Shrimp ceviche checks all the boxes for a versatile dish. It works beautifully as an appetizer for dinner parties, a refreshing lunch for sunny afternoons, or an indulgent snack on game day. It’s also a conversation starter—mentioning the no-cook citrus cooking process never fails to impress!

By making shrimp ceviche at home, you’re not just crafting a delicious meal; you’re sharing an experience rich in cultural and culinary significance.

Rekindle Your Love for Seafood

Shrimp ceviche is a simple yet impressive dish that brings out the best in fresh, quality ingredients. With bright, bold flavors and little effort, it’s a recipe worth adding to your cooking rotation. Next time you’re craving something light, vibrant, and memorable, treat yourself (and your family or friends) to a homemade batch.

Feel like exploring more seafood dishes? Check out our [Ultimate Guide to Seafood Recipes] for even more inspiration.