Tostadas de Ceviche de Camarón: A Refreshing Mexican Delight
Tostadas de Ceviche de Camarón is a fresh and flavorful Mexican dish that’s perfect for hot days, light lunches, or as a delicious appetizer. Featuring shrimp marinated in tangy lime juice, mixed with crunchy vegetables, and served on crispy tostadas, this dish is a celebration of bright, zesty flavors that are sure to impress your guests. The best part? It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
For the Ceviche:
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped (or whole if you prefer)
- 1 cup lime juice (about 8–10 limes), freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 4–6 tostadas (crispy corn tortillas)
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
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Marinate the Shrimp
Start by placing the shrimp in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the freshly squeezed lime juice over the shrimp, making sure they are fully submerged. The acidity in the lime juice will “cook” the shrimp, turning them opaque and firm. Let the shrimp marinate in the lime juice for about 15–20 minutes. This process is the key to ceviche, as the lime juice effectively replaces the cooking method typically used for seafood. -
Check the Shrimp
After 15–20 minutes, check the shrimp. They should have turned from translucent to a solid pinkish color and be opaque throughout. Once they have marinated enough, drain most of the lime juice, but leave a bit behind for added flavor.
Combine Ceviche Ingredients
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Add the Vegetables and Herbs
Now that the shrimp are properly marinated, add the diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and chopped cilantro to the shrimp. If you want a bit of heat, this is the time to add the finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper. This step adds both texture and freshness to the ceviche. -
Season the Ceviche
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are well-mixed. The vegetables will add crunch and balance out the tangy flavors of the shrimp and lime. -
Taste and Adjust
Taste the ceviche and adjust seasoning as necessary. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a bit more lime, squeeze in some additional fresh lime juice. The key to a great ceviche is balancing the acidity of the lime with the sweetness of the shrimp and the freshness of the vegetables.
Assemble the Tostadas
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Prepare the Tostadas
Next, take your tostadas (crispy corn tortillas) and arrange them on a serving plate. You can purchase these pre-made at most grocery stores, or you can fry your own tortillas for an extra crispy base. Simply heat some oil in a skillet and fry corn tortillas until golden and crispy, then drain them on paper towels. -
Top with Ceviche
Spoon a generous amount of ceviche onto each tostada, ensuring the mixture is evenly spread over the surface. The combination of the crunchy tostada and the fresh ceviche creates a satisfying texture contrast that makes each bite irresistible.
Finish and Serve
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Top with Avocado and Lime
Finish off each tostada by topping it with thin slices of creamy avocado. The smoothness of the avocado complements the tangy ceviche perfectly. For an extra burst of citrus, serve with additional lime wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze more lime over their tostadas as desired. -
Serve Immediately
Tostadas de Ceviche de Camarón are best enjoyed immediately, while the tostadas are still crispy and the ceviche is fresh. Serve them as a light lunch, appetizer, or as part of a larger Mexican meal. They are refreshing and packed with flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Tips for Perfect Tostadas de Ceviche de Camarón
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Freshness Is Key
The quality of your shrimp is the most important factor in this dish. Always use fresh shrimp, as frozen shrimp can sometimes result in a less desirable texture. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained before marinating. -
Marinate Just Right
Be careful not to over-marinate the shrimp. If the shrimp are left in the lime juice too long, they can become too tough. Keep an eye on the time and check the shrimp after 15 minutes for the best texture. -
Customize the Spice
If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to increase the amount of jalapeño or serrano pepper you add. You can also add hot sauce or even a dash of chili powder to spice things up further. For a milder version, skip the peppers altogether. -
Make It Ahead
While ceviche is best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and vegetables a few hours in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, combine them, add the avocado, and spoon the ceviche onto the tostadas. -
Use Homemade Tostadas for Extra Crispiness
If you prefer homemade tostadas, simply fry corn tortillas in hot oil until crispy, then drain on paper towels. You can also bake them in the oven for a healthier option, brushing with a little oil and baking at 400°F for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other seafood in place of shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with other seafood, such as scallops or fish like tilapia or halibut. Just make sure the seafood is fresh, and adjust the marinating time depending on the type of fish. Fish typically needs less time in the lime juice compared to shrimp.
Can I make this ceviche without lime juice?
Lime juice is an essential component of ceviche, as its acidity “cooks” the seafood. If you don’t have lime, you can use lemon juice, though it will change the flavor slightly. Some variations of ceviche also use orange juice, so feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits.
Can I make this ceviche in advance?
While ceviche is best eaten fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just be sure not to assemble the tostadas in advance, as the tortilla may get soggy. Assemble the ceviche just before serving.
Can I make this ceviche without avocado?
Absolutely! While avocado adds a rich, creamy texture, it is optional. You can skip it or substitute it with another topping like diced mango or even a drizzle of sour cream for extra creaminess.
What’s the best way to serve this ceviche?
Tostadas are a great option, but you can also serve ceviche on tortilla chips for a crunchy snack, or even in lettuce cups for a low-carb alternative. It also pairs wonderfully with side dishes like Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple side salad.
How can I adjust the seasoning?
Ceviche is all about balancing acidity, salt, and heat. After adding the cilantro and other vegetables, taste your ceviche and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt if it tastes too tangy, more lime juice if it’s too mild, or more pepper if you want more heat.
Conclusion
Tostadas de Ceviche de Camarón are the perfect combination of refreshing, zesty, and crunchy, making them the ideal choice for a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish. With simple ingredients like fresh shrimp, crisp vegetables, and creamy avocado, these tostadas are bursting with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving something fresh and healthy, this ceviche will quickly become a favorite. Don’t forget to add a generous squeeze of lime for that extra kick—these tostadas are all about bright, bold flavors that transport you to the heart of Mexico with every bite!