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This fresh and easy shrimp ceviche is made with cooked shrimp, fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, and a secret ingredient that heightens the vibrant umami flavors. This is my quick, easy, low-calorie version of a South American delicacy. Enjoy!

Love my fresh and easy shrimp ceviche recipe? Try my Shrimp Scampi and my Coconut Shrimp for more shrimp recipes!
Growing up, ceviche over rice was a family favorite. It was such a simple meal yet also special. As an adult, I enjoy ceviche as often as possible, as it’s high in several vitamins and minerals and a great source of protein. Not to mention, it’s low in calories and has nearly no carbs.
Traditional ceviche recipes include fresh whitefish, octopus, crab, and my personal favorite, shrimp. This recipe is more of a nod to how we ate ceviche as a kid (with ketchup!), and it’s delicious!
What is Shrimp Ceviche?
Ceviche, Peru’s national dish, offers a unique dining experience that isn’t quite like eating raw fish, but it isn’t exactly like eating cooked fish either. Instead, the fish proteins react with the acid in citrus juices to firm the flesh while keeping it exceptionally tender. You can also use this no-heat technique to make shrimp ceviche.
All of that said, this shrimp ceviche is inspired by classic South American recipes, but the preparation isn’t traditional. Instead of the no-heat technique, you’ll cook your shrimp, then combine it with the remaining ingredients. No marinating necessary!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s light, fresh, and great to enjoy during warm weather.
- Quick and easy way to use fresh or frozen shrimp.
- Perfect low-calorie and low-carb appetizer or entree.
- Made with cooked shrimp, so it’s done in 15 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shrimp – Fresh shrimp, bagged frozen shrimp, or cooked frozen shrimp. You can also throw this ceviche together with leftover shrimp cocktail.
- Tomato – I used a plump Roma tomato, but you can use any perfectly ripened tomato here.
- Onion – Yellow onion, red onion, or some of each to add a pop of purple to the dish.
- Cilantro – Enriches the fresh, citrus tastes. If you don’t like cilantro, you can use flat-leaf parsley.
- Lime – Freshly squeezed lime for that distinctive ceviche tang and zing!
- Ketchup – Just a bit of sweet ketchup elevates every flavor.
- Salt – Magnify the fresh seafood flavor with sea salt or rock salt.
How To Make This Recipe

Step 1: Prep and cook shrimp for ceviche.
If your shrimp are frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, peel and devein (if they aren’t already), and cook according to the package instructions. Let cool, then chop into large pieces.
Step 2: Toss everything together and serve.
Add the cooked shrimp, diced onion, tomato, chopped cilantro, lime juice, water, ketchup, and salt to a large bowl. Finally, toss the ingredients together, and serve asap. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips
- Fresh shrimp is best cooked the same day it’s purchased. However, if you do not plan to make this dish right away, you can freeze fresh shrimp and thaw them in the fridge when ready.
- Frozen shrimp works just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to let it fully thaw out in the fridge.
- Be careful not to overcook your shrimp, or they become rubbery and tough.
- Chop everything the same size, so you get a bit of every flavor and texture in each bite.
- This ceviche should be served immediately as the citrus acids will continue “cooking” the shrimp once you toss everything together.
Variations
Put your spin on my childhood family favorite. See below for ways to switch up your shrimp ceviche.
- Crab ceviche – Replace cooked shrimp with cooked crab meat. Canned lump crab meat works great!
- Optional add-ins – Avocado, cucumber, jalapeno, and corn go great in this ceviche.
- Citrus – Along with fresh lime juice, you can use orange juice and lemon juice for citrusy flavor.
- Serving – Serve this quick and easy ceviche with tortillas, tostadas, and air-fried plantains. You can also make it a meal with fresh vegetables and fluffy rice.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: This ceviche is best enjoyed immediately, but the leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Freezing: No freezing. The acidic lime juice and shrimp proteins won’t hold well once frozen.
FAQ
The ingredients used in authentic ceviche recipes are inherently healthy, clean, and typically gluten-free, low carb, and keto-friendly.
This shrimp ceviche with ketchup makes two 250-calorie servings. The precise calorie count will differ by recipe.
Yes and no. The acid from fresh citrus reacts with the low PH in shrimp. As the shrimp marinates, the meat firms and turns opaque through a chemical process called denaturation. For this recipe, however, the shrimp are cooked with heat beforehand.
Fresh and Easy Shrimp Ceviche

This healthy shrimp ceviche is made with cooked shrimp, fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, and a secret ingredient that heightens the vibrant umami flavors. This is my quick, easy, low-calorie version of a South American delicacy. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces large shrimp, cooked and chopped
- 1 whole Roma tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 3 limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
Instructions
- If your shrimp are frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, peel and devein (if they aren't already), and cook according to the package instructions. Let cool, then chop into large pieces.
- Add the cooked shrimp, diced onion, tomato, chopped cilantro, lime juice, water, ketchup, and salt to a large bowl. Finally, toss the ingredients together, and serve asap. Enjoy!
Notes
- Fresh shrimp is best cooked the same day it's purchased. However, if you do not plan to make this dish right away, you can freeze fresh shrimp and thaw them in the fridge when ready
- Frozen shrimp works just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to let it fully thaw out in the fridge.
Be careful not to overcook your shrimp, or they become rubbery and tough. - Chop everything the same size, so you get a bit of every flavor and texture in each bite.
- This ceviche should be served immediately as the citrus acids will continue "cooking" the shrimp once you toss everything together.
- Storing: This ceviche is best enjoyed immediately, but the leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Freezing: No freezing. The acidic lime juice and shrimp proteins won't hold well once frozen.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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OXO Good Grips Utensil Set, 3-Piece,Brown
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Stainless Steel Knife Set with Block 17 Piece Set Kitchen Knives Set Chef Knife Set with Knife Sharpener, 6 Steak Knives with Bonus Peeler Scissors Cheese Pizza Knife and Acrylic Stand by Home Hero
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Gorilla Grip Original Oversized Cutting Board, 3 Piece, BPA Free, Dishwasher Safe, Juice Grooves, Larger Thicker Boards, Easy Grip Handle, Non Porous, Extra Large, Kitchen, Set of 3, Black
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New Star Foodservice 42917 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups Combo, Set of 8
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 247Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 360mgSodium: 2348mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 39g
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
More Shrimp & Fish Recipes You’ll Love
Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce
Fish Tacos with Chipotle Sauce

Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
I do love a ceviche, this looks delicious! I love that it is low calorie and gluten free too so my husband can enjoy it as well!
simplylowcal
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
That sounds great! :)
Jo
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
I love ceviche and your shrimp version is super delicious. We've had it as a starter last weekend and everybody thoroughly enjoyed it! Will be making again.
simplylowcal
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
Thanks! Shrimp is our favorite, but it's great with so many other types of seafood. :)
Jeannette
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
I love shrimp and it looks like a tasty and refreshing way to enjoy it! Thanks for sharing!
simplylowcal
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
Thanks, Jeannette. :)
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
One of my friends introduced me to ceviche,and I am addicted!! However, I have yet to make it myself. This needs to happen in my house!!
simplylowcal
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
You definitely need to try it. It's so good. :)
Terri
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
OMG we loved this - and it' s so healthy!
simplylowcal
Tuesday 4th of February 2020
That's great to hear, Terri! :)