Similar to ceviche, this easy and no-cook Aguachile Verde recipe combines plump raw shrimp with fresh lime juice and tasty garnishes like cilantro, crisp onions, and crunchy radishes.
Set out a large mixing bowl. Chop the cleaned shrimp into ¼ - ½ inch pieces and place in the bowl. Then pour ½ cup of fresh lime juice over the top of the shrimp. (Save the rest of the lime juice for the marinade.) Add the salt and toss well to coat. Then press the shrimp down into the lime juice so that it is mostly covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Then stir, press, and refrigerate for another 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the onions. Set out a small bowl. Cut half of a red onion in half, to create two quarters of an onion. Then slice the quarters thinly into slivers. Placed the sliced onions in the bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of vinegar. Then pour cold water over the top of the onions until they are completely covered. Allow the onions to rest in the water until ready to use.
For the Marinade: Set out a food processor. In the bowl, combine the cilantro leaves, garlic, and seeded chile peppers. Pour the remaining ½ cup of lime juice into the food processor bowl, along with ¼ cup water. Cover and purée until smooth.
Once the shrimp have cooked in the lime juice for at least 30 minutes, drain off the lime juice and mix the marinade in the shrimp. Stir well, cover, and continue to chill the Aguachile for another 20 or 30 minutes while you prepare the garnishes.
For the Garnishes: Slice cucumber, radishes, and a serrano pepper very thin. If using avocado, wait to slice the avocado until ready to stir it in. Once the Aguachile has rested for another 20+ minutes, drain the water off the onions. Then stir in the red onions, cucumber, radishes, and serrano pepper. Toss well, then stir in fresh avocado, if using. Serve with tortilla chips for scooping, or serve as-is for a low carb dish.
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Notes
Aguachiles verde is best to enjoy fresh within an hour or so after preparing.However, the shrimp Aguachile will technically keep well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days in a sealed container. It will still be super yummy, just not quite so crisp and vibrant.