Shrimp Ceviche

Here is an easy recipe that requires little cooking and is prepared quickly. This ceviche recipe is good any day of the week. It may be an appetizer for dinner, an accompaniment at cocktails, served on salad for lunch or eaten with a fork from a bowl. There are no concerns serving raw fish, the shrimp are fully cooked before being macerated in the lime juice and herbs. There are no exotic ingredients and they easy to procure. If you don’t want to cook the shrimp,  you can purchase cooked shrimp at the grocer.

It is a recipe that can be adjusted by adding your choice of peppers and fruit like pineapple or mango. Serve this dish with tortilla chips for a traditional presentation, on cucumber slices, on Belgium endive leaves or in lettuce wraps. I call for cilantro but if you’re not fond of that herb just substitute parsley. If shrimp is not your choice any precooked white fish, cut or flaked into bite-sized pieces, can replace the shrimp. It is advisable to wear latex or nitrile gloves when handling hot peppers like the jalapeños. The spicy element in all chili peppers is capsaicin which can be very uncomfortable if it comes in contact with any sensitive areas of the skin or eyes.

SHIRMP CEVICHE

Ingredients:

 - 1 pound cooked and cooled shrimp

 - ¼ cup finely diced red onion

 - ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper

 - ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions

 - 2 tablespoons minced jalapeño, or 1/4 cup finely diced poblano pepper for a little less heat

 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

 - ½ cup chopped cilantro, or parsley

 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced

 - ¼ teaspoon dry thyme 

 - ½ teaspoon dry oregano

 - ½ teaspoon sea salt

 - ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

 - 2 teaspoons cider vinegar

 - 1 teaspoon honey

Method:

 - Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces, about ¼ to ½ inch

 - Place in a medium sized non-reactive bowl of stainless steel, glass or ceramic

 - Add all of the rest of the ingredients and stir until well combined

 - Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours. 

 - Give a final stir and then serve

This is a nice, refreshing dish. Whether as a snack, appetizer or lunch it is good any time of year for any occasion. Play with substitutions and additions and make it your own. 

Enjoy!