How To Make A Louisiana Cajun Shrimp Ceviche At Home

There's nothing better on a hot Louisiana summer day than a homemade, citrusy, fresh dish that is filling and light at the same time.

Cajun shrimp ceviche is a delightful fusion of the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine and the refreshing zing of traditional ceviche. This dish is perfect for a summer appetizer or a light main course.

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Cajun Shrimp Ceviche Ingredients:

For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup of lime juice (about 8-10 limes)
• 1/2 cup of lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1/2 cup of orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning
• 1 avocado, diced
• Tortilla chips or tostadas for serving

Cajun Shrimp Ceviche Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • Start by cutting the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Place the shrimp in a large glass or ceramic bowl.
2. Marinate the Shrimp:
   • Pour the lime juice, lemon juice, and orange juice over the shrimp. Ensure the shrimp are fully submerged in the juice. The acidity of the citrus juices will "cook" the shrimp. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30-45 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque and pink.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • While the shrimp is marinating, finely dice the red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and jalapeño. Chop the cilantro as well. Set these aside.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Once the shrimp is fully "cooked" by the citrus juices, drain most of the juice, leaving a small amount to keep the ceviche moist. Add the diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro to the shrimp.
5. Season:
   • Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning over the mixture. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors.
6. Add Avocado:
   • Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado. This will add a creamy texture and rich flavor to the ceviche.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the Cajun shrimp ceviche chilled, accompanied by tortilla chips or on top of tostadas. Garnish with additional cilantro or a few slices of fresh jalapeño if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Cajun Shrimp Ceviche:

• Freshness is Key: Use the freshest shrimp you can find. Fresh shrimp will ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Citrus Balance: Adjust the citrus juice to your taste. Some prefer more lime or less orange. Taste as you go.
• Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or by using a milder pepper.
• Serving: Ceviche is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store it, keep it refrigerated and consume within 24 hours.

Cajun shrimp ceviche is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that brings a taste of the Gulf Coast to your table. Enjoy the zesty, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that make this dish a standout. Happy cooking.