Garlic Shrimp Aguachile

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If you like sushi, sashimi, ceviche, or fish crudo, or even if you just like beautiful, delicious, easy things to make, this garlic shrimp aguachile is for you. Aguachile, or “chile water,” uses lime juice to “cook” the shrimp, or, if served immediately, to just make the shrimp taste fabulous. And you are going to serve it on tortilla chips, so if you weren't tempted already, now you certainly are.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on August 8, 2023
1
White ceramic bowl of shrimp aguachile, or chile and lime water with red onion, shrimp, and cilantro
Prep Time:
30 mins
Chill Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
4
Jump to Nutrition Facts

I love ceviche, and will eat it anytime of the year, but for peak enjoyment, you want to serve it during the dog days of summer. Yes, when it’s too hot to move, let alone cook, there’s just nothing like an ice-cold, vibrant, intensely flavorful ceviche. Okay, this would be the perfect time to admit that this delicious Garlic Shrimp “Aguachile” is not a ceviche. Or, at least it’s not supposed to be. 

Notes From the Chef

Before we get started, here are a few notes from the chef:

  • While there are many similarities, a real aguachile is served raw, just as soon as the seafood is mixed with the “chili water.” And, if you’re into raw seafood, I highly recommend you go that way. But for me, and I think most of my viewers, letting the shrimp soak in the spicy, acidic, garlicky marinade for a while will give us the best of both worlds. We still get that cold, refreshing, vibrancy I mentioned early, but with a little firmer texture. 
  • Ultimately, you’ll have to decide how long to soak your shrimp, or whatever raw seafood you’re using, but the beauty of this recipe is that you can taste it, and if it’s not exactly where you want it to be, you can let it soak longer, up to overnight. 
  • Either way, you’ll want to enjoy this with a bowl of tortilla chips, and some cold beer. You know, for the heat. But, no matter what you enjoy this with, I really do hope you give it a try soon. 

Enjoy! 

More recipes: Try the latest and greatest recipes from Chef John!

Ingredients

For Aguachile:

  • 1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves

  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced

  • 1/2 serrano chile pepper, sliced, or to taste

  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, from 2 to 3 limes

  • 1/3 cup water

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon white sugar

For Shrimp:

  • 1/2 pound raw shrimp - peeled, meticulously deveined, and sliced in half horizontally if large

  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

  • 1 cup thinly sliced peeled cucumber

  • 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, or as needed

  • tortilla chips, for serving

Directions

  1. Combine cilantro, garlic, serrano chile, lime juice, water, salt, pepper, and sugar in a tall cup or the jar of a blender; blend with a stick blender or regular blender until smooth. Refrigerate aguachile while other ingredients are prepared.

  2. Add shrimp, cucumber, and red onion to a bowl, and pour in aguachile. Stir well, and press shrimp down into aguachile to cover. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

    Cook’s Note

    The dish can be served immediately, but refrigerating for 30 minutes to 1 hour will achieve a more ceviche-like (“cooked”) texture. The dish can also be tightly covered and refrigerated overnight to serve the next day.

  3. Sprinkle aguachile with jalapeno slices and cilantro to garnish, and serve with tortilla chips.

    White ceramic bowl of shrimp aguachile, or chile and lime water with red onion, shrimp, and cilantro

    Chef John

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

338 Calories
12g Fat
46g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 338
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Sodium 669mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 13g 26%
Vitamin C 29mg 33%
Calcium 115mg 9%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 340mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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