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.
Ceviche is a bright fresh way to enjoy seafood and shrimp ceviche is a classic version. The shrimp gets “cooked” in citrus juice resulting in tender, tangy pieces bathed in a light marinade. With its cool, bold flavors, shrimp ceviche deserves equally bright, crisp accompaniments.
In this article, I’ll suggest 15 appetizing dishes that pair wonderfully with shrimp ceviche. You’ll find options for chips, salsas, salads, and more Many can be made ahead of time, letting you focus on the star ceviche
What is Shrimp Ceviche?
For those unfamiliar with ceviche, it’s a seafood dish originating in Latin America, specifically Peru and Ecuador. Raw fish or shrimp gets marinated in citrus juices, mainly lime or lemon. The acid “cooks” the seafood without heat, resulting in tender pieces with a tangy flavor.
Ingredients often include:
- Raw shrimp, chopped into bite-size pieces
- Fresh lime or lemon juice
- Onion, diced
- Bell pepper, diced
- Cucumber, diced
- Tomato, diced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Optional – jalapeño, avocado
The marinated seafood mixture is chilled until ready to serve. Shrimp ceviche is often served as an appetizer or light meal. Now let’s look at fantastic dishes to accompany ceviche.
1. Homemade Tortilla Chips
Warm tortilla chips are ideal for scooping up the cool shrimp ceviche. Make your own by cutting corn or flour tortillas into wedges, then frying or baking until crispy. Sprinkle with salt or chili powder. Their simplicity lets the ceviche shine.
2. Tostones (Fried Green Plantains)
In Latin cuisine, tostones are a popular side. Green plantains get sliced, fried, then flattened to make crisp little discs. With a mild sweetness, they contrast the ceviche well. Drizzle with lime crema if desired.
3. Guacamole
No Mexican meal is complete without guacamole. The rich, velvety avocado dip pairs perfectly with the bright ceviche. Make it chunky or smooth, adding ingredients like onion, tomato, lime, cilantro, and jalapeño to taste. Serve with tortilla chips.
4. Pico de Gallo
For a fresh salsa, pico de gallo is ideal with ceviche. Dice tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime then gently mix. The bright flavors complement the shrimp beautifully. Adjust spice to your preferences.
5. Mango Salsa
If you want something fruity and sweet, mango salsa is a winner. Dice mango with red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice. It delivers tangy-sweet flavor and texture, balancing the shrimp’s brininess.
6. Cucumber Salad
Quick pickled cucumbers lend great crunch and acidity. Thinly slice cucumbers and onions, then toss with rice vinegar, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar. Let sit 15 minutes before serving for a nice pickle-y kick.
7. Jicama Salad
For added crunch, try diced jicama. Toss it with lime juice, cilantro, diced chili, and a pinch of salt. The mild sweetness pairs well with ceviche. Add mango or avocado too for a tropical salad.
8. Papaya Salad
Ripe papaya makes a mildly sweet, fruity salad. Dice it up with red onion, cilantro, and lime. Let marinate 15 minutes for the flavors to mingle. Scatter crumbled queso fresco on top for added richness.
9. Mexican Street Corn Salad
For heartiness, make an elote salad with grilled corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, cilantro, lime and mayo. The smoky charred corn and spicy seasoning complements the shrimp perfectly.
10. Avocado Cotija Dip
Creamy, rich avocados get even better mixed with tangy cotija cheese, lime juice and cilantro. Serve the dip with tortilla chips alongside the ceviche for texture and flavor contrast.
11. Marinated Shrimp Salad
Add more seafood to the menu with a shrimp salad starter. Chilled marinated cooked shrimp lend even more protein and flavor. Toss with cucumber, grape tomatoes, avocado and citrus vinaigrette.
12. Ceviche Tostadas
For a fun presentation, serve the ceviche atop crisp tostada shells. Spread guacamole on first, then pile the ceviche on and garnish with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro and crema. Serve with lime wedges.
13. Salmon Crudo
Thinly sliced raw salmon makes an elegant first course. Top slices with ceviche, serrano peppers, and microgreens. The tender salmon’s richness balances the light shrimp ceviche.
14. Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
For a healthy, protein-packed dish, make ahi tuna poke bowls. Serve the raw tuna and ceviche over rice with edamame, cucumbers, carrots, avocado, and chili sauce. Top with toasted sesame seeds.
15. Ceviche Lettuce Wraps
For a fun spin, serve the ceviche in lettuce cups. Spoon the shrimp mixture into butter lettuce or little gem lettuce leaves. Garnish with extra diced veggies, salsa, guacamole or crema.
Tips for Serving Shrimp Ceviche
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Make ceviche and accompaniments ahead, chill until ready to serve.
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Offer lime wedges so guests can add more acidity and brightness to taste.
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Prepare mild and spicy salsas so guests can customize heat levels.
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Combine soft and crispy textures like guacamole with tortilla chips.
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Finish with a refreshing palate cleanser like sliced watermelon with lime and chili powder.
What Do You Serve With Ceviche?
All ceviche goes well with creamy avocado and your favorite hot sauce (I’m a big Valentina fan). For dipping, I suggest tortilla chips, crispy tostadas, and/or sweet potato chips.
I like to set out little bowls of simple ingredients that add texture and flavor to the ceviche. People can decorate their ceviche however they want with things like chopped cucumbers, sliced jalapenos, and cooked corn kernels. Pico de gallo is also a good idea.
Here are the drinks and sides I like to serve with ceviche to make it feel more like a main dish instead of a snack.
In Mexico, ceviche is traditionally served with baked tostadas. Making your own at home is crazy easy.
One of the best side dishes to serve with ceviche is a big pot of beans. This will make the ceviche feel more like a main course than an appetizer. Plus the garnishes you make for the ceviche also go perfectly with the beans.
A great choice is fluffy white rice with soft carrots and peas. It also goes well with the beans.
This mango salad is a simple side dish that is crunchy and refreshing. It gets better as it sits, so you don’t have to make it right before you serve it.
Micheladas are beer cocktails that are traditionally served with ceviche in Mexico. They are a bit spicy and completely refreshing. Made with beer, tomato juice, hot sauce, and lime.
This is the classic recipe: reposado tequila, freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juice and the only way to make Palomas—with Squirt. The ultimate refreshing cocktail.
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.