Tequila-Lime Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado and Cilantro

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bright and zesty shrimp ceviche marinated in tequila and lime juice, complemented by creamy avocado and fresh cilantro for a refreshing Mexican appetizer. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes brings together fresh lime juice, silver tequila, finely diced red bell pepper for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Chop 1 lb raw peeled and deveined shrimp into 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a glass bowl and pour 1 cup fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup silver tequila over the shrimp, stirring to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour until the shrimp turn opaque and 'cook' in the acid.
  2. Step 2: Drain most of the marinade, leaving a little for flavor. Add 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 small minced seeded jalapeño. Stir in 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold in 1 diced ripe avocado and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to keep the avocado intact.
  4. Step 4: Serve chilled in small bowls or on tostadas garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tequila-Lime Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Tequila-Lime Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado and Cilantro?

Refrigerate any leftover tequila-lime shrimp ceviche with avocado and cilantro in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tequila-Lime Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado and Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tequila-Lime Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado and Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Tequila-Lime Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado and Cilantro?

Mexican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.