Name: Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado - Easy & Flavorful
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Raw Shrimp (Peeled and deveined); 0.25 cup Fresh Lime Juice (Juice from about 2-3 limes); 0.25 cup Fresh Lemon Juice (Juice from about 2 lemons); 0.5 small Red Onion (Finely diced); 3 Roma Tomatoes (Diced); 1 medium Avocado (Diced); 1 Jalapeno (Seeds removed and minced); 0.5 cup Fresh Cilantro (Chopped); 1 cup Clamato Juice (Can substitute with tomato juice); Salt (To taste); Pepper (To taste)

A whisper of citrus and the tantalizing allure of the sea bring me back to sun-soaked shores where shrimp ceviche reigns supreme. This Easy Poached Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado and Clamato is more than just a dish; it’s an embrace of fresh flavors that instantly transports me to carefree summer days. With sweet shrimp, bright citrus, and creamy avocado, it’s the perfect appetizer that even the pickiest eaters in the family will love. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, giving you a quick, delicious option for any gathering. Ready to impress your guests and elevate your snack game? Let’s dive into the delightful world of ceviche together!

Why is Shrimp Ceviche So Irresistible?

Fresh, Bright Flavors: The juicy shrimp combined with zingy lime and lemon juices creates a palate-refreshing experience that’s simply unforgettable.
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this appetizer without breaking a sweat. Perfect for those busy days!
Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone, including picky eaters, will enjoy the creamy avocado and vibrant vegetables.
Versatile Dish: Feel free to customize with different seafood or fruits like mango to suit your taste. For a similar delightful experience, try this Shrimp Chimichurri Flavor.
Perfect for Sharing: Serve it up with tortilla chips at gatherings, ensuring your guests keep coming back for more! You could also explore this Shrimp Alfredo Minute for your next meal.

Shrimp Ceviche Ingredients

Discover the perfect balance of flavors in this refreshing shrimp ceviche!

For the Ceviche

Raw Shrimp (1 lb) – Main protein, providing sweetness; ensure shrimp is peeled and deveined for ease of preparation.
Fresh Lime Juice (¼ cup) – Adds acidity and brightness; use juice from about 2-3 limes for best flavor, avoiding bottled versions.
Fresh Lemon Juice (¼ cup) – Complements lime juice with tartness; use juice from about 2 lemons for a zesty kick.
Red Onion (½ small, finely diced) – Adds crunch and sharpness; substitute with green onions for a milder flavor if preferred.
Roma Tomatoes (3, diced) – Contributes freshness and color; can substitute with vine-ripened tomatoes if desired.
Avocado (1 medium, diced) – Adds creaminess; ensure ripeness for the best texture to balance the dish.
Jalapeno (1, seeds removed and minced) – Provides heat and flavor; adjust quantity based on spice tolerance for a tailored experience.
Fresh Cilantro (½ cup, chopped) – Enhances flavor with herbal notes; can be omitted for those who aren’t fans of cilantro.
Clamato Juice (1 cup) – Adds depth and savory flavor; can substitute with tomato juice for a different profile.
Salt and Pepper – Season to taste, ensuring all flavors are balanced.

Whether you’re preparing a summer gathering or simply craving a light snack, this shrimp ceviche is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shrimp Ceviche

Step 1: Boil the Shrimp
Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until they turn fully pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as they can become rubbery if left too long.

Step 2: Chill the Shrimp
Immediately remove the cooked shrimp from the boiling water and plunge them into a bowl filled with ice water. This quick chill stops the cooking process and helps retain their tender texture. Let them sit in the ice water for about 2-3 minutes before draining thoroughly to remove excess water.

Step 3: Chop the Shrimp
If your shrimp are large, now’s the time to roughly chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for the shrimp ceviche. Place the chopped shrimp into a glass bowl—this will be where you combine all your vibrant ingredients. Ensure the bowl is clear to showcase the beautiful colors of the dish.

Step 4: Marinate the Shrimp
Pour the fresh lime and lemon juices over the shrimp in the bowl. These zesty citrus juices will infuse the shrimp with bright flavors. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 15 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb those tangy notes.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables
After marinating, remove the bowl from the fridge and mix in the finely diced red onion, Roma tomatoes, diced avocado, and minced jalapeno. Stir gently to combine, taking care not to mash the avocado while incorporating the colorful ingredients that will enhance the freshness of your ceviche.

Step 6: Incorporate Clamato Juice
Pour in the Clamato juice, giving your shrimp ceviche a deeper savory flavor that perfectly complements the bright citrus. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste the ceviche and season it with salt and pepper, adjusting to your preference for a balanced finish.

Step 7: Serve the Ceviche
To serve your refreshing shrimp ceviche, spoon it into a serving dish and chill for a few more minutes if desired. Pair it with tortilla chips for dipping, especially scoop-shaped chips which are perfect for enjoying this delightful appetizer. Your guests will love the burst of flavors in every bite!

Storage Tips for Shrimp Ceviche

Fridge: Consume within 2 hours for best quality and freshness. Store in an airtight container if needed to prevent the vegetables from wilting.

Freezer: It is not recommended to freeze shrimp ceviche, as the texture of the shrimp and vegetables can become unappetizing after thawing.

Reheating: If you find leftover ceviche, it’s best to enjoy it cold and fresh rather than reheating. But if you must, gently warm it in the microwave for no more than 20 seconds to avoid cooking it further.

