Are you wondering what to serve alongside your zesty shrimp ceviche? I’ve spent years experimenting with different pairings, and I’m excited to share my favorite combinations that’ll make your ceviche shine! Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or planning a fancy dinner party, these side dishes will transform your ceviche from a simple appetizer into an unforgettable feast.
Quick Guide to Perfect Ceviche Pairings
Before diving into the specific sides here’s what you need to know about pairing foods with shrimp ceviche
- Keep it light: Since ceviche is fresh and bright, avoid heavy sides that might overwhelm it
- Think texture: Choose sides that add crunch or creaminess to complement the tender shrimp
- Balance flavors: Look for sides with complementary tastes like lime, cilantro, and tropical fruits
- Temperature contrast: Mix chilled sides with warm accompaniments for interest
Best Side Dishes for Shrimp Ceviche
Crunchy Dippers
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Tortilla Chips
- Homemade is best (takes just 25 mins!)
- Season with lime and sea salt
- Perfect for scooping up the ceviche
-
Plantain Chips
- Naturally sweet contrast
- Can be store-bought or homemade
- Traditional Latin American pairing
-
Yuca Fries
- Crispy exterior, creamy interior
- More authentic than potato fries
- Great for dipping
Fresh & Light Sides
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Avocado Salad
- Creamy texture complements ceviche
- Add tomatoes, red onion, lime juice
- Healthy fats balance the acid
-
Mango Salsa
- Sweet-spicy flavor combo
- Use ripe mangos for best results
- Add jalapeños for kick
-
Cucumber Salad
- Cooling and refreshing
- Simple prep with red onions and dill
- Light vinaigrette dressing
Hearty Accompaniments
-
Mexican Rice
- Adds substance to the meal
- Seasoned with garlic and cumin
- Perfect for a full dinner
-
Black Beans
- Protein-rich side
- Season with lime and cilantro
- Traditional pairing
-
Quinoa Salad
- Healthy grain alternative
- Add colorful veggies
- Great make-ahead option
Drinks That Pair Well with Ceviche
- Micheladas: Mexican beer cocktail with lime and spices
- Palomas: Tequila and grapefruit soda
- Chicha Morada: Traditional Peruvian purple corn drink
- Fresh Fruit Agua Frescas: Light and refreshing
Tips for Serving Ceviche at a Party
- Keep everything chilled
- Provide multiple serving utensils
- Set out small plates and napkins
- Arrange sides in an accessible way
- Include both warm and cold options
My Go-To Party Setup
When I’m hosting, here’s how I typically arrange my ceviche spread:
Center:- Large bowl of shrimp ceviche- Small bowls of extra lime wedges- Chopped cilantro for garnishSurrounding Sides:- Tortilla chips- Sliced avocados- Plantain chips- Fresh salsas- Warm rice or beansCommon Questions About Serving Ceviche
Q: How long can ceviche sit out?
A: Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours. I usually put out small portions and refill as needed.
Q: Can I make the sides ahead?
A: Many sides like salsas, rice, and beans can be made 1-2 days ahead. Just store properly and reheat if needed.
My Personal Tips
After serving ceviche at countless gatherings, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Always make extra tortilla chips – they disappear fast!
- Keep some mild options for those who don’t like spice
- Label anything spicy to avoid surprises
- Have backup sides ready in the kitchen
- Consider dietary restrictions when planning sides
Remember, the key to a great ceviche spread is variety! Mix and match these sides based on your preferences and party size. The best part? Most of these sides are super easy to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests!
#1 Chips and Salsa
The best way to pair “cooked” ceviche is to contrast it with something crunchy like corn tortilla chips, a standard appetizer in Mexican restaurants where ceviche is sold.
You can even set up an appetizer bar with little bowls of fresh and roasted salsas, ceviches, guacamole, and plenty of chips.
In Peruvian restaurants where ceviche is so often on the menu, they provide potato chips and salsa to go with the ceviche. At the very popular Peruvian restaurant, Limon, in San Francisco, they offer taro chips for an additional $4 when you order their house ceviche.
So when you think of serving chips and salsa with your ceviche, it doesnt have to just be corn tortilla chips. Think of other root vegetable chip varieties that you can easily find at grocery stores now such as potato, sweet potato, taro, and beet chips.
#8 Green Bean Fritters
There are American corn fritters, Italian zucchini fritters, and here comes the Guatamalan green bean fritter.
Known as Tortitas de Ejotes in Spanish, this dish is also popular in Mexico. They can be eaten by themselves for breakfast, lunch, or even between two slices of bread with some mayo as a sandwich. They would also make a great side dish next to ceviche.
All you need are some green beans, eggs, onion, flour, oil, salt, and pepper.
For an earthy side dish that can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature, look no further than these champinones a la mexicana from a family recipe.
Broccoli does go with everything, including ceviche, but this recipe adds a twist of fresh chimichurri sauce.
Chimichurri is a classic Argentinian sauce made of fresh herbs, red wine vinegar, and oil. It is commonly served in a bowl and passed around the table for everyone to dress their own grilled steak or fish.
The sauce adds great flavor and brightens up a bowl of broccoli with some Latin flare.
