Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Not in the mood to cook? No problem! This Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe is fresh and flavorful, comes together in just a few minutes and there’s no cooking required! This healthy recipe is great served as tacos, in lettuce wraps or with chips!
It’s no secret that I love Mexican food, and the condiments make it next level because they add big, bright flavor to every dish. I can’t imagine eating pork carnitas without my tomatillo salsa.
And my homemade guacamole is an absolute must when I serve chicken burrito bowls! 🙂
This easy Shrimp Ceviche recipe is one of my favorite things to make. It’s fresh and bright, and completely addictive!
It’s reminiscent of my avocado mango salsa, but this recipe also includes tender chunks of wild shrimp to make it satisfying enough to enjoy as a meal.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Shrimp ceviche is bursting with sweet and savory flavors and is completely addictive!
- It’s so easy to make, and there’s no cooking required as the shrimp “cooks” in acidic citrus juice.
- This is a versatile recipe that can be served as an appetizer or a fresh, light main dish.
- It’s a healthy recipe that’s also dairy and gluten-free.
Recipe ingredients
Every bite of this mango shrimp ceviche is bursting with refreshing, tropical flavors. All of the ingredients may be easily found at your local grocery store.
Ingredient notes
- Shrimp. I prefer fresh wild shrimp for this ceviche as it’s the star of the dish (I used wild blue shrimp which is why the shrimp is white instead of pink). Frozen shrimp may be used, just be sure to thaw it according to package instructions prior to preparing the ceviche. Pro tip: The size of your shrimp will determine how long it takes to “cook” in the citrus juice.
- Citrus juice. Freshly squeezed citrus juice is a must for this recipe as bottled doesn’t have that fresh flavor. I used a combination of lemon, orange and lime juice, but any combination of citrus will work fine!
- Mango. Use any variety you’d like, just make sure the mango is ripe and fragrant so that it’s as sweet and juicy as possible. Pineapple would be a great substitute for the mango.
- Jalapeño. I prefer to seed the jalapeño before chopping it up to control the amount of heat. If you like things spicy, add the seeds and even more jalapeño.
- Veggies and herbs. I used red bell pepper and red onion for crisp, savory flavor, but feel free to substitute with tomato and green onion if you prefer. Cilantro is a must for fresh flavor, but if you’re not a fan, add freshly chopped parsley instead.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
How to make this recipe
This Mexican shrimp ceviche recipe is extremely easy to make. Prep your shrimp, cook it in the citrus juice, then add the remaining ingredients!
Pro tip: Use peeled and deveined shrimp as a timesaver, however it’s more cost effective to do it yourself. See my recipe chili lime grilled shrimp skewers for tips on how to peel and devein shrimp.
- Prep the shrimp by separating the shell from the underside of the shrimp and removing it. Using kitchen shears, cut along the top middle of the shrimp from the head to tail to expose the membrane and remove it. Chop the shrimp into 1/2″ chunks and place in a medium bowl. Add the salt and pepper and toss gently to combine, then add the lime, lemon and orange juice and stir gently, making sure that the shrimp is submerged in the citrus juice. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- When the shrimp is “cooked”, it will be opaque (white or pink depending on its original color).
- Add the mango, avocado, bell pepper, red onion and cilantro and toss to combine. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Recipe FAQs
Shrimp ceviche is safe to eat as shrimp is “cooked” in acidic citrus juice. It must sit in the citrus juice for 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size and thickness. Once it turns opaque, it is no longer raw and is safe to eat.
I prefer to use fresh wild shrimp for ceviche as it is the star of the dish — you’ll taste the difference. Frozen shrimp may be used, but it will need to be defrosted according to package instructions prior to preparing the ceviche.
The size of your shrimp will determine how long it takes to cook in the citrus juice. I like to cut the shrimp into bite-sized pieces to speed up the process.
Ceviche is very versatile and may be served as a main dish in tacos or lettuce wraps, or as an appetizer with your favorite chips. It’s also great with a side of cilantro lime rice!
Serving suggestions
This light and refreshing mango shrimp ceviche is very versatile and may be served a number of ways.
- Serve as a main dish in tacos or with cilantro lime rice or Instant Pot black beans.
- This recipe is wonderful served as an appetizer with your favorite chips or in lettuce wraps.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: The marinating or cook time for your shrimp will vary depending on the size. Small shrimp may take around 30 minutes, while jumbo shrimp can take up to 2 hours. Â
- Fresh shrimp and citrus juice make all the difference as they’re the star ingredients in this recipe!
- Prep time includes 10 minutes to peel and devein the shrimp. You may purchase shrimp that’s already been peeled and deveined as a time saver!
- The color of your shrimp will vary depending on the type you used. I used wild blue shrimp, which is more white than pink once it has cooked in the citrus juice.
- Shrimp ceviche is best the day it is made as the shrimp will become tough or overcooked the longer it sits in the citrus juice. I’ve eaten it up to 2 days afterward and it’s still delicious — the shrimp are just not as tender.
