Name: Ceviche
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb medium shrimp (raw or cooked), thawed, peeled, deveined, and diced; 1 cup lime juice (about 6 limes); 1 cucumber, peeled and diced; 2 avocados, diced; 3 Roma tomatoes, diced; 1 red onion, diced; 1/4 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced; 1 cup Clamato juice (picante version for more spice); For Serving (Optional):; 16 tostadas or tortilla chips; Hot sauce (Tabasco, Cholula, or similar)

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This fresh and zesty Ceviche is a Mexican-inspired shrimp cocktail made with lime-marinated shrimp, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, and cilantro. Bright, refreshing, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for serving with tostadas or tortilla chips as a light meal or appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ceviche is the perfect no-cook dish for warm weather. It’s light, tangy, and packed with texture and vibrant flavor. Whether using raw or cooked shrimp, it comes together easily and delivers a refreshing balance of citrus, spice, and creaminess. It’s an ideal party appetizer or satisfying lunch.

Ceviche

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb medium shrimp (raw or cooked), thawed, peeled, deveined, and diced
1 cup lime juice (about 6 limes)
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
2 avocados, diced
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 red onion, diced
1/4 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1 cup Clamato juice (use picante version for more spice)

For Serving (Optional):

16 tostadas or tortilla chips
Hot sauce (Tabasco, Cholula, or similar)

directions

Rinse thawed shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly. Dice into small pieces if large.
Place shrimp in a non-reactive glass bowl. Pour fresh lime juice over the shrimp and stir.
If using raw shrimp: Marinate for 1 1/2 to 2 hours in the fridge, or until shrimp are opaque and no longer translucent.
If using cooked shrimp: Marinate for 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
While shrimp marinates, dice cucumber, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and chop the cilantro.
Once shrimp are ready, add the vegetables and Clamato juice to the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
Chill until ready to serve.
Serve with tostadas or tortilla chips, and add hot sauce to taste if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours (for raw shrimp)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per serving

Variations

Seafood Mix: Add scallops, white fish, or octopus for variety.
Mango Ceviche: Add diced mango for a touch of sweetness.
Extra Heat: Include serrano pepper or hot sauce in the marinade.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium Clamato or reduce the amount for a lighter version.
No Clamato: Substitute with tomato juice or skip entirely for a drier ceviche.

storage/reheating

Ceviche is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

Do not freeze, and avoid reheating—this dish is meant to be served cold.

FAQs

Can I make ceviche ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Is it safe to eat raw shrimp in ceviche?

Yes, the acidity in lime juice “cooks” the shrimp. Be sure to marinate long enough until opaque.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?

Lime juice is traditional, but lemon juice can work in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Add it right before serving or toss it in a little lime juice.

Can I make this with frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely, rinse, and pat dry before marinating.

What if I don’t have Clamato juice?

Use tomato juice, or omit it entirely for a more traditional version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chips or tostadas are certified gluten-free.

What other toppings go well with ceviche?

Try radishes, shredded lettuce, or extra lime wedges.

Can I use pre-cooked cocktail shrimp?

Yes, just dice and marinate briefly to absorb the flavor.

Is ceviche supposed to be spicy?

It can be! Adjust jalapeño or hot sauce to your preferred heat level.

Conclusion

This refreshing Ceviche is a bright, citrusy dish loaded with shrimp, fresh vegetables, and zesty flavors. Perfect for scooping with chips or piling on tostadas, it’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Jessica