Looking for the perfect sides to serve with your zesty shrimp ceviche? You’re in the right place! As someone who’s been cooking Mexican and seafood dishes for years, I’ve discovered tons of amazing pairings that’ll take your ceviche game to the next level.
Why These Sides Matter
Shrimp ceviche is already amazing on its own – fresh, citrusy, and packed with flavor But pairing it with the right sides can
- Balance out the acidity
- Add different textures
- Make it a more filling meal
- Complement the seafood flavors
Let’s dive into my favorite tried-and-tested side dishes!
Best Starchy Sides
1. Tortilla Chips
Nothing beats fresh crispy tortilla chips with ceviche! I always make mine at home by
- Cutting corn tortillas into triangles
- Lightly seasoning with lime and salt
- Baking until golden and crispy
2. Coconut Lime Rice
This tropical rice is perfect with ceviche:
- Cooked in coconut milk
- Flavored with lime zest and juice
- Garnished with fresh cilantro
- Ready in just 20 minutes
3. Mexican Rice
Traditional Mexican rice adds substance
- Tomato-based
- Aromatic with garlic and onions
- Perfectly fluffy texture
4. Plantain Chips
A fun alternative to regular chips:
- Naturally sweet
- Super crispy
- Healthier than potato chips
- Great for scooping
Fresh & Crispy Sides
5. Avocado Salad
My go-to fresh side includes:
- Ripe avocados
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Lime dressing
- Fresh cilantro
6. Mango Salsa
This bright and tropical salsa features:
- Fresh mango chunks
- Red bell pepper
- Jalapeño (optional)
- Red onion
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
7. Pico de Gallo
Classic Mexican salsa fresca with:
- Diced tomatoes
- Onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Lime juice
Hearty Additions
8. Black Beans and Rice
Makes it a complete meal:
- Protein-rich black beans
- Fluffy white rice
- Seasoned with cumin
- Topped with cilantro
9. Corn on the Cob
Mexican-style corn (elote) pairs perfectly:
- Grilled until charred
- Brushed with mayo
- Sprinkled with chili powder
- Topped with cotija cheese
Tips for Serving
- Temperature Control
- Keep ceviche cold (below 40°F)
- Use ice-chilled serving dishes
- Replace ice as needed
- Presentation Ideas
- Serve in glass bowls
- Use tropical leaves as garnish
- Add colorful sides for contrast
- Include lime wedges
- Safety First
- Use fresh, high-quality seafood
- Keep everything chilled
- Don’t let it sit out too long
Make It a Party!
Throwing a ceviche party? Here’s my winning combo:
- Multiple ceviche varieties
- Assorted chips and tostadas
- 2-3 fresh salsas
- Rice or beans
- Mexican beverages (try Micheladas!)
Common Questions
Q: How long can ceviche sit out?
A: No more than 2 hours, and keep it on ice!
Q: Can I make sides ahead?
A: Yes! Most sides can be made 1-2 days ahead. Just keep fresh items separate until serving.
Pro Tips
- Always have extra lime wedges
- Provide different serving options (chips, tostadas, lettuce cups)
- Include both spicy and mild sides
- Balance textures (crunchy, creamy, fresh)
Wrapping Up
We’ve covered lots of amazing sides for your shrimp ceviche! My personal faves are homemade tortilla chips, coconut lime rice, and fresh avocado salad. Mix and match these sides based on your taste and occasion.
Remember, the key is keeping everything fresh and properly chilled. Now go forth and create an awesome ceviche spread that’ll wow your guests!
What’s your favorite side to serve with ceviche? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
[Note: This article contains my personal experiences and recommendations based on years of cooking Mexican cuisine. Feel free to adjust seasonings and combinations to your taste!]
Which Fish Are Best For Ceviche?
Sea bass, mahi mahi, halibut, salmon, and tuna all are good option for ceviche. Ask the person behind the fish counter what they have available that is safe for eating raw.
How Should Ceviche Be Served?
Because we’re dealing with fresh raw fish there are a few things to keep in mind. Follow these tips to stay away from harmful bacteria that could make people sick.
- The best ceviche is made with the best fish. Buy from somewhere you trust.
- One of the best ways to keep ceviche cold is to place the bowl of ceviche in a larger bowl of ice. To keep the ceviche safe to eat it needs to stay below 40°F. Invest in an ice-chilled serving dish if you plan on serving ceviche often.
- When in doubt, poach the fish or seafood first. This will kill off any bacteria.