The flavors of coastal Mexico come alive in these Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas. A refreshing combination of citrus-marinated shrimp, crisp veggies, and creamy, smoky Baja sauce piled high on crunchy tostadas – it’s everything you want in a light summer dish. With no actual cooking required, this recipe is perfect for warm weather days when you want something quick, delicious, and satisfying.
These tostadas are incredibly versatile – enjoy them as a starter, a light lunch, or a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering. They’re bright, tangy, and loaded with texture from the juicy shrimp to the creamy sauce to the crisp tortilla base. Each bite offers a harmony of bold flavor and freshness that screams sunshine and good times.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Ceviche:
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1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and diced
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½ cup fresh lime juice (from about 4–5 limes)
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2 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
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1 roma tomato, finely diced
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1 small carrot, finely chopped
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1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely diced
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¼ red onion, finely chopped
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Sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
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6 tostada shells
For the Baja Sauce (makes 1½ cups):
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1 heaping tablespoon roasted red bell pepper, chopped
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½ jalapeño, chopped (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
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1 heaping tablespoon red onion, chopped
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1 garlic clove, smashed and peeled
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¾ cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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1 teaspoon honey
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¼ teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
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Diced avocado
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Thinly sliced radishes
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Sliced scallions
Directions:
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Prepare the Baja Sauce: In a food processor, pulse the roasted red pepper, jalapeño, garlic, and red onion until chunky. Add mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use. For best flavor, chill for at least 3 hours.
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Marinate the Shrimp: Combine the diced shrimp and lime juice in a large non-reactive bowl. Refrigerate for 20–25 minutes, or until shrimp turn opaque.
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Add Vegetables: Drain the shrimp, reserving ¼ cup of lime juice. Add tomato, carrot, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, and reserved lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently and refrigerate again for 10–15 minutes.
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Assemble the Tostadas: Spread Baja sauce on each tostada shell. Top with thin slices of radish, a generous scoop of shrimp ceviche, avocado, and scallions. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, zesty crunch!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 30–40 minutes Kcal: 189 kcal | Servings: 6
What is Baja Shrimp Ceviche?
Baja Shrimp Ceviche is a Mexican seafood dish where shrimp is marinated in fresh citrus juice, typically lime, which “cooks” the shrimp through the acidity. It’s a refreshing dish, typically served cold, making it the ideal option for warm-weather dining. The shrimp in this recipe are combined with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and sometimes carrots, and then dressed with a creamy Baja sauce that adds a smoky, spicy touch to the dish. While ceviche itself is often associated with seafood like fish or shrimp, Baja shrimp ceviche is known for its smooth, smoky sauce that takes this dish to the next level.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
What makes Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas stand out is the perfect balance of flavors. The shrimp are marinated in tangy lime juice, which firms up the flesh and infuses it with a fresh, citrusy bite. The addition of chopped vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, adds a delightful crunch and herbaceous note, elevating the shrimp’s natural sweetness. What truly sets this dish apart, however, is the creamy Baja sauce. The sauce is made from a combination of roasted red bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, garlic, and mayonnaise. This combination creates a rich, smoky flavor with a kick of heat, making it the perfect complement to the shrimp and the crunchy tostada.
Topped off with diced avocado, radishes, and scallions, these Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas offer a combination of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. The creamy sauce, the crunch of the tostada, the coolness of the avocado, and the pop of radishes and cilantro all come together in a harmonious bite.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer at a party, as a side dish to your main course, or as a light lunch or dinner option. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. It’s easy to customize to fit your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. If you love heat, feel free to add more jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with flat-leaf parsley, or omit it altogether. The shrimp can also be marinated in different types of citrus juices if you prefer a different flavor profile. For example, you can use lemon juice instead of lime, which will give the dish a slightly different but equally delightful taste.
Another great thing about Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas is that they are quick and easy to make. Unlike many seafood dishes, ceviche doesn’t require cooking in the traditional sense. The shrimp are “cooked” by the acid in the lime juice, and all you need to do is marinate the shrimp, mix the vegetables, and assemble the tostadas. This makes it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner, a picnic, or a last-minute gathering with friends.
Healthy and Light
This dish is not only bursting with flavor, but it’s also healthy and light. The shrimp are a great source of lean protein, while the vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients. The creamy Baja sauce, while indulgent, is made with mayonnaise, which you can easily swap for a lighter version or even Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. The tostadas themselves add a satisfying crunch, but they are not overly heavy, making this dish a great option if you’re looking for something flavorful without feeling weighed down.
Perfect for Entertaining
If you’re hosting a summer gathering or a Mexican-themed fiesta, Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas are an excellent choice. The bright flavors and fresh ingredients make this dish a crowd-pleaser, and the easy-to-make nature means you can focus on other parts of your menu without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve these tostadas as part of a larger spread with other Mexican-inspired dishes, such as guacamole, fresh salsa, or grilled corn on the cob. Pair it with refreshing beverages like a cold margarita, a michelada, or even a tropical fruit punch for a truly festive experience.
How to Serve Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas
When serving Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas, it’s important to present them in a way that highlights their freshness and vibrant colors. Arrange the tostadas on a platter and drizzle the Baja sauce over the top. You can also serve the sauce on the side for guests to add themselves. Garnish with extra slices of avocado, radishes, and scallions for a pop of color and texture. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some extra cilantro or parsley over the top. The more colorful the presentation, the more appetizing the dish looks.
For an added twist, serve the ceviche inside martini glasses for a sophisticated touch or in small bowls for an individual serving. If you’re feeling particularly creative, you could even serve the ceviche in a deconstructed form, where guests can build their own tostadas at the table with the components laid out.
Tips for Perfect Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas
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Use Fresh Shrimp: The key to a great ceviche is fresh shrimp. If possible, buy your shrimp from a trusted source, and always ensure it’s fresh. The shrimp should have a firm texture and a sweet, clean smell. Avoid shrimp with any signs of fishiness or an overly strong odor.
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Don’t Over-Marinate: While marinating the shrimp in citrus juice is what cooks the shrimp, it’s important not to overdo it. If the shrimp are marinated for too long, they can become tough and rubbery. Aim for around 20–25 minutes of marination time, depending on the size of the shrimp.
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Customize the Vegetables: The beauty of ceviche lies in its versatility. Feel free to add other vegetables you love, such as diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even fruit like mango or pineapple for a sweet twist.
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Make the Baja Sauce in Advance: The Baja sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to five days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will develop, making it even tastier when paired with the ceviche.
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Don’t Forget the Garnishes: Garnishes like avocado, radishes, and scallions not only add extra flavor, but they also provide a beautiful contrast in color and texture. Garnishing the ceviche is an easy way to elevate the dish and make it even more visually appealing.
Conclusion
Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas are a must-try dish for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant flavors. With their combination of tangy shrimp, smoky Baja sauce, crunchy tostadas, and fresh vegetables, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a light lunch, or craving a delicious snack, these tostadas will hit the spot. They’re quick, easy to prepare, and customizable to your taste. Plus, they’re healthy, so you can indulge without the guilt.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something fresh, bright, and full of flavor, whip up a batch of Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas. They’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!