Mango Shrimp Ceviche is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. The combination of tender shrimp, juicy mango, and zesty lime creates an irresistible medley of tastes, complemented by the crunch of fresh cucumber and the subtle heat of jalapeno. This ceviche is ideal for summer gatherings, a light lunch, or an impressive appetizer.
Not only is this dish packed with bold flavors, but it’s also quick to make and a healthier option. It requires no cooking and can be whipped up in just a few minutes, making it the ultimate go-to for a delicious, light meal or a flavorful appetizer to wow your guests.
Full Recipe:
- 1 pound cooked large shrimp, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cucumber, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 fresh mango, peeled, pitted, and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lime, juiced (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chili lime seasoning (such as Tajin®), or to taste
Directions:
- Combine shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, jalapeno, mango, lime juice, cilantro, and Tajin seasoning in a large bowl.
- Taste and add more Tajin if desired.
- For enhanced flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour (optional).
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: None | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 274 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mango Shrimp Ceviche: A Vibrant Fusion of Sweet and Spicy Flavors
Mango Shrimp Ceviche is a beautiful dish that brings together the sweetness of ripe mangoes and the fresh, zesty flavors of shrimp in a tantalizing and refreshing appetizer or light meal. As ceviche continues to grow in popularity worldwide, this variation stands out due to its tropical twist, combining the bold heat of jalapenos with the sweetness of mango and the crispness of cucumber.
Ceviche is a traditional dish from coastal regions across Latin America, with each country adding its unique touch to the base ingredients of seafood, lime juice, and fresh vegetables. This version marries two stars of tropical cuisine—shrimp and mango—to create an irresistible flavor profile. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this recipe so special.
The Origins of Ceviche
Ceviche, also spelled cebiche or seviche, has its roots in the coastal regions of Latin America, particularly Peru, where it is considered a national dish. Historically, ceviche was a way to preserve seafood through the use of citrus juices like lime or lemon, which “cook” the seafood by denaturing its proteins, thereby keeping it fresh without needing heat. Today, ceviche has spread globally, with numerous variations across regions and cuisines.
While the traditional Peruvian ceviche uses white fish marinated in citrus juice, this Mango Shrimp Ceviche offers a twist by using pre-cooked shrimp combined with fresh ingredients that complement its natural sweetness and firm texture. The addition of mango brings a vibrant sweetness, making it a perfect dish for those who enjoy balancing sweet and savory flavors.
A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
One of the reasons Mango Shrimp Ceviche stands out is its incredible combination of flavors and textures. Each bite offers a burst of sweetness from the mango, a mild heat from the jalapeno, and a tangy freshness from the lime. The cucumber adds a satisfying crunch, and the shrimp provides a protein-packed bite that makes the dish both light and satisfying.
- Sweetness: The mango is the key player in balancing the heat from the chili and the acidity from the lime. Its natural sweetness enhances the dish’s complexity, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. This tropical fruit not only adds sweetness but also juiciness, making each bite refreshing.
- Spice: The jalapeno brings a mild to moderate heat level, which you can easily adjust according to your spice tolerance. The contrast between the sweet mango and the spicy chili is what makes this ceviche memorable and exciting for the palate.
- Zesty Freshness: The lime juice is the essential ingredient that ties all the flavors together. It adds brightness and acidity to the dish, giving the shrimp its fresh taste while highlighting the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
- Herbal Notes: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness, cutting through the richness of the shrimp and mango. If cilantro isn’t your favorite herb, it can be substituted with fresh basil or mint for a different but equally delicious twist.
- Crisp Texture: The cucumber adds a crunchy, hydrating element to the ceviche, ensuring that the dish remains light and refreshing.
Health Benefits of Mango Shrimp Ceviche
This ceviche isn’t just delicious; it’s also a nutritious dish packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s why Mango Shrimp Ceviche is a great addition to your diet:
- Low in Calories: With only about 274 calories per serving, Mango Shrimp Ceviche is an excellent low-calorie meal option. It’s perfect for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while enjoying something flavorful and satisfying.
- High in Protein: Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, providing 30 grams of protein per serving. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune health, and overall energy.
- Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants: Mangoes are packed with vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin vitality. Additionally, mangoes contain beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against cellular damage.
- Good Source of Fiber: The dietary fiber in mangoes, cucumber, and tomatoes helps promote digestion and can aid in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Fiber also helps in keeping you feeling full for longer.
- Heart-Healthy: Shrimp is low in saturated fats, and although it’s higher in cholesterol, recent research suggests that shrimp’s overall fat profile can contribute to heart health. The inclusion of fresh vegetables and mango further boosts the heart-healthy qualities of this dish.
- Hydrating and Refreshing: Both cucumber and lime juice provide a hydrating boost, making this dish ideal for hot summer days when you need a meal that cools you down and refreshes the palate.
Mango Shrimp Ceviche for Entertaining
Ceviche is one of those dishes that is as perfect for a casual lunch as it is for a special occasion. It is a crowd-pleaser at parties and potlucks, offering a colorful and exotic twist to the appetizer table. Here’s why Mango Shrimp Ceviche is a fantastic choice for entertaining:
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of this dish make it an eye-catching addition to any table. The orange hues of the mangoes, the bright red of the cherry tomatoes, and the green of the cucumber and cilantro make for a stunning presentation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: While ceviche doesn’t take long to prepare, it actually benefits from a bit of refrigeration time. Allowing the shrimp to marinate in the lime juice and seasonings for an hour before serving enhances the flavor, making it even tastier. This makes it an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time for gatherings.
- Customizable: This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the amount of jalapeno, or swap in different fruits like pineapple or papaya for a new twist. You can also experiment with adding other seafood like scallops or squid for a ceviche variation.
Tips for the Perfect Mango Shrimp Ceviche
To ensure that your Mango Shrimp Ceviche turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Since this dish relies heavily on fresh produce and seafood, make sure to use the freshest ingredients available. Fresh shrimp, ripe mangoes, and juicy limes are the key to a ceviche that bursts with flavor.
- Adjust to Taste: The beauty of ceviche lies in its adaptability. Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of lime juice, seasoning, or chili to suit your personal preferences.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best results, allow the ceviche to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This not only helps the flavors meld together but also ensures that the dish is properly chilled and refreshing when you serve it.
- Serve with Tortilla Chips or Lettuce Cups: While ceviche is delicious on its own, serving it with crispy tortilla chips adds a satisfying crunch. Alternatively, you can serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option that adds extra freshness.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make Mango Shrimp Ceviche
Mango Shrimp Ceviche is the perfect dish to add to your culinary repertoire. It’s versatile, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet mango, zesty lime, and fresh shrimp creates a refreshing yet satisfying meal that’s ideal for warm weather, light lunches, or as a unique appetizer for parties.
Not only is it visually stunning, but it also offers numerous health benefits while being incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that will impress guests or serve as a delightful meal for yourself.
If you love the tropical fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, Mango Shrimp Ceviche will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. It’s perfect for those seeking something fresh, light, and exciting, all in a single bowl.