Craving a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This shrimp and crab ceviche recipe is your ticket to a taste of the coast, without the beach trip. Perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a unique dinner, this easy recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and requires minimal cooking. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this stunningly simple yet sophisticated dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (you can use pre-cooked shrimp for extra convenience)
- 1/2 pound cooked crab meat, lump or backfin
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 lime, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or plantain chips, for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the seafood: Ensure your shrimp and crab meat are fully cooked. If using raw seafood, cook it thoroughly before proceeding. Cut the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
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Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced red bell pepper, red onion, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
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Add the seafood: Add the cooked shrimp and crab meat to the bowl. Gently toss to combine. Avoid overmixing to prevent the avocado from becoming mushy.
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Make the citrus marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, and olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Marinate the ceviche: Pour the citrus marinade over the shrimp, crab, and vegetables. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
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Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and the seafood to "cook" in the citrus juices. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or plantain chips.
Tips for the Best Shrimp and Crab Ceviche:
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Use high-quality ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the ceviche will taste. Look for firm, vibrant-colored seafood and fresh produce.
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Don't over-marinate: While marinating is crucial for flavor development, avoid over-marinating, as this can make the seafood tough.
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Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder ceviche, omit the jalapeño or use a smaller amount. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Garnish beautifully: Before serving, garnish your ceviche with extra cilantro sprigs, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra touch of visual appeal.
Variations:
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Add other seafood: Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood like scallops, white fish, or even cooked octopus.
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Include different vegetables: Mango, cucumber, and pineapple are delicious additions to this ceviche.
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Make it a complete meal: Serve your ceviche with a side of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe makes about 4 servings. The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. Expect a relatively low-calorie, high-protein dish rich in Vitamin C. A detailed nutritional breakdown requires using a nutritional calculator with the exact ingredients used.
This shrimp and crab ceviche is a delicious and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors are sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!