National Dish Ecuador: Shrimp Ceviche (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Ceviche de camarón, one of Ecuador’s most beloved dishes! Plump, fresh shrimp are bathed in a bright citrus marinade of lime and orange juice, then brought to life with red onion, tomato and a scattering of fresh coriander. The result is a dish that is at once tangy, refreshing and deeply satisfying — a true taste of the Ecuadorian coast. Light enough for a summer lunch yet special enough for guests, it brings a splash of sunshine straight to your table.
About Shrimp Ceviche
Ceviche de camarón is far more than a simple dish; it is a cultural symbol of Ecuador. The preparation centres on fresh shrimp, gently steeped in an aromatic marinade of lime and orange juice. This balance of acidity and sweetness draws out the natural flavour of the seafood, while the addition of onion, tomato and coriander rounds everything off and lends the dish its unmistakable fresh note. It is a cornerstone of coastal cooking and a firm favourite from casual gatherings to festive occasions.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g fresh shrimp
- 2 limes (juiced)
- 1 orange (juiced)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 handful fresh coriander, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crisp torrijas or corn, to serve
Shopping for the ingredients
To make an authentic ceviche de camarón, the choice of ingredients is everything. Be sure to buy fresh shrimp, as the quality of the seafood is decisive for the overall flavour. The citrus fruits should also be ripe and juicy so you capture the very best aroma. Wherever possible, seek out local markets or a trusted fishmonger to track down the freshest produce — the same care that rewards a good Ceviche de pescado.
Preparing the dish
Preparing ceviche de camarón is quick and straightforward. First, the shrimp should be thoroughly cleaned and peeled. Next, prepare the marinade by combining the lime and orange juice with the chopped onion. Let the shrimp steep in the marinade for a few minutes so they take on the full depth of flavour before the remaining ingredients are folded through.
Step-by-step instructions
- Clean the shrimp and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the marinade from lime and orange juice together with the chopped onion.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and stir well.
- Leave the mixture to rest in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes.
- Add the diced tomato and fresh coriander, then combine well.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve with torrijas or corn.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Ceviche de camarón is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it an ideal choice for anyone with those intolerances. The ingredients are simple and lend the dish a fresh flavour without any compromise. Just take care that the accompaniments — such as bread or crisps — are also free from gluten if you need them to be. That way the dish stays light and easy to enjoy for everyone at the table.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Ceviche de camarón is easy to adapt for vegans and vegetarians. In place of the shrimp you can use grilled vegetables or even fruity alternatives such as mango or avocado. These versions bring their own fresh, vibrant notes to the plate and can be dressed with the very same marinade. Adjust the marinade to taste to make the most of the combination, much as you would with a plant-based Ceviche de chochos.
More tips and tricks
A few extra pointers can help lift the quality of your ceviche. Always reach for fresh rather than frozen ingredients for a better eating experience. Let the shrimp steep a little longer in the marinade to achieve a deeper development of flavour. Serve the dish cold to emphasise its refreshing character, and garnish with a few additional coriander leaves for a final flourish.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Ceviche de camarón is easy to tailor to personal preference. If you like it hotter, add fresh chillies or a jalapeño to give the dish more of a kick. The choice of onion can be personalised too; red onions offer a sweeter note. Experiment with different herbs, such as mint or tarragon, to discover unique flavour combinations of your own.
Ingredient substitutions
Should some ingredients prove hard to find, there are always alternatives to hand. Instead of fresh shrimp you can use prawns or fish fillets such as tilapia. Among the citrus fruits, grapefruit works well for a less sweet note. These flexible swaps mean you can still enjoy the dish — and a delicious result — even without the traditional main ingredient. A richer coconut-based take, meanwhile, leads you towards an Encocado de camarones.
Drink pairing ideas
Refreshing drinks pair especially well with a generous portion of ceviche de camarón. A classic mojito with fresh mint makes a lively companion. Alternatively, a chicha morada, a traditional Andean drink, is also a fine choice. Aim for drinks that are light and spritzy so they complement rather than overpower the flavours of the dish, as with a chilled Chicha morada.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation of ceviche de camarón can enhance the whole eating experience. Serve the dish in glass bowls so the colourful ingredients really shine. Garnishes might include fresh lime slices or a few basil leaves. An inviting serving platter alongside crusty bread or corn sets the perfect accent and is sure to impress your guests.
A bit of history
Ceviche de camarón has a long tradition in Ecuador, with roots reaching back into the country’s indigenous cuisine. The dish was prepared centuries ago by the native peoples of Ecuador, who combined their fishing skills with their culinary craft. The use of citrus fruits for the marinade, which endures to this day, arrived with Spanish colonisation. The full flavour and variety of the ingredients make it a fundamental part of Ecuadorian gastronomy, sitting proudly alongside the rest of Ecuadorian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Shrimp Ceviche
Ceviche de camarón offers a perfect flavour and captures the very essence of Ecuadorian cooking. With simple, fresh ingredients, this dish succeeds just as well for an everyday meal as for a special occasion. Whether you prepare it in the classic style or with a modern twist, the ceviche will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of Ecuador to your table. Savour this culinary experience and discover the wonderful variety of possibilities it offers.
