Aguachile Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the main protein in the dish.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed, it provides the essential tangy base for the marinade.

Serrano peppers: Sliced, they add a spicy kick to the dish.

Cucumber: Sliced, it adds a refreshing crunch.

Red onion: Thinly sliced, it provides a sharp, sweet flavor.

Cilantro: Chopped, it adds a fresh, herbal note.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

When preparing shrimp for aguachile, ensure they are uniformly sliced in half lengthwise. This not only allows for quicker marination but also ensures that the lime juice fully penetrates the shrimp, giving it a more robust flavor. Additionally, to achieve a crisp texture, keep the cucumber slices thin and consistent. This will provide a refreshing crunch that complements the tender shrimp.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative for seafood dishes.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it is slightly less tart than lime juice.

• serrano peppers - Substitute with jalapeño peppers: Jalapeños are slightly milder but still offer a good level of heat and a similar flavor profile.

• cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative in raw dishes.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can be a good alternative to red onions.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can mimic the brightness of cilantro, though it lacks the citrus notes.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• To store your aguachile, transfer it to an airtight container. Ensure that the shrimp and vegetables are fully submerged in the lime juice mixture to maintain their freshness.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. Aguachile is best consumed within 24 hours, but it can be stored for up to 2 days. Beyond this period, the shrimp may become overly marinated and lose its optimal texture.
• If you need to freeze aguachile, it's crucial to do so before adding the lime juice mixture. Place the shrimp, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 1 month.
• When ready to serve, thaw the frozen shrimp and vegetables in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, prepare the lime juice mixture fresh and combine it with the thawed ingredients.
• Avoid freezing aguachile with the lime juice mixture already added, as the acidity can alter the texture of the shrimp and vegetables during the freezing process.

• Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as the shrimp can become rubbery.
• Alternatively, place the aguachile in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on low power for 30-second intervals, stirring gently in between, until just warmed.
• For a more refreshing option, serve the aguachile cold straight from the refrigerator. The flavors will have melded beautifully, and it can be enjoyed as a chilled dish.
• If you prefer a slightly warm dish, you can warm the lime juice mixture separately in a small saucepan over low heat, then pour it over the cold shrimp and vegetables just before serving. This will give a nice contrast of temperatures.
• To maintain the crispness of the cucumber and red onion, consider reheating only the shrimp and lime juice mixture, then combining them with the cold vegetables and cilantro right before serving.

• Blender: To blend the lime juice, serrano peppers, and salt until smooth.

• Large bowl: To combine the shrimp, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.

• Knife: To slice the serrano peppers, cucumber, and red onion.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for slicing the vegetables and peppers.

• Measuring cup: To measure the freshly squeezed lime juice.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the salt accurately.

• Mixing spoon: To toss the shrimp and vegetables with the lime juice mixture.

• Refrigerator: To marinate the aguachile for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Pre-slice ingredients: Slice the cucumber, red onion, and serrano peppers in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Use pre-peeled shrimp: Purchase shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save prep time.

Blend in bulk: Make a larger batch of the lime juice mixture and store it for future use.

Quick marination: Marinate the shrimp and vegetables for just 15 minutes to save time while still achieving great flavor.