There’s something incredibly refreshing about diving into a bowl of homemade Aguachile de Camaron, where every bite carries the crispness of cucumber and the zesty pop of lime. Marinating the shrimp until it’s perfectly opaque might initially seem daunting, but trust me, it’s the secret to achieving that tender texture that pairs flawlessly with the heat of serrano and the cool avocado.
When it comes to Aguachile De Camaron, the tender shrimp therein are ideally matched with the bright, fresh juice of limes. In this dish, I find the serrano peppers, red onion, and cucumber lend the necessary contrasts—spicy, crunchy, and cleansing, respectively—that make the whole either a first course or a light main course.
With tortilla chips, it becomes an all-too-easy appetizer or snack.
Aguachile De Camaron Recipe Ingredients
- Shrimp: Low in calories, high in protein.
Provides omega-3 fatty acids.
- Lime Juice: Rich in vitamin C, adds a refreshing, tangy flavor.
- Serrano Peppers: Boosts metabolism, adds a spicy kick.
- Red Onion: Source of antioxidants, adds sharpness and color.
- Cucumber: Hydrating, rich in vitamins K and C.
Adds crunch.
- Cilantro: Contains vitamins A and C.
Offers fresh, aromatic notes.
- Avocado (optional): High in healthy fats.
Creamy, delicious texture.
Aguachile De Camaron Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 serrano peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced (optional)
- Tortilla chips for serving
How to Make this Aguachile De Camaron Recipe
1. Put the shrimp that have been peeled and deveined into a bowl. Pour the fresh lime juice over the shrimp, making sure they are completely covered. Let them soak in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes until they are fully cooked and have turned opaque.
If you don’t have fresh lime juice, substitute 1/4 of the amount with bottled lime juice and use the rest with another citrus fruit, like orange or grapefruit.
2. Prepare the serrano peppers, red onion, and cucumber by slicing them very thinly. You should do this while the shrimp are marinating.
3. When the shrimp have soaked in the marinade and are now opaque, you pour off most of the lime juice in which they were marinating, but you retain a little bit of it for flavor.
4. Insert the sliced serrano peppers, red onion, and cucumber into the bowl with the shrimp.
5. Include the freshly chopped cilantro in the bowl, and mix thoroughly to ensure all components of the mixture are well integrated.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary to suit your palate.
7. If you are using, add the sliced or diced avocado to the mixture, and gently stir to incorporate.
8. Wrap the bowl with plastic and place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for the flavor to meld.
9. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
10. Aguachile de Camaron is to be served with tortilla chips on the side for scooping. It is to be enjoyed.
Aguachile De Camaron Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Mixing bowls
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Juicer (optional, for fresh lime juice)
5. Measuring cup
6. Plastic wrap
7. Spoon or spatula for mixing
8. Refrigerator
FAQ
- What type of shrimp should I use?For the freshest flavor and best texture, use raw shrimp that are fresh, peeled, and deveined.
- Can I use bottled lime juice?It is strongly advised to use fresh lime juice for the best flavor since bottled juice may affect the flavor with preservatives.
- How spicy will this dish be?The heat level in this dish is moderate, thanks to the serrano peppers. They’re not the hottest peppers out there, but they can certainly pack a punch. Serranos tend to be around 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units, which makes them 5 to 10 times hotter than a standard jalapeño. Conversely, if you’re too scared to use serranos or if you don’t have them, feel free to substitute with milder peppers.
- How long should the shrimp marinate in lime juice?Soak the shrimp in lime juice for 15-30 minutes, until they start to turn opaque, indicating they are halfway to being “cooked” in the acid.
- Is it necessary to include avocado?Optional but recommended, this ingredient adds a creamy texture that balances the acidity and spiciness of the dish.
- How can I serve Aguachile De Camaron?Cold with tortilla chips; possibly as a topping for tostadas; and/or alongside rice.
- How should I store leftovers?Keep any remaining food in a sealed storage container in the fridge for no longer than a day, lest it start becoming the way of all old food: soggy, then dry, then hard and very sad.
Aguachile De Camaron Recipe Substitutions and Variations
For serrano peppers: substitute with jalapeño peppers for a milder heat.
For purple onion: use sweet onion for a less punchy flavor.
For cucumber: substitute jicama for a satisfying, crisp, and cool complement.
If you do not like cilantro, then for cilantro, use parsley or fresh basil.
For avocado: substitute diced mango for a sweet twist.
Pro Tips
1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest shrimp and produce available. Fresh shrimp ensures better texture and flavor. Fresh cilantro and lime juice enhance the bright, zesty character of the dish.
2. Control the Heat: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and veins from the serrano peppers before slicing. Alternatively, if you like it spicier, you can add more serrano or even incorporate a different type of chili for additional heat.
3. Customize Citrus Flavor: While fresh lime juice is key, you can experiment with a mix of citrus fruits for a unique flavor profile. Consider adding a small amount of grapefruit or orange juice for some sweetness.
4. Resting Time: Allowing the Aguachile to rest in the refrigerator for the suggested time is crucial for flavors to meld and intensify. If you have time, leaving it a bit longer can further enhance the taste integration.
5. Serve Cold: Ensure the Aguachile is well-chilled before serving. Keeping it in the fridge until the last moment ensures a refreshing experience, which is particularly important for this dish.
Aguachile De Camaron Recipe
My favorite Aguachile De Camaron Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Mixing bowls
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Juicer (optional, for fresh lime juice)
5. Measuring cup
6. Plastic wrap
7. Spoon or spatula for mixing
8. Refrigerator
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 serrano peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced (optional)
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions:
1. Put the shrimp that have been peeled and deveined into a bowl. Pour the fresh lime juice over the shrimp, making sure they are completely covered. Let them soak in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes until they are fully cooked and have turned opaque.
If you don’t have fresh lime juice, substitute 1/4 of the amount with bottled lime juice and use the rest with another citrus fruit, like orange or grapefruit.
2. Prepare the serrano peppers, red onion, and cucumber by slicing them very thinly. You should do this while the shrimp are marinating.
3. When the shrimp have soaked in the marinade and are now opaque, you pour off most of the lime juice in which they were marinating, but you retain a little bit of it for flavor.
4. Insert the sliced serrano peppers, red onion, and cucumber into the bowl with the shrimp.
5. Include the freshly chopped cilantro in the bowl, and mix thoroughly to ensure all components of the mixture are well integrated.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary to suit your palate.
7. If you are using, add the sliced or diced avocado to the mixture, and gently stir to incorporate.
8. Wrap the bowl with plastic and place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for the flavor to meld.
9. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
10. Aguachile de Camaron is to be served with tortilla chips on the side for scooping. It is to be enjoyed.