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A white bowl filled with shrimp ceviche and fried plantains.
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The Best Fresh Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

This recipe for Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche is different from Peruvian ceviche in that it has more liquid, like a cold soup. It has a light, tangy flavor and is perfect for eating on the beach!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 194kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ red onion small, halved and sliced paper thin
  • 1 Fresno chile or jalapeño, or other small chile, sliced paper thin (optional)
  • ¾ cup fresh lemon juice from about 6 lemons
  • 2 pounds shrimp 31/40 count, peeled and deveined, including tails, (shells or tails reserved)
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice from about 3 oranges
  • 2 teaspoons salt plus more to taste
  • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely minced
  • 2 green plantains peeled
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Place the onions, chile pepper and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl and set aside to marinate.
  2. Bring a medium pot of water up to a boil, add the shrimp, and cook until just opaque, about 3 minutes. While the shrimp cook, prepare an ice bath, then immediately shock the shrimp in the ice water to stop the cooking. Add the reserved shells and tails to the water, turn off the heat, and allow them to steep.
  3. Drain the shrimp, pat them dry, then slice into bite sized pieces. Add to the bowl with the onions, chiles and lemon juice, mix, then let marinate for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator. Leave the shrimp shells soaking in the water while it cools.
  4. When the water is no longer screaming hot, strain out the shells and add 3 cups of the poaching liquid to the shrimp, along with the ketchup, orange juice, salt, cilantro and stir until thoroughly combined.
  5. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Cover and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best.
  6. When ready to serve, heat about 1 inch of oil in a heavy bottomed pan or a deep fryer to 375 ℉. Use the large holes of a box grater to coarsely grate the plantains. Working in batches, drop the grated plantains into the hot oil, and cook, stirring occasionally until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt, then repeat with the remaining plantains.
  7. To serve, ladle the ceviche into bowls, being sure to include plenty of liquid. Sprinkle with fried plantains and serve ice cold, with the remaining plantains on the side.

Notes

  • Serves 4 as a main dish and 8-10 as a snack or appetizer. 
  • Marinate and store ceviche in a non-reactive bowl or container. Use glass, stainless steel or ceramic to avoid a reaction with the materials and the acidic citrus juices. 
  • If you don't want to make your own plantain chips, you can purchase them or use corn nuts or popcorn instead! 

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 183mg | Sodium: 786mg | Potassium: 613mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 121IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg
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