Ceviche-Style Passion Fruit Shrimp: Tropical Flavors in Every Bite
Enjoy a vibrant, no-cook shrimp Ceviche with passion fruit, lime, avocado, and bold flavors—ready in only 25 minutes.

This vibrant recipe showcases a no-cook ceviche-style shrimp dish infused with the sweet-tart flavors of passion fruit, zesty fresh lime juice, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables. The dish is inspired by the classic Latin American seafood preparation but uses cooked shrimp for ease and safety, marrying convenience with bold tropical taste.
Why You’ll Love This Ceviche-Style Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prep takes only 15 minutes with just 10 minutes of chilling. Perfect for busy weeknights, spontaneous gatherings, or last-minute feasts.
- No Cooking Required: Utilizing already-cooked shrimp eliminates food safety concerns and speeds up the process.
- Vibrant Flavors: The blend of passion fruit pulp and lime juice provides a tangy, aromatic base. Avocado adds creaminess, while crisp onion and peppers give crunch and spice.
- Nutritious and Refreshing: High in protein, packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants.
What Is Ceviche—and Its Modern Twist
Ceviche is a traditional Latin American dish where raw seafood is ‘cooked’ by marinating in citrus juice, most often lime. Acidity denatures the proteins, resulting in a tender, opaque texture and fresh flavor. This recipe adapts the classic: instead of raw shrimp, it uses cooked shrimp for a quick, foolproof method suitable for any home cook.
Origins and Inspiration
- Traditional Ceviche: Originates from Peru and is now beloved across South and Central America.
- Passion Fruit Influence: This tropical fruit brings a sweet-tart depth that enhances the bright citrus marinade.
- Ready-to-Eat Adaptation: By using cooked shrimp, the recipe remains safe, simple, and accessible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these fresh, flavorful ingredients for the ceviche-style shrimp:
- 1/4 cup frozen passion fruit pulp, thawed (or use fresh if available)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt
- 1 large poblano pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 serrano chile, finely chopped
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla chips or tostadas, for serving
Optional additions: Mango cubes, scallions, or cucumber slices can add extra freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Ceviche-Style Passion Fruit Shrimp
- Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the thawed passion fruit pulp, fresh lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir in the chopped poblano pepper, onion, and serrano chile for aromatic heat and crunch.
- Toss with Shrimp:
Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl and toss lightly to coat with the marinade. The shrimp will absorb the tangy, fragrant flavors while chilling.
- Chill:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the shrimp cool for a refreshing finish.
- Finish & Serve:
Right before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado and chopped cilantro. Taste and add extra salt or lime juice if needed. Spoon over tortilla chips or crisp tostadas for the classic ceviche experience.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Health Benefits of Shrimp and Passion Fruit
Nutrient | Shrimp | Passion Fruit | Avocado |
---|---|---|---|
Protein | High | Low | Low |
Vitamin C | Moderate | High | Moderate |
Healthy Fats | Low | None | High |
Antioxidants | Moderate | High | High |
Shrimp is lean and protein-rich, aiding muscle repair and satiety. Passion fruit provides vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that help boost immunity and digestion. Avocado brings heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium for balanced nutrition.
Tips for Perfect Ceviche-Style Shrimp
- Passion Fruit: If frozen pulp isn’t available, fresh passion fruit can be halved and scooped, or substitute with mango puree plus a squeeze of lime.
- Customize Heat: Adjust the amount of serrano chile and poblano to your spice tolerance.
- Toppings: Add crunchy elements like cucumber, radish, or crispy plantain chips for texture.
- Marinade Time: Since the shrimp is already cooked, a brief chill of 10 minutes is sufficient. Longer marination suits raw seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Serve as an Appetizer: Spoon ceviche onto mini tostadas or endive leaves for bite-sized treats.
- Light Dinner: Pair with a fresh green salad or chilled soups for a balanced, refreshing meal.
- Brunch Star: Offer alongside sparkling water or citrus cocktails to highlight the tropical notes.
- Picnic or Party: Prepare in advance and chill, transporting easily for outdoor gatherings.
