Authentic Mexican Shrimp Ceviche (Ceviche de Camarón)
Shrimp ceviche, or Ceviche de Camarón, is a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine, especially popular along the coast. With its bright, zesty flavors from fresh lime juice, crisp vegetables, and tender shrimp, it’s a refreshing appetizer perfect for warm weather or gatherings. This recipe showcases the simplicity and deliciousness of ceviche, making it a perfect choice for a summer meal or party dish. You can easily serve it with tostadas, tortilla chips, or even as a light snack.
Ingredients
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8-10 limes)
1 large tomato, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 serrano or jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup Clamato juice (optional, for added flavor)
Hot sauce (such as Mexican salsa picante), to taste
Worcestershire sauce (optional), to taste
Garnishes (Optional)
Avocado slices
Tostadas or tortilla chips
Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ceviche de Camarón
Creating this ceviche is a breeze once you break it down into simple steps. Follow this guide to make the perfect shrimp ceviche that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Prepare the Shrimp
Chop the Shrimp
Begin by chopping the raw shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures the shrimp will absorb the lime juice evenly, making it easier for them to “cook” in the acidic marinade. Once chopped, transfer the shrimp to a large mixing bowl.
Marinate the Shrimp
Pour the freshly squeezed lime juice over the chopped shrimp, ensuring that the shrimp are fully submerged. The lime juice is key in “cooking” the shrimp, as its acidity will denature the proteins in the shrimp, turning them from translucent to opaque and pink.
Refrigerate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes. During this time, the shrimp will turn pink and opaque, signaling that they are ready for the next steps.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Combine the Vegetables
After the shrimp has marinated, add in the diced tomato, cucumber, red onion, and chopped cilantro to the bowl. These vegetables add a wonderful crunch and freshness to the ceviche, balancing the tanginess of the lime juice.
Add Heat (Optional)
If you like a bit of spice, finely chop a serrano or jalapeño pepper and add it to the mixture. You can adjust the amount depending on your heat tolerance.
Season the Ceviche
Add salt and black pepper to taste. If you like your ceviche with a deeper flavor, you can also stir in 1/2 cup of Clamato juice. This ingredient is optional but adds a unique tangy and savory element. For extra zest, dash in some hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce to taste.
Mix Thoroughly
Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly mixed. The key is to make sure that every piece of shrimp, vegetable, and seasoning is coated with the marinade.
Chill and Serve
Chill for Extra Flavor