Serving Tip: For the best experience, serve your shrimp ceviche immediately after preparation to enjoy its vibrant flavors and textures!

Expert Tips for Shrimp Ceviche

Poaching Perfection: Always poach shrimp to eliminate the risk of bacteria. This method ensures they’re tender and safe for your shrimp ceviche.
Citrus Quality: Use fresh lime and lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juices lack the vibrant taste and can affect the overall experience.
Chill Quickly: Stop the cooking process by plunging shrimp into ice water immediately after poaching. This keeps them juicy and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
Marination Matters: Allow shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This enhances flavor absorption from the citrus juices and improves the overall taste of your ceviche.
Chop Wisely: If using large shrimp, chop them into bite-sized pieces for uniform enjoyment. This makes each scoop with chips delightfully manageable.
Adjust to Taste: Don’t be afraid to customize your ceviche! Experiment with different vegetables or seafood to make this shrimp ceviche truly your own.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing this easy poached shrimp ceviche ahead of time is a game-changer for busy weeknights! You can marinate the shrimp in the lime and lemon juices for up to 24 hours in advance—this not only enhances flavor but also ensures perfect tenderness. Simply cook and chill the shrimp, then combine with the citrus juices and refrigerate. Additionally, chop the vegetables, such as tomatoes and onions, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just before serving, mix everything together with the avocado and clamato juice for a fresh, vibrant dish that retains its quality. This way, you’ll have a splendid ceviche ready to impress your family or guests with minimal last-minute effort!

What to Serve with Easy Poached Shrimp Ceviche

The vibrant flavors of this ceviche invite an array of delicious accompaniments that elevate your dining experience.

Crispy Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping, these crunchy chips provide a satisfying texture that complements the tender shrimp and creamy avocado.
Guacamole: This creamy dip adds a rich, buttery layer that contrasts beautifully with the zesty shrimp ceviche, making every bite luxurious and satisfying.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Light and fragrant, this rice dish mimics the fresh citrus notes in the ceviche, rounding out the flavors for a more substantial meal.
Mixed Green Salad: With a light vinaigrette, the crisp greens create a refreshing contrast to the rich avocado and shrimp, adding a healthy touch to your meal.
Fresh Fruit Salsa: A blend of mango, pineapple, and jalapeño introduces playful sweetness and heat, enhancing the ceviche’s bright flavors while adding a seasonal twist.
Chilled White Wine: A glass of crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy Gimlet cocktail perfectly matches the fresh ingredients, keeping the dining experience refreshing and enjoyable.

Shrimp Ceviche Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make this shrimp ceviche truly your own by experimenting with these fun variations! Each twist brings a delightful surprise to your taste buds.

Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp with scallops or white fish for a different seafood experience. Both offer unique flavors and textures that will surprise your family and friends.
Sweet & Tangy: Add diced mango or pineapple to introduce a tropical sweetness. The fruity notes beautifully complement the zesty citrus, enhancing the dish’s refreshing appeal!
Herb Exchange: Replace fresh cilantro with parsley for a different herbaceous touch. This swap caters to those who prefer flavors without the distinctive taste of cilantro.
Heat Level: For a spicier kick, incorporate diced serrano or habanero peppers. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for a fun fiery twist!
Vegetable Variations: Experiment with diced cucumber or bell peppers for added crunch and freshness. These vibrant veggies will liven up the ceviche even more!
Citrus Mix: Use a combination of orange juice along with lime and lemon for a deeper citrus flavor profile. This will bring a unique sweetness and complexity to your ceviche.
Clamato Substitute: If you want to keep it traditional but need a lighter version, swap Clamato for fresh tomato juice enhanced with a bit of Worcestershire sauce. This offers a fresh take while maintaining savory notes.
Festive Serving: Try serving the ceviche atop tostadas or in avocado halves for a beautiful and fun presentation. Encourage everyone to dig in, and watch how quickly it disappears!

With all these fantastic options, you can create a shrimp ceviche that’s perfectly suited to your and your guests’ tastes. Enjoy mixing and matching to find your favorite combination!

Shrimp Ceviche Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best shrimp for ceviche?
Absolutely! When picking shrimp, look for fresh, firm shrimp that is translucent and has a slight ocean scent. Avoid any that have dark spots or a strong fishy odor. If buying frozen shrimp, make sure they’re properly stored at a consistent temperature and thaw them under cold running water before poaching.

How long can I store leftovers of shrimp ceviche?
For the best quality, consume your shrimp ceviche within 2 hours of preparation. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will last for 1-2 days. However, don’t expect the best texture after a day as the vegetables may start to wilt.

Can I freeze shrimp ceviche?
It’s not recommended to freeze shrimp ceviche as the texture of shrimp and fresh vegetables will become mushy and unappetizing after thawing. If you have extra shrimp, you can freeze it before it’s mixed with the other ingredients for later use, sealing it in an airtight bag where it will keep for up to 3 months.

What if my ceviche tastes too sour?
If your shrimp ceviche leans too much towards sourness, add a pinch of sugar—this can help balance out the acidity from the lime and lemon juice. Alternatively, try incorporating more diced avocado, which adds creaminess and counteracts the tanginess nicely.

Is this shrimp ceviche safe for pregnant women?
While this shrimp ceviche is made from poached shrimp, pregnant women should be cautious with seafood due to potential bacteria. Always ensure the shrimp is fully cooked (no raw parts) and consult your healthcare provider for personal dietary advice in this regard.