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Shrimp Avocado Ceviche
Shrimp Avocado Ceviche brings together the best of fresh seafood and creamy avocado in a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This vibrant recipe combines tender shrimp “cooked” in zesty lime juice with ripe avocado, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to coastal paradise.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No actual cooking required – the lime juice naturally cures the shrimp, making this a perfect no-heat recipe for hot summer days
- Ready in just over an hour with minimal prep work, making it ideal for last-minute entertaining or quick weeknight dinners
- Packed with fresh, healthy ingredients like shrimp, avocado, and cilantro that provide protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients
- Completely customizable – guests can add their own hot sauce, lime, and seasonings to suit their taste preferences
- Impressive presentation in glass tumblers makes it perfect for parties, date nights, or special occasions
Why This Shrimp Avocado Ceviche Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances acidity, freshness, and texture perfectly. The lime juice acts as a natural cooking agent, denaturing the proteins in the shrimp without heat. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and ketchup provides umami depth, while the avocado adds creamy richness that complements the tangy citrus.
The key timing allows the shrimp to cure properly while the vegetables maintain their crunch. The refrigeration period lets all flavors meld together, creating a cohesive dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Avocado Ceviche
This dish offers restaurant-quality results at home with minimal effort. The combination of fresh ingredients creates a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for warm weather dining. The interactive serving style makes it great for entertaining, allowing guests to customize their portions.
The recipe is naturally gluten-free (except for the crackers) and can easily be adapted for various dietary needs. It’s also an excellent source of lean protein and healthy fats, making it both delicious and nutritious.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large shrimp | 2 pounds | Main protein, peeled and deveined |
| Fresh lime juice | ¾ cup | Cures the shrimp, provides acidity |
| Roma tomatoes | 5 medium | Adds freshness and color |
| White onion | 1 medium | Provides sharp flavor and crunch |
| Fresh cilantro | ½ cup chopped | Adds herbaceous freshness |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon | Adds umami depth |
| Ketchup | 1 tablespoon | Provides sweetness and color |
| Hot pepper sauce | 1 teaspoon | Adds heat and flavor |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Enhances all flavors |
| Avocado | 1 large | Adds creaminess and richness |
| Saltine crackers | 16 pieces | Provides crunch and serving base |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | For combining and marinating ingredients |
| Sharp knife | For chopping vegetables and shrimp |
| Cutting board | Safe surface for food preparation |
| Glass tumblers | For elegant presentation and serving |
| Citrus juicer | For extracting maximum lime juice |
How to Make Shrimp Avocado Ceviche
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Cure the Shrimp | Place chopped shrimp and lime juice in a large bowl. Stir to coat completely. Let stand 5 minutes until shrimp turn opaque. |
| 2. Add Vegetables | Mix in diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and cilantro. Ensure everything is coated with lime juice. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. |
| 3. Final Seasoning | Remove from refrigerator. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors. |
| 4. Serve | Spoon into glass tumblers and top with diced avocado. Serve with saltine crackers and extra condiments on the side. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use the freshest shrimp possible and ensure they’re completely thawed if frozen – this ensures the best texture and flavor
- Don’t over-marinate the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery if left in lime juice too long
- Add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning and maintain its creamy texture
- Chill all ingredients beforehand for the most refreshing serving temperature
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving, as lime juice can vary in acidity
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
Serve this Avocado Shrimp Ceviche immediately after adding the avocado for the best texture and appearance. Present it in chilled glass tumblers with saltine crackers on the side.
Set up a condiment station with extra lime wedges, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce so guests can customize their servings. This interactive element makes it perfect for parties and gatherings.
For storage, keep the ceviche without avocado in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add fresh avocado just before serving to maintain quality and prevent browning.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use pre-cooked shrimp, as they’ll become tough and rubbery when exposed to the acidic lime juice. Always start with raw, fresh shrimp for the best results.
Avoid cutting the vegetables too large, as they won’t absorb the lime juice properly. Keep dice sizes small and uniform for even flavor distribution.
Never add the avocado too early, as it will brown and lose its appealing appearance. Always add it as the final step right before serving.
You Must Know
- The shrimp must be completely fresh and properly cleaned to ensure food safety and the best taste
- Lime juice acidity varies, so always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving
- This dish is best consumed within 24 hours of preparation for optimal freshness and safety
- Keep everything well-chilled throughout the preparation and serving process
Tips and Tricks for Shrimp Avocado Ceviche
For extra flavor depth, try adding a splash of orange juice along with the lime juice. This creates a more complex citrus profile that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Consider adding diced cucumber or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness. These vegetables hold up well to the acidic marinade and add interesting texture contrasts.
If you prefer a spicier version, finely dice fresh jalapeños and add them with the other vegetables. Remove the seeds for less heat, or leave them in for more kick.
Suggestions for Shrimp Avocado Ceviche
Pair this ceviche with other fresh seafood dishes like our 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a complete seafood feast.
For a Mexican-inspired meal, serve alongside Mexican Ceviche Recipe variations and fresh tortilla chips.
Consider serving with our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for a surf-and-turf dinner party, or follow with our 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake for a light dessert.
FAQs:
The shrimp will turn opaque and be properly cured in about 5 minutes in the lime juice. However, the full flavor development happens during the 1-hour refrigeration period.
Yes, you can prepare everything except the avocado up to 24 hours in advance. Add the diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain the best texture.
Use large, fresh raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp as they become tough and rubbery when exposed to the acidic lime juice.
The shrimp will change from translucent gray to opaque white/pink when properly cured. This usually takes about 5 minutes in the lime juice.
While lime juice is traditional and provides the best flavor, you can substitute with lemon juice or a combination of lime and orange juice. However, lime juice has the ideal acidity level for curing the shrimp.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Avocado Ceviche recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of fresh ingredients, zesty lime juice, and creamy avocado creates a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a light meal, this ceviche showcases how simple ingredients can create something truly special. The interactive serving style and customizable condiments make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your guests and become a regular favorite in your recipe collection.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Shrimp Avocado Ceviche Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup fresh lime juice
- 5 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 16 saltine crackers
Instructions
- Place chopped shrimp and lime juice in a large bowl. Stir to coat completely. Let stand 5 minutes until shrimp turn opaque.
- Mix in diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and cilantro. Ensure everything is coated with lime juice. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Remove from refrigerator. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Spoon into glass tumblers and top with diced avocado. Serve with saltine crackers and extra condiments on the side.
Notes
- Use the freshest shrimp possible and ensure they’re completely thawed if frozen
- Don’t over-marinate the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery
- Add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning
- Chill all ingredients beforehand for the most refreshing temperature
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 285mg