More easy Mexican recipes you’ll love
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. large or jumbo shrimp fresh shrimp is preferred; follow package instructions to thaw if frozen
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice about 4-6 large limes
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 1 large orange or (4) mandarins
- 1 medium mango pitted, peeled and chopped
- 1 large avocado pitted and chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1/2 small red onion chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Skip this step if your shrimp is peeled and deveined. Peel and devein the shrimp by separating the shell from the underside of the shrimp and removing it. Using kitchen shears, cut along the top middle of the shrimp from the head to tail to expose the membrane and remove it.
- Chop the shrimp into 1/2" chunks and place in a medium bowl. Add the salt and pepper and toss gently to combine, then add the lime, lemon and orange juice and stir gently, making sure that the shrimp is submerged in the citrus juice. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. When the shrimp is "cooked", it will be opaque (white or pink depending on its original color).
- Do not drain the liquid from the shrimp! Add the mango, avocado, bell pepper, red onion and cilantro and toss to combine. Adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Pro tip: The marinating or cook time for your shrimp will vary depending on the size. Small shrimp may take around 30 minutes, while jumbo shrimp can take up to 2 hours. Â
- Pro tip:Â Fresh shrimp and citrus juice make all the difference as they’re the star ingredients in this recipe!
- Prep time includes 10 minutes to peel and devein the shrimp.
- The color of your shrimp will vary depending on the type you used. I used wild blue shrimp, which is more white than pink once it has cooked in the citrus juice.
- Shrimp ceviche is best the day it is made as the shrimp will become tough or overcooked the longer it sits in the citrus juice. I’ve eaten it up to 2 days afterward and it’s still delicious — the shrimp are just not as tender.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
**This recipe was originally published in May 2015. The recipe, photos and text have been updated to include more information.
45 Comments on “Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe”
Oh what a great idea to have shrimp with these tropical flavors!! Perfect dip and I need to try these chips.
Thank you, Zainab!
Okay, I have never had ceviche. I am weirded out at the thought of cooking animal protein in acidic juices: I feel that it has to have heat or it’s not “cooked”. I’m going to have to get over it, because this looks doggone good!!
I understand how you can be weirded about this cooking technique, but shrimp is the best protein to test it as you know if it’s white or pink, it’s done! It’s so tender this way, too.
Thank you, Lisa! I’d love a discount on these chips, too. 🙂
Oh man does this sound good… like a combo of ceviche, guac and mango salsa– all my favorite things!! I’m loving all the Cinco de Mayo recipes!! Mexican food is just the best!
This had all of my favorites too, and Mexican food is just he best! Thanks, Jess!
haha I’m still in the I can’t do shellfish phase – the texture weirds me out! But maybe there is hope for me!
I’m with you – any kind of salsa I love! Especially nice and fresh ones like this!
I know you don’t like your shellfish, but so sweet of you to comment anyway! haha. I never knew there was hope for me, so you never know? Thanks, Ashley!
This recipe just screams summertime, Marcie! I feel like I can smell the ocean straight through my computer! So beautiful!
This will be making plenty of appearances this summer! Thanks, Justine!
I am such a big fan of dips too! This salsa looks fantastic! Love the shrimp, avocado and mango combo! It sounds perfect with those chips! I’ll gladly take a big bowl 🙂
Thank you, Kelly!
YUM! This looks amazing!! I love mango salsa! I just had some the other day on a salad! DELICIOUS!! Also, what a fun idea to add avocado! Also, love that bowl!! SO pretty!
Thank you, Cailee!
This sounds so easy, flavorful and delicious! Love salsa and shrimp! Pinned to make it soon!
Thank you, Mira!
The dips are my favorite part of Mexican food, too! This salsa looks just perfect, Marcie! I love the shrimp and mango combo. Sounds so fresh and flavorful. And I love your pictures, too! Makes me want to just dive right into this!
Thanks, Gayle! I definitely could’ve made a meal out of this. 🙂
Oh this is so colorful, Marcie! I want to dive right into that bowl. I really enjoy ceviche, but was always kind of scared to cook it at home. But now I’m ready to try it myself! And a chip mail day. That sounds awesome. Honestly, I think sometimes the free mail is better than the money. Ha ha. Don’t quote me on that last sentence. 🙂
I think the box of chips was one of the most exciting things I’ve encountered blogging! haha Thanks, Liz, and I hope you get to try it soon! 🙂
One can never have to many dips for Cinco de Mayo! This looks fabulous!
I know I never have enough dip recipes! Thanks, Julie! 🙂
Marcie, I learned about and first tasted ceviche at the Food Bloggers Conference – and I was so surprised – because I loved it! I was with you – fish had to be cooked! But, learning that it was cooked just in a different way, was a new world to me. I’m so glad you made it at home. It reminds me that I need to do an in-home version, because it was so good. And your version looks delicious!
It’s so funny how we can get things in our heads, isn’t it? Ceviche is a whole new world for me now, and I love “cooking” it without having to dirty up a pan. 🙂 Thanks, Kristi! 🙂
This looks awesome! Avo and mango together is just the best 🙂
You’re so right — it’s such a great combination! 🙂
I love shrimp and how wonderful to mix them with those lovely tropical flavours. My husband is allergic to seafood though so I just need to wait for an evening when he’s out … and then I can eat the whole bowl myself!
I’m sorry your husband is allergic, but at least that’s more for you! haha You have the right idea about eating the whole bowl. 🙂