Authentic Mexican Aguachile Recipe with Shrimp
🌶 My Signature Aguachile Recipe 🌊
There’s something magical about the way lime juice, serrano chiles, and fresh shrimp come together in a bowl—it’s not just a dish, it’s an experience. I grew up with flavors like this in every celebration, and today I’m sharing my personal take on Aguachile—a bold, refreshing, and spicy seafood dish straight from the heart of Mexico. 🇲🇽💚
Aguachile is a vibrant Mexican seafood dish, closely related to ceviche, traditionally made with raw shrimp or scallops—sometimes both. The seafood is “cooked” in fresh lime juice and soaked in a spicy, citrusy chili marinade, typically topped with crisp slices of cucumber for added freshness and crunch.
Just like ceviche, the high acidity from the lime juice cures the seafood, giving it a firm texture and a tangy, refreshing taste that’s totally addictive.
Originating from Sinaloa, a coastal state in northern Mexico, aguachile has become a favorite not only across Mexico but also in the United States, especially in regions that celebrate bold and refreshing flavors.
There are many regional takes on the dish, from aguachile verde (with green chiles and herbs) to aguachile rojo(featuring red chiles), and everything in between. Each version reflects the cook’s creativity and the ingredients they have on hand.
This recipe highlights shrimp (aguachile de camarón), but feel free to swap in scallops or even mild white fish for a different twist. No matter the seafood, the goal is always the same: a chilled, zesty, and slightly spicy dish that wakes up your palate.
While the heat level can be adjusted to suit your preference, that signature spicy kick is what gives aguachile its irresistible edge.
💬 Why I Love It
This isn’t just food—it’s nostalgia. It reminds me of beachside meals with family, salty ocean air, and good music playing in the background. It’s bold, fresh, and guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. Perfect for summer days or whenever you want to bring a little Mexican sunshine to your table.
Aguachile – Recipe (Mexican Shrimp)
Course: Appetizers, starterCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: EasyLearn how to make authentic Mexican Aguachile with shrimp, marinated in lime juice, serrano chiles, and fresh herbs. A spicy, refreshing seafood dish that's perfect for summer!
Ingredients
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 5–6 limes)
2–3 serrano peppers
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove
Salt to taste
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
1–2 ripe avocados, sliced
Tostadas or tortilla chips for serving
Optional: crushed chiltepin chiles for extra heat 🌶
Directions
- Prep the Shrimp: Slice the shrimp down the middle and flatten them. Rinse and pat dry.
- Make the Marinade: Blend lime juice, serrano chiles, cilantro, garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Cure the Shrimp: Pour the marinade over the shrimp in a shallow bowl. Cover and chill for 15–30 minutes, until the shrimp turn opaque and light pink.
- Add Veggies: Toss in red onion and cucumber. Let it sit a few more minutes so everything soaks up the flavors.
- Serve: Plate with slices of avocado, sprinkle with sea salt and chiltepin (if using), and serve with crispy tostadas.
