By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on September 24, 2023 | Last Updated on September 24, 2023
Puerto Rican shrimp ceviche is a classic Caribbean dish that has been around for centuries. It’s the perfect summertime snack to enjoy with friends, and it’s surprisingly easy to make!
The dish is also a great way to enjoy seafood without having to cook it. The combination of the citrus juice and spices creates an acidic brine that “cooks” the shrimp, making it safe to eat without heating it.
This is a dish for seafood lovers and food adventurers alike – it’s perfect for snacking or as an appetizer before a larger meal.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make Puerto Rican shrimp ceviche with some helpful tips. We’ll also explain what ingredients you need to prepare the shrimp ceviche. So, let’s get started.
What is Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche?
Puerto Rican shrimp ceviche is a popular dish on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. It’s made with uncooked shrimp that is marinated in lime juice and spices, then mixed with other vegetables like cucumber, red onions, peppers, and scallions.
The result is an incredibly flavorful and refreshing dish perfect for summertime! This version adds tajin tostadas sriracha for a touch of heat, as well as sofrito and adobo seasoning for an unmistakable surface.
This is incredibly versatile – feel free to experiment with other ingredients like tomatoes, jalapenos, or even mangoes and pineapple to make it your own.
What does it taste like?
Puerto Rican shrimp ceviche is a flavor combination of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors. The freshness of the shrimp pairs perfectly with citrus juice and spices like sazon and adobo seasoning for an unforgettable taste experience.
The vegetables add crunchiness and a hint of sweetness to balance out the acidity from the limes. And, of course, the tajin tostadas sriracha adds a layer of heat that pairs beautifully with all the other flavors.
How did I first get introduced to the Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche?
I was fortunate enough to visit Puerto Rico, the beautiful Caribbean island, a few years ago. One of the best things about visiting this island is all the amazing food! While I was there, I visited many local restaurants and tried their cuisine – one of which was shrimp ceviche.
The ceviche was an amazing combination of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes. The shrimp was cooked perfectly in the acidic marinade, and the vegetables provided a nice crunch. I knew immediately that this was something I had to try making at home!
I asked around for advice on where to get recipes for Puerto Rican shrimp ceviche. Eventually, I heard about a small family restaurant near the beach that had the best ceviche on the island. I decided to visit and ask them for advice.
The family was very welcoming, and they taught me how to make their signature Puerto Rican shrimp ceviche.
So, I followed their advice about the ingredients and cooking method – they were all spot on! With their help, I was able to make an amazing Puerto Rican shrimp ceviche.
It was that moment when I realized how incredible this dish is. Ever since then, I’ve been making Puerto Rican shrimp ceviche for my friends and family, and it never fails to impress.
I will always be grateful for my experience in Puerto Rico – not only did it give me a chance to visit an outstanding place, but also the opportunity to learn how to make this wonderful dish. I’m so happy to share my experience with all of you!
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How to make Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche?
Making Puerto Rican shrimp ceviche is surprisingly easy! All you need are a few simple ingredients and some valuable time.
Ingredients
- Cucumber: Cucumbers are a great addition to any summer meal. They add a cool crunch and refreshing flavor to salads, sandwiches, and more.
- Red Onions: Red onions offer an intense sweet flavor with a bit of kick. They work well as toppings on burgers, tacos, and even pizza!
- Sazón: Sazón is a unique blend of spices used to give dishes a unique depth and flavor. It includes cumin, garlic, coriander, oregano, and annatto.
- Lemons: Lemons are the perfect acid for any dish. They add brightness and balance out flavors in savory dishes like shrimp ceviche.
- Red Peppers: Red peppers are crunchy and sweet with a hint of heat. They are often used for their vibrant color as well as flavor in dishes like this ceviche.
- Tajin Tostadas Sriracha: Tajin tostadas Sriracha is a blend of spices, chili powder, and other seasonings that adds amazing depth and heat to any dish.
- Scallions or Green Onions: Scallions or green onions are a great way to add flavor and crunch to any dish. They also have a slight oniony flavor that pairs nicely with shrimp ceviche.
- Avocado Cilantro: Avocado cilantro is a combination of two amazing flavors – creamy avocado and fresh cilantro. It’s the perfect addition to many Mexican dishes like shrimp ceviche.
- Sofrito: Sofrito is a combination of tomato, garlic, onion, and bell peppers that are sautéed together to create an amazing flavor base for many Latin American dishes.
- Limes: Limes add brightness and acidity to any dish. They pair especially well with seafood dishes like ceviche.
- Adobo Seasoning: Adobo seasoning is a blend of spices often used in Latin American cuisine. It adds amazing flavor to dishes and pairs perfectly with shrimp ceviche.
- Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of this dish! They’re sweet, tender, and full of flavor that will make your ceviche stand out from the crowd.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, red onions, sazón, and juice from 3 lemons. Mix until combined.
