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Fresh, vibrant and full of zesty flavor, Mexican-style shrimp ceviche is a perfect dish for warm weather or when you’re craving something light and satisfying. Made with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables and a citrusy marinade, this recipe is easy to put together and looks just as good as it tastes. Serve it as an appetizer or a light main dish and you’ll find this ceviche is a real crowd-pleaser offering bold flavors and refreshing texture in every mouthful.
Mexican-style shrimp ceviche is a refreshing seafood dish made with shrimp, crisp vegetables and citrus juices. It’s flavorful, easy and perfect for warm weather.
Love seafood? You might also enjoy shrimp scampi foil packs or seafood paella. And sheet pan crab legs make a wonderful dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
Refreshing and light: Perfect for summer meals or entertaining.
No cooking required: Just marinate and serve.
Bold flavor: Citrus, spice and fresh vegetables bring it to life.
Customizable: Easy to adjust spice, citrus and mix-ins.
Great for sharing: Ideal as an appetizer or party dish.
Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Shrimp: The base of the ceviche, tender and full of protein.
Jalapeños: Add heat and a kick of flavor.
Roma tomatoes: Provide color and a juicy bite.
English cucumber: Adds crunch and freshness.
Red onion: Brings a sharp contrast and mild bite.
Avocados: Creamy texture to balance the acidity.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal finish.
Citrus juices: Lime, orange and lemon juice make up the citrus marinade that “cooks” the shrimp and brings bright, tangy flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Ceviche Mexican Style
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prep the shrimp: Poach if desired, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the base: Toss shrimp, vegetables, avocado and seasonings in a bowl.
Add the citrus: Pour combined juices over the shrimp and mix.
Marinate and chill: Let the mixture sit in the fridge, then drain before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Use scallops or fish: Swap shrimp for other seafood if preferred.
Add mango or pineapple: For a tropical twist and added sweetness.
Use serrano peppers: For extra heat in place of jalapeños.
Try red bell pepper: Adds crunch and a milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With chips or crackers: Ceviche is typically served with chips, plantain chips or tostadas. You could also serve it with saltines or your favorite crackers, perhaps also adding homemade chunky guacamole and tomatillo salsa to the spread.
As an appetizer: Enjoy it before a meal of Mexican shredded beef tacos or Mexican elote street corn salad.
How to Store Ceviche
Store: Keep ceviche in a covered container in the refrigerator and eat within 24 hours. Any longer than that and the shrimp will become tough as the citrus continues to “cook” it.
Freeze: Although it’s possible to freeze ceviche, it’s not recommended as it alters both texture and flavor. The shrimp can turn mushy, and the citrus marinade may become overly sharp or bitter.
Top Tips
Cut shrimp evenly: Ensures even marinating and texture.
Use fresh citrus juice: Bottled juice won’t deliver the same flavor.
Chill well before serving: Enhances flavor and keeps it refreshing.
Serve with chips or tostadas: Adds crunch and makes it more filling.
Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche FAQs
Ceviche originated in Peru and spread throughout South America. The technique of marinating seafood in citrus dates back 2,000 years to the Moche and Inca civilizations. Spanish explorers later introduced new ingredients, and local flavors turned it into the dish we know today. This quick and easy shrimp ceviche is now enjoyed across Latin America and in authentic Latin restaurants worldwide.
Lemon or lime juice is the citrus of choice in most seafood ceviche recipe instructions. The citrus denatures the proteins in the seafood to give it the texture of cooked seafood. It also adds a tangy flavor.
Yes, different countries have their own take on ceviche. For example, fish, lime, onions, and chilies are ingredients in Peruvian ceviche. Sea bass is the usual fish and it marinates for several hours. Tomato sauce often features in Ecuadorian recipes, while halibut marinated in grapefruit and lime is popular in Chile.
Mexican Style Ceviche Recipe
Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds shrimp, fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined
- 2 jalapenos, or more if liked
- 3 roma tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- ⅓ Cup red onion
- 2 avocados
- ¼ Cup cilantro
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper
- ½ Cup lime juice
- ½ Cup orange juice
- ¼ Cup lemon juice
Instructions
- If the shrimp are raw you may want to poach them for a couple of minutes in boiling water. If large, they need to be cut into thirds or fourths.
- Place the shrimp, jalapenos, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, avocados, cilantro, salt and pepper in a bowl and toss to combine.
- Combine all the juices and pour over the shrimp. Let this marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
- Drain the marinade before serving.
Notes
Use fresh citrus juice: Bottled juice won’t deliver the same flavor.
Chill well before serving: Enhances flavor and keeps it refreshing.
Serve with chips or tostadas: Adds crunch and makes it more filling.
Nutrition
Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche is a fresh, colorful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer or anytime you want a lighter meal. The combination of citrus-marinated shrimp, crunchy vegetables and creamy avocado creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s easy to prepare, impressive to serve and full of vibrant ingredients that make every bite satisfying. This seafood ceviche recipe brings the taste of the coast to your kitchen in the most refreshing way.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
So fresh and flavorful! I could eat this ceviche every day.
The freshness of the shrimp and the creaminess of the avocado. Just so enjoyable with eery bite.
My family loved this recipe so much!! I’ll make this again soon!