Authentic Mexican Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

Authentic Mexican Shrimp Ceviche Recipe That Will Transport You to the Coast!

There's something magical about the moment you taste truly authentic Mexican shrimp ceviche. It’s like the ocean breeze meets the warmth of the sun—all wrapped into one cool, citrusy, vibrant dish. As someone who writes about food for a living and spends hours testing recipes in my home kitchen, I’ve fallen head over heels for this refreshing summer dish. And today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe that brings the Mexican coast right to your plate.

This recipe is packed with fresh ingredients, bursts of citrus, and a crunch that’s downright addictive. It’s easy, incredibly healthy, and absolutely authentic—exactly what a great shrimp ceviche recipe Mexican-style should be.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me tell you why this one holds a special place in my heart.

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My First Ceviche in Mexico: A Personal Memory

Years ago, I visited the Riviera Nayarit region on Mexico’s Pacific coast. One hot afternoon, while exploring a beach town, I stumbled upon a tiny seaside shack. There, I had my first taste of Mexican shrimp ceviche. It was served in a chilled glass with saltines on the side. I remember the cold, citrus-marinated shrimp combined with crisp cucumber, tomatoes, and just enough spice to make your lips tingle. It was pure joy.

That memory has stayed with me—and it’s what inspired me to perfect this recipe at home. After many trials and tweaks, I finally landed on this version: easy to make, full of authentic flavor, and perfect for summer meals or party dishes.

What Makes a Shrimp Ceviche Recipe Mexican & Authentic?

At its core, authentic Mexican shrimp ceviche is about simplicity and freshness. Unlike cooked seafood dishes, ceviche "cooks" the shrimp using only citrus juice, usually lime. It’s served cold, making it the best refreshing summer dish when the weather gets hot.

Key features of a traditional Mexican-style ceviche include:

Fresh, raw shrimp cured in lime juice

Bright vegetables like cucumber, tomatoes, onions, and chilies

Cilantro and avocado for depth and creaminess

Served with tostadas, crackers, or chips

There are many regional variations—some use Clamato or orange juice, others add mango or corn. But the version below is a classic that’s light, zesty, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s exactly what you need to make this easy, authentic, healthy shrimp ceviche recipe:

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8 limes)

1 cup diced cucumber, peeled and seeded

1 cup diced tomato

1/2 cup finely diced red onion

1 jalapeño, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 ripe avocado, diced

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 2 tbsp orange juice for a slightly sweet citrus balance

How to Make the Best Shrimp Ceviche (Step-by-Step)

This dish is all about prep. No stove, no oven—just fresh ingredients and a bit of patience.

Step 1: “Cook” the Shrimp in Lime Juice

Place your chopped shrimp in a glass or stainless steel bowl (avoid plastic). Add the fresh lime juice, making sure the shrimp is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes, stirring once halfway. The shrimp should turn opaque and firm—signs it’s “cooked” in the acid.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the shrimp cures, prep your veggies. Dice the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño as uniformly as possible. Chop your cilantro and cube the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Once the shrimp is ready, drain off most of the lime juice (leave about 2 tablespoons for flavor). Add the prepped vegetables and cilantro. Gently stir in the diced avocado. Season with salt and pepper.

Taste and adjust as needed—more lime, a pinch of salt, or an extra splash of orange juice can brighten everything up.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Let everything chill for 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld. Serve cold with tostadas, tortilla chips, or lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Amazon Picks That Make Ceviche Easier (and More Fun!)

1. Zulay Metal Manual Citrus Juicer

Squeezing 8 limes by hand? Not fun. This heavy-duty juicer makes the job fast and effortless—plus, it gets every drop out of your limes (and oranges too). I’ve had mine for years, and it’s a total game changer.

Get yours here and make lime squeezing a breeze!

2. Ceviche Serving Bowls

Presentation matters! These tall, vintage-style seafood glasses give your ceviche that authentic coastal restaurant feel. They’re perfect for parties or date nights.

Buy the set on Amazon and elevate your serving game.

3. OXO Good Grips Shrimp Cleaner

If you hate deveining shrimp (who doesn’t?), this handy tool will save you serious time and effort. It’s fast, easy to clean, and makes shrimp prep feel like less of a chore.

Check it out here and make seafood prep stress-free.

Why This Ceviche Is Perfect for Summer

This dish is everything I crave during warmer months:

Cool and refreshing: No cooking required! Just chill and serve.

Healthy: High in lean protein, loaded with veggies, and naturally low-carb.

Light but satisfying: It won’t weigh you down but still fills you up.

Flexible: Great as an appetizer, lunch, or light dinner.

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, throwing a backyard BBQ, or planning a beach picnic, this shrimp ceviche fits the vibe.

Health Benefits of Shrimp Ceviche

Ladies, if you’re trying to eat lighter without sacrificing flavor, this ceviche has your back.

Protein-rich: Shrimp is packed with lean protein, perfect for keeping you full.

Heart-healthy fats: Thanks to avocado and olive oil (if you drizzle a little on top).

Low in calories and carbs: Great for those watching their macros or following keto.

Hydrating and detoxifying: Lime, cucumber, and tomato are full of water and antioxidants.

I’ve even meal-prepped this for weekday lunches—just store the avocado separately until ready to eat.

Serving Ideas: Make It a Coastal Party

Need inspiration on how to serve your ceviche? Here are a few of my favorite ways:

Spoon it over crispy tostadas and top with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Serve in individual glasses for a chic dinner party starter.

Make ceviche lettuce wraps for a low-carb, crunchy bite.

Pair it with margaritas and grilled corn for the ultimate Mexican seafood night.

This recipe also scales up beautifully for entertaining—just double or triple it as needed!

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but you’ll lose some of the authentic flavor and texture that comes from “cooking” in lime juice. If using pre-cooked, marinate for only 15 minutes.

Q: How long does shrimp ceviche last?

Best eaten within 24 hours, though it can last up to 2 days in the fridge. After that, the texture changes.

Q: Can I freeze ceviche?

Not recommended. The fresh veggies and citrus don’t hold up well in the freezer.

Q: What if I don’t like spicy food?

Skip the jalapeño or remove the seeds. You can also use a milder pepper like poblano.

Final Thoughts: Bring the Coast to Your Kitchen

There’s a reason this shrimp ceviche recipe Mexican-style is one of my all-time favorites. It’s easy, healthy, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re new to ceviche or have tried versions before, this authentic recipe captures the flavors of coastal Mexico with every bite.

And best of all, you don’t need to be on vacation to enjoy it. With the right ingredients and a little prep, you can bring the seaside magic right to your kitchen table.