Shrimp Ceviche Cups Recipe

Shrimp: Small size shrimp, peeled and deveined, are the star of this dish, offering a tender and succulent texture.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is used to marinate the shrimp, imparting a tangy and refreshing flavor.

Red onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a sharp and slightly sweet taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Tomato: Diced tomato provides a juicy and slightly acidic element, balancing the dish.

Cucumber: Diced cucumber adds a crisp and refreshing crunch, complementing the other ingredients.

Jalapeño pepper: Seeded and finely chopped, this pepper introduces a mild heat, adding depth to the ceviche.

Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a fresh and herbaceous note, tying all the flavors together.

Salt: A pinch of salt is used to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Black pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds a subtle hint of spice and warmth.

Mini tortilla cups: These cups serve as the vessel for the ceviche, providing a crunchy contrast to the soft filling.

When preparing shrimp for ceviche, ensure they are as fresh as possible to achieve the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a more tender texture, you can blanch the shrimp briefly in boiling water for about 30 seconds before marinating them in lime juice. This step is optional but can help reduce the risk of any potential foodborne illness from consuming raw seafood. Additionally, when chopping the jalapeño, consider wearing gloves to avoid any irritation from the pepper's oils, and remember to taste the ceviche before serving to adjust the seasoning of salt and black pepper to your liking.

• shrimp - Substitute with firm white fish: Firm white fish like cod or halibut can mimic the texture and absorb the flavors of the ceviche marinade well.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable alternative for marinating the seafood.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder onion flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.

• diced tomato - Substitute with diced red bell pepper: Red bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color, similar to tomatoes.

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

• jalapeño pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers provide a similar level of heat and flavor profile to jalapeños.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can replace the herbal notes of cilantro.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty umami flavor, though it will slightly alter the dish's taste profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor without altering the dish's appearance.

• mini tortilla cups - Substitute with lettuce cups: Lettuce cups offer a fresh, crunchy base for the ceviche, making them a lighter alternative to tortilla cups.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover shrimp ceviche cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the tortilla cups from getting too crispy. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, just until the shrimp is warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.

• Stovetop Method: Use a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the shrimp ceviche cups in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the shrimp is warmed without overcooking. This method helps maintain the texture of the tortilla cups.

• Microwave Method: Although not ideal, this is the quickest method. Place the shrimp ceviche cups on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking halfway through. This method may soften the tortilla cups more than desired.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp ceviche cups on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp is just warmed through. This method can help maintain the crispiness of the tortilla cups.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the shrimp ceviche cups in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Heat for 3-4 minutes. This method can help keep the tortilla cups crispy while gently warming the shrimp.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and marinate the shrimp with lime juice and other ingredients.

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

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

• Citrus juicer: Useful for squeezing fresh lime juice to marinate the shrimp.

• Measuring cups: Helps in accurately measuring the lime juice, red onion, tomato, cucumber, and cilantro.

• Spoon: Used for mixing the ingredients together and for spooning the ceviche into the mini tortilla cups.

• Mini tortilla cups: These are the edible vessels that hold the shrimp ceviche for serving.

Pre-marinate the shrimp: Chop and marinate the shrimp in lime juice the night before to save time on the day of preparation.

Use pre-diced vegetables: Purchase pre-diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions to cut down on prep time.

Batch tortilla cups: Prepare or buy mini tortilla cups in bulk to have them ready for multiple servings.

Quick assembly: Arrange all ingredients and tools on the counter before starting to streamline the assembly process.

Chop with a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the cilantro and jalapeño.