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, fresh appetizer that’s full of flavor. The shrimp is “cooked” by marinating in citrus juice, usually lime or lemon This gives it a delicious citrusy taste. Figuring out what to serve alongside shrimp ceviche can be tricky though You want something that will complement, not overpower, the ceviche.
I love seafood, so I’ve experimented with all kinds of side dishes for shrimp ceviche In this article, I’ll share my 20 favorite pairings From rice and tacos, to chips and salad, there’s something for every occasion.
Complementary Sides for Shrimp Ceviche
1. Tortilla Chips
Crunchy tortilla chips are an obvious choice. Dunking them into the ceviche lets you scoop up the perfect bite. Opt for homemade tortilla chips rather than store-bought ones. It only takes about 25 minutes to make them from scratch. They taste so much better!
2. Coconut Lime Rice
Fluffy coconut lime rice adds a tropical flair. The coconut milk lime juice, and cilantro give it lots of flavor. Make it in a rice cooker for the best texture. It’s ready in just 20 minutes so you can time it perfectly with your ceviche.
3. Cowboy Caviar
Cowboy caviar is a festive bean salad with corn, peppers, and more. It makes a nice picnic or barbecue side dish with ceviche. The blend of beans, vegetables, and seasonings gives it a fresh Southwestern vibe.
4. Guacamole
You can’t go wrong with guacamole and ceviche. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the citrusy shrimp. Make it as spicy or mild as you’d like. I love adding jalapeños for some heat.
5. Mango Salad
A mango salad with lime dressing is so refreshing. It features juicy mango, cucumber, bell pepper, and fresh mint. All the bright flavors complement shrimp ceviche wonderfully.
6. Mexican Rice
For a more filling side, Mexican rice fits the bill. Onion, garlic, cumin, and tomato paste give it robust flavor. The spices and seasoning mimic the flavors in the ceviche.
7. Fish Tacos
Warm fish tacos alongside chilled ceviche makes for a tasty combo. The tacos are loaded with tilapia, cabbage, tomato, avocado, and cheese. A creamy, spicy sauce ties everything together.
8. Yuca Fries
Crunchy, slightly sweet yuca fries make an authentic pairing. Also called cassava, yuca is a staple of Central and South American cooking. Turn it into fries for something different than regular potato fries.
9. Plantain Chips
Baked plantain chips are a crunchy and wholesome option. Their natural sweetness balances the tart ceviche nicely. Make your own instead of buying plantain chips so you can control the ingredients.
10. Gazpacho
Chilled gazpacho soup complements shrimp ceviche wonderfully. The fresh tomato, cucumber, peppers, sherry, and garlic make it super refreshing. It’s light enough that it doesn’t weigh you down.
11. Quinoa
Quinoa adds protein and nutrition. Be sure to cook it properly so it’s fluffy, not mushy or crunchy. With garlic, onion, broth, and cilantro it makes a tasty and hearty side dish.
12. Pico de Gallo
Fresh pico de gallo salsa is a go-to pairing. Dice tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime the same size for the perfect bite every time. The ingredients mirror those in the ceviche.
13. Pineapple Salsa
For a tropical twist, whip up a pineapple salsa. Pineapple, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime create a sweet and spicy condiment. It brightens up any shrimp ceviche recipe.
14. Avocado Salad
Skip the boring green salad and make an avocado salad instead. The creamy avocado, tomato, cucumber, and red onion taste delicious with ceviche. A zippy herb dressing pulls it all together.
15. Corn on the Cob
Fire up the grill and throw on some corn on the cob. Hot buttered corn is a delightful contrast to the cool ceviche. It’s a fun summer meal for a cookout or relaxed weekend.
16. Black Beans and Rice
For a heartier meal, black beans and rice make the perfect side. They provide a complete protein without being too heavy alongside the ceviche. Lime juice and cilantro add freshness.
17. Homemade Naan
Warm, fluffy homemade naan is amazing alongside ceviche. The tender, pillowy flatbread soaks up any remaining juices from the ceviche. Brush with olive oil or butter and sprinkle on some parsley.
18. Tostadas
Mexican tostadas are an easy weeknight dinner with ceviche. Layer beef, lettuce, onion, cheese, salsa, and other toppings over crisp tostada shells. Top with a spoonful of ceviche for a tasty combo.
19. Sweet Potato Fries
The sweetness of baked sweet potato fries balances the tartness of the ceviche. They have more nutrients than regular fries, too. Make them crunchy on the outside while keeping the interior tender and fluffy.
20. Grilled Shrimp
Round out your ceviche appetizer with a main course of grilled shrimp. Season them simply to let the sweet shrimp flavor shine through. A quick minute per side on the grill gives that perfect char.
Tips for Picking Sides for Shrimp Ceviche
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Stick to lighter sides since ceviche is fresh and bright. Avoid heavy meats or cream-based dishes.
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Focus on sides with complementary flavors like lime, cilantro, tomato, onion, peppers, and tropical fruits.
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Crunchy, creamy, or fluffy textures contrast nicely with the tender shrimp ceviche.
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Cookout favorites like grilled shrimp, fish tacos, and corn on the cob make fun summery pairings.
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Authentic Latin American sides like plantains, yuca, beans, and rice work well.
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Chilled soups and salads taste refreshing next to the cool ceviche.
Simple Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
Now that you’ve got plenty of side dish ideas, here is an easy shrimp ceviche recipe to get started:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp, diced
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1⁄2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1⁄4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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In a glass bowl, mix together the lime juice, onion, tomato, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and salt and pepper.
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Add the diced shrimp and stir to coat in the marinade.
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Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until the shrimp is “cooked” and has turned opaque.
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Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve chilled with your favorite side dishes.
That’s all it takes to make this flavorful shrimp ceviche. Now dig in with some homemade tortilla chips, fresh mango salad, or whatever sides you’re craving. ¡Buen provecho!
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.
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.
Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe
What side dishes go with ceviche?
While ceviche is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level by serving it with the right side dishes. Looking for a quick answer? The best side dishes to serve with ceviche are tortilla chips and guacamole if you want a nice light snack or appetizer.
What to serve with tortilla chips & ceviche?
Guacamole is an excellent side dish to serve with some tortilla chips and fresh ceviche. It’s often made with ingredients such as lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers, which are also commonly found in ceviche. This creates a cohesive and harmonious flavor profile that everyone will love. 12. Tortilla Chips
Is rice a good side dish for ceviche?
It lacks carbs, and no meal is complete without carbs. Rice is a nice side dish for ceviche that acts not only as a filler but a balancing element. Rice is heartwarming, too, and will add a little comfort to your exotic South American dinner. Remember, rice is a white canvas, so add to it all kinds of vegetables and herbs, make it your own.
What to eat with ceviche?
Take a bite and your taste buds will have a party. The combo of juicy mango, crisp cucumber, bell pepper, fresh mint, and lime is sensational. It includes all the best bright flavors that are a perfect match for ceviche. 9. Authentic Gazpacho Nothing is more refreshing on a hot day than a bowl of gazpacho with ceviche.