Description
Spicy Aguachile Delight is a vibrant Mexican appetizer featuring raw shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, serrano peppers, cilantro, and garlic. The shrimp are ‘cooked’ in the citrus marinade, creating a refreshing, tangy dish garnished with red onion, cucumber, and creamy avocado, served with crispy tostadas or tortilla chips for a perfect balance of heat and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied
Marinade
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2–3 serrano or jalapeño peppers, stemmed (seeds optional for less heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
Vegetables & Garnishes
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Tostadas or tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Blend Marinade: In a blender, combine the lime juice, cold water, serrano or jalapeño peppers, fresh cilantro leaves, garlic clove, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary to balance the heat and salt.
- Marinate Shrimp: Place the peeled, deveined, and butterflied shrimp into a glass or non-reactive bowl. Pour the blended marinade over the shrimp and stir gently to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, allowing the citrus juice to ‘cook’ the shrimp until they turn opaque and develop a slightly pink hue.
- Add Vegetables: Once the shrimp are ‘cooked’ in the marinade, add the thinly sliced red onion and cucumber to the bowl. Stir carefully to combine all ingredients so that the veggies absorb some marinade flavors.
- Chill and Serve: For added freshness and texture, chill the aguachile for an additional 10–15 minutes if desired. Just before serving, top the dish with ripe avocado slices and a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro. Serve chilled alongside tostadas or tortilla chips to scoop up the spicy, tangy shrimp mixture.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by reducing the number of chilies or removing their seeds for milder heat.
- For extra crunch and color, add thinly sliced radishes to the mix.
- Serve immediately after preparation for the best flavor and texture, as prolonged marinating may overcook the shrimp.