Step 2
Add the red peppers, tajin tostadas sriracha (if desired), scallions or green onions, and avocado cilantro. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine the sofrito, lime juice, and adobo seasoning. Mix until combined.
Step 4
Add the shrimp to the large bowl with the vegetables and mix everything together. Pour in the sofrito mixture from step three and mix everything together until evenly distributed.
Step 5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours.
Step 6
Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche is now ready to serve.
Tips
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Be creative with the other condiments you can add, like diced tomatoes or jalapenos.
- If you want a spicier version of this ceviche, add some spicy peppers or hot sauce.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche?
Here are great tasty side dishes to serve with Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche:
- Plantain chips or tostones: These crunchy and salty snack foods are a great accompaniment for ceviche.
- Arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas): This classic Puerto Rican dish is a great way to add some carbs to your meal.
- Tostones Rellenos: These stuffed plantain fritters make a delicious side dish for ceviche.
- Yuca fries: Another delicious way to add some carbs to your meal is with yuca fries.
- Plantain salad: This refreshing and flavorful salad goes well with any seafood dish.
- Ajiaco: This flavorful stew with potatoes, yucca, and plantains is a great choice for a side dish.
- Ensalada de aguacate (avocado salad): Avocados are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. This avocado salad is light and refreshing but also full of flavor.
- Aguacates rellenos (stuffed avocados): These stuffed avocados are another delicious way to enjoy this Puerto Rican classic.
- Pico de gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos adds a kick of flavor to any meal.
- Plátanos maduros (sweet plantains): Sweet plantains add a hint of sweetness and crunch to any meal.
- Maduro’s con crema (sweet plantains with cream): This sweet, creamy side dish is a great addition to any meal.
How to store leftover Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche?
Leftover Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep it fresh, make sure to drain off any excess liquid before storing.
Reheat the ceviche in a pan over medium heat until just warmed through. Do not boil or microwave the ceviche as this will cause it to lose texture. If properly stored, the ceviche can be kept for 2-3 days before it begins to spoil.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women can safely eat Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche as long as the ingredients used are fresh and prepared to a safe temperature.
When preparing the ceviche, make sure to use fresh ingredients like cucumbers, red onions, and shrimp that have been properly washed. Make sure not to use raw or undercooked shrimp in the dish as this could increase the risk of foodborne illness.
It’s also important to keep all surfaces clean while preparing the ceviche and to wash your hands frequently. Additionally, it’s best to avoid any ingredients that are high in mercury such as tuna and swordfish.
This can help reduce the risk of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Pregnant women should also take care not to consume too much ceviche as this could lead to an imbalance of electrolytes.
As long as these safety precautions are taken, pregnant women can enjoy the delicious flavors of Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche.
Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Equipment
- bowls
- plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup Finely Chopped Cucumber
- 2/3 cup Chopped red onions
- 6 tsp Sazón
- 5 Lemons
- 2/3 cup Red Peppers cubed
- Tajin Tostadas
- chopped cilantro
- Sriracha
- 2/3 cup large scallions chopped
- 2 sliced avocados
- 6 tsp Sofrito
- 5 lime juice, preferably Kermit’s Key Lime Juice, or juice of 5 limes
- 6 tsp Adobo Seasoning
- 32 oz Raw shrimp
Instructions
- Mix cucumber, red onions, sazón,, and juice of 3 lemons in a large bowl.
- Add red peppers, tajin tostadas sriracha (optional), scallions or green onions, and avocado cilantro; mix until everything is evenly blended.
- Stir up sofrito, lime juice, and adobo seasoning in a different bowl.
- Introduce the shrimp into the large bowl of vegetables; pour in the sofrito mixture and blend everything together.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Serve with other condiments as desired.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Be creative with the other condiments you can add, like diced tomatoes or jalapenos.
- If you want a spicier version of this ceviche, add some spicy peppers or hot sauce.
FAQs
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this is naturally gluten-free. There are no added ingredients containing gluten in the ceviche itself. However, if serving with side dishes such as tostones or plantain chips, be sure to check the labels of those products for any potential sources of gluten.
Can I substitute Avocado Cilantro with something else?
Yes, there are a few different options you could use as a substitute. Some possible substitutions include diced tomatoes, jicama, corn, or mango. You could also try using cilantro pesto instead of avocado cilantro if desired.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, you can make this vegan by substituting the shrimp with a plant-based alternative such as tofu or tempeh. You could also try adding some hearts of palm for a faux ceviche taste.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading this guide on making Puerto Rican Shrimp Ceviche. Hopefully, you now have all the information you need to make your own delicious batch of ceviche.
Please share this article with your friends and family who are looking for something new to try. Also, don’t forget to leave a comment below if you have any other tips or tricks for making this dish.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