Substitutions and Variations
- Seafood: Try scallops, halibut, or firm white fish in place of shrimp. Ensure any seafood used is fresh and previously cooked if not performing a true ceviche marination.
- Sweetness: Add mango or pineapple for extra depth.
- Herbs: Mint or basil can replace or accompany cilantro for a flavor twist.
Easy Mexican Inspired Shrimp Ceviche (Aguachile Verde)
A variation uses raw tiger prawns marinated in lime juice, wine vinegar, and passion fruit, then combined with a green chile pepper sauce, cucumber, and coriander for added heat and freshness.
Chef-Inspired Twist: Mango-Aji Amarillo Puree
Celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez recommends poaching shrimp lightly, then tossing with orange segments, passion fruit, mango cubes, and a vivid mango-aji amarillo puree for extra fruit and chile fire. Key tip: The puree uses mango, Dijon mustard, Peruvian aji amarillo paste, honey, and lime zest for tropical tang.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use raw shrimp for this ceviche?
A: For this no-cook recipe, cooked shrimp is preferred for food safety and speed. If using raw shrimp, ensure it cures in ample lime juice for at least 30-45 minutes and is from a reliable source.
Q: Is passion fruit essential?
A: While passion fruit brings uniquely tart-sweet notes, you can substitute mango or pineapple, though the flavor profile will shift from tropical-tart to sweet.
Q: How long can ceviche-style shrimp be stored?
A: Serve immediately for best texture and freshness. If chilled, consume within 24 hours. Avocado should be added just before serving to prevent browning.
Q: Is ceviche gluten-free?
A: Yes, the recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Pair with gluten-free chips or tostadas for serving.
Q: What’s the difference between classic ceviche and this recipe?
A: Classic ceviche features raw seafood cured in citrus. This version uses cooked shrimp, making it more convenient and universally safe to eat, particularly for beginners or larger groups.
Chef’s Secrets: Elevate Your Presentation
- Serve Chilled: Use chilled plates or bowls to keep the ceviche crisp and refreshing.
- Garnish: Add fresh passion fruit seeds, microgreens, or edible flowers for a vibrant appearance.
- Layering: Layer with alternating stripes of avocado, shrimp, and vegetables in a glass for visual appeal.
Pro Tips for Party Prep
- Double the recipe for large gatherings; prep the marinade and shrimp separately then combine right before serving.
- For meal prep, keep avocado in a separate container and mix in before eating.
- Offer sides such as fried plantains, pico de gallo, and citrus wedges for a flavor-packed spread.
Summary Table: Ceviche-Style Passion Fruit Shrimp Recipe Overview
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Total Time | 25 minutes (15 prep + 10 chill) |
Difficulty | Easy |
Main Ingredients | Shrimp, passion fruit, lime, avocado, onion, poblano pepper, serrano chile |
Serving Ideas | Tortilla chips, tostadas, picnic salad |
Flavor Type | Bright, tangy, creamy, tropical |
Nutrition Highlights | High protein, healthy fats, vitamin C, antioxidants |
Final Thoughts: Bringing the Tropics to Your Table
This ceviche-style passion fruit shrimp is more than a quick meal—it’s a passport to sunshine and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both healthful and celebratory, ideal for sharing or savoring solo. The infusion of passion fruit and lime defines the ceviche’s punch, complemented by creamy avocado and a medley of crunchy vegetables. Pair with crisp chips for a complete and hassle-free delight. Don’t forget to try variations with different fresh fruits, chiles, and herbs to make the dish your own.
References
- https://www.pineappleandcoconut.com/halibut-passion-fruit-ceviche/
- https://tamronhallshow.com/blog/chef-aaron-sanchez-shrimp-ceviche-w-passionfruit/
- https://flavourise.com/easy-mexican-shrimp-ceviche-camarones-en-aguachile-verde/
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a41048756/ceviche-style-passion-fruit-shrimp-recipe/
- https://www.chefjamie.com/collections/passionfruit-ceviche
- https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/recipes/a45867560/shrimp-summer-rolls-with-passion-fruit-dipping-sauce-recipe/
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