Ceviche is awesome because you can make it ahead and is a great party appetizer. Discover how to safely serve ceviche at a party and find out what other foods and drinks go well with it. I’ll also share some of my favorite ceviche recipes.
Now that it’s holiday time, everyone is planning what they will serve at the events they are planning. Not sure about you, but when I walk into a party and see a beautiful platter of fresh ceviche, it makes me happy. Even though it seems fancy and special, ceviche is actually very simple to make and tastes better when made ahead of time, which is another benefit for party planners.
Fresh raw fish in the form of ceviche is a beloved seafood dish all over Latin America, from South America, where Peruvian ceviche is the best, to Mexico.
The question I get asked most often about ceviche is, “What do I serve with it?”. This is ceviche. Most people know that it needs plantain chips or something else to help you get it from the bowl to your mouth. You might also be interested in what drinks go best with ceviche and what side dishes go best with it to make it a meal.
“How do I serve ceviche without making people sick?” is the next question. If you do it right, ceviche is very safe. But to make sure it’s safe to serve, remember a few things: it is raw seafood after all.
Learn how to serve ceviche at a party the right way by reading this. I’ll also share some of my favorite recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
Shrimp ceviche is a bright, refreshing appetizer that packs a flavor punch. The shrimp is “cooked” by marinating it in citrus juice, which firms up the texture while infusing tons of tangy flavor. Ceviche originates from Peru but is popular all over Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s often served as an appetizer or light meal.
Figuring out what to eat with shrimp ceviche can be tricky. You want something that complements the bold, citrusy flavors instead of competing with it. The good news is that ceviche goes well with a variety of dishes! Here are 15 of my favorite pairings.
Tostadas
Crispy tostada shells are the classic vessel for ceviche in Mexico. Spread some refried beans on the tostada first to make it more filling. Top with a scoop of shrimp ceviche, shredded cabbage, avocado, and Mexican crema. Crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor!
Guacamole
You really can’t go wrong with shrimp ceviche and guacamole The creaminess of the avocado perfectly balances the tangy ceviche Make it spicy or mild, traditional or loaded with mango and bacon. Any guac is ceviche’s new BFF.
Pico de Gallo
Also known as salsa fresca, pico de gallo is a staple in Mexican cuisine The diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño mirror the flavors in ceviche Pile some pico on top of your ceviche or scoop it up with chips for a tasty bite.
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a delicious tropical side dish. The coconut milk and cilantro adds richness and freshness that complements ceviche beautifully. Lime juice chopped scallions and toasted coconut give it even more flavor.
Corn on the Cob
Charred corn on the cob is a perfect summer pairing. The sweet corn balances the tart ceviche wonderfully. Grill it up, slather with mayo, cotija cheese and chili powder for a little something special.
Mango Salad
A mango salad with citrus dressing fits the bill. Toss chopped mango with red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and cilantro. Then drizzle over a bright vinaigrette made with orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and cumin.
Yuca Fries
Also known as cassava, yuca has a delicious mild, nutty flavor. Turn it into fries for a tasty crunch alongside ceviche. The starchiness stands up well to the acidity in the shrimp. Fry them or bake them – either way is scrumptious.
Fried Plantains
Crispy, caramelized plantains are another traditional pairing in South America and the Caribbean. Their sweetness offsets the tart ceviche wonderfully. Make them as an appetizer or side dish and watch them disappear.
Black Beans & Rice
For a heartier meal, add black beans and rice. Together they provide a complete protein without weighing you down. Infuse the rice with onion, garlic, and lime juice. Top with cotija cheese and cilantro.
Gazpacho
Chilled gazpacho soup on a hot day is so refreshing. Lots of ceviche-friendly ingredients like tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and lime. Garnish with diced avocado, croutons, and shrimp ceviche for an incredible meal.
Avocado Salad
Skip the boring green lettuce and make an avocado salad instead. Diced avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and serrano chiles. Grab a chip to scoop up the shrimp ceviche and salad in one tasty bite.
Nachos
Nachos make just about anything better – including shrimp ceviche! Layer corn tortilla chips with beans, salsa, cheese, lettuce, pico, avocado, and big dollops of ceviche. Perfect for a casual game day feast.
Fish Tacos
Warm corn tortillas piled high with seasoned fish or shrimp, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and the shrimp ceviche. Add a drizzle of chipotle crema to take it over the top. Fish tacos and ceviche = a match made in heaven.
Micheladas
A Michelada is a Mexican beer cocktail and the perfect beverage with ceviche. It’s like a spicy Bloody Mary made with beer instead of vodka. The lime juice and Worcestershire echoes the flavors in the ceviche.
Margaritas
Is there any Mexican dish that doesn’t go well with margaritas? The sweet, salty, tangy flavors complement the ceviche beautifully. Go traditional or get adventurous with tamarind, pineapple, mango, you name it!
Shrimp ceviche is endlessly versatile, as you can see from all these tasty pairing ideas. With the right sides, it can be a light snack or hearty meal. Take your pick from the classics like tostadas and guacamole, or try something new like coconut rice or mango salad. However you serve it up, shrimp ceviche is sure to please!
How Should Ceviche Be Served?
Because we’re dealing with fresh raw fish there are a few things to keep in mind. Follow these tips to stay away from harmful bacteria that could make people sick.
- The best ceviche is made with the best fish. Buy from somewhere you trust.
- Putting the bowl of ceviche in a bigger bowl of ice is one of the best ways to keep it cold. Cedarichi must stay below 40°F to be safe to eat. If you want to serve ceviche a lot, buy a dish that can be kept cold in the freezer.
- When in doubt, poach the fish or seafood first. This will kill off any bacteria.
Which Fish Are Best For Ceviche?
Sea bass, mahi mahi, halibut, salmon, and tuna all are good option for ceviche. Ask the person behind the fish counter what they have available that is safe for eating raw.