Shrimp Ceviche Cups Recipe

Shrimp: Small-sized, peeled, and deveined shrimp are used for a tender and juicy texture.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for marinating the shrimp and adding a zesty flavor.

Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes provide a juicy and slightly sweet contrast to the tangy lime.

Red onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a sharp, pungent flavor to balance the dish.

Cucumber: Diced cucumber offers a refreshing crunch and mild flavor.

Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a fresh, herbal aroma and taste.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the ceviche.

Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth.

Romaine lettuce: The leaves serve as cups to hold the ceviche, adding a crisp texture.

• Shrimp - Substitute with firm tofu: Firm tofu can mimic the texture of shrimp and absorb the flavors of the ceviche marinade, making it a suitable plant-based alternative.

• Shrimp - Substitute with white fish: White fish like tilapia or cod can be used as they have a mild flavor and firm texture similar to shrimp.

• Lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it is slightly less tart than lime juice.

• Diced tomatoes - Substitute with diced red bell peppers: Red bell peppers add a sweet and crunchy texture, providing a different but complementary flavor profile.

• Red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder onion flavor, which can be preferable for those who find red onion too strong.

• Cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for cucumber.

• Cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace cilantro for those who dislike its taste.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor with an umami depth, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor profile but is less visually apparent in the dish.

• Romaine lettuce - Substitute with butter lettuce: Butter lettuce has a soft texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for serving the ceviche.

• Gently warm the shrimp ceviche in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes. This method ensures that the shrimp doesn't overcook and maintains its tender texture. Stir occasionally to distribute the heat evenly.

• Place the ceviche in a heatproof dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and warm the dish for about 5-7 minutes. This gentle method helps preserve the freshness of the vegetables like tomatoes and cucumber.

• If you're in a hurry, use the microwave on a low power setting. Place the ceviche in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat it for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it's just warm.

• For a unique twist, try reheating the shrimp separately. Sauté them in a pan with a splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro for about 2 minutes, then mix them back with the chilled vegetables before serving in the lettuce cups.

• If you prefer a cold dish, skip reheating altogether and refresh the ceviche by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors before serving.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the shrimp, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and cilantro into small pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safely chopping all the ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the shrimp with lime juice and later to mix in the other ingredients.

• Measuring cup: Helps in accurately measuring the lime juice, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber.

• Spoon: Useful for stirring the ceviche mixture and for spooning it into the lettuce cups.

• Citrus juicer: Handy for squeezing fresh lime juice efficiently.

• Serving platter: Ideal for arranging the lettuce cups filled with ceviche for presentation.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop shrimp, tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-squeezed lime juice: Save time by using bottled lime juice instead of squeezing fresh limes.

Batch wash lettuce: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce leaves in bulk to have them ready for assembly.

Quick marination: Let the shrimp sit in lime juice while you prepare other ingredients to speed up the marination process.

Pre-mix seasoning: Combine salt and pepper in a small bowl to quickly season the ceviche.