Name: Aguachile
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied; 1 cup fresh lime juice (plus more for sauce); 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 2–3 serrano or jalapeño chiles (adjust to taste); 1 clove garlic; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cucumber, thinly sliced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup cold water or a few ice cubes (optional, for thinning the sauce)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Aguachile is bright, spicy, and loaded with flavor. It’s fast and easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and feels light yet energizing. If you love ceviche or spicy dishes, this one will win you over with its fresh ingredients and zingy punch. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with protein.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, butterflied)
Fresh lime juice
Fresh cilantro
Serrano or jalapeño chiles (adjust to taste)
Garlic
Salt
Cucumber
Red onion
Avocado
Cold water or ice (optional, for thinning the sauce)

Directions

Prepare the shrimp: Slice the shrimp in half lengthwise (butterfly them) and place them in a bowl. Cover with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. Let them marinate for 15–20 minutes in the refrigerator until opaque.
Make the aguachile sauce: In a blender, combine lime juice, chiles, cilantro, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth. Add a splash of water or ice to thin it slightly, if desired.
Slice the veggies: Thinly slice the cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
Assemble: Once the shrimp have turned opaque, drain most of the lime juice, then pour the blended chile-cilantro mixture over the shrimp. Toss to coat.
Add vegetables: Layer the cucumber, onion, and avocado into the mixture or arrange on a serving platter and spoon the aguachile over the top.
Chill and serve: Let it sit for 5–10 more minutes in the fridge before serving. Serve cold with tortilla chips or tostadas.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people as an appetizer.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Green Aguachile (Aguachile Verde): Use only green chiles and cilantro for a vibrant green sauce.
Red Aguachile (Aguachile Rojo): Add dried chile de árbol or chipotle in adobo for a smoky red version.
Tropical twist: Add mango or pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast.
Vegetarian: Use thinly sliced mushrooms or hearts of palm instead of shrimp.
Protein swap: Try scallops, octopus, or thinly sliced fish like snapper or tuna.

Storage/Reheating

Aguachile is best enjoyed fresh, immediately after preparing.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Do not reheat—this dish is meant to be served cold. The texture of the shrimp may change if stored too long in lime juice.

FAQs

What is the difference between aguachile and ceviche?

Aguachile is typically spicier and uses a chile-based sauce, while ceviche focuses more on citrus and can include a variety of seafood and vegetables.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and of sashimi or high quality since the shrimp are not cooked with heat.

Is it safe to eat raw shrimp in aguachile?

Yes, as long as the shrimp are fresh and marinated in enough lime juice to “cook” them, it’s considered safe. Always use high-quality seafood.

How long should the shrimp marinate?

Typically 15–20 minutes is enough for them to turn opaque, but you can marinate longer for a firmer texture.

What can I serve with aguachile?

Tostadas, tortilla chips, avocado slices, and ice-cold drinks like beer or agua fresca pair perfectly.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and vegetables ahead, but combine everything close to serving time for best texture.

How spicy is aguachile?

It’s naturally spicy due to the chiles. You can adjust the heat by using fewer chiles or milder types like jalapeños instead of serranos.

Do I need to devein the shrimp?

Yes, for the best texture and presentation, remove the vein before slicing and marinating.

Can I use other citrus besides lime?

Lime is traditional, but you can blend in a bit of lemon or orange juice for a unique twist.

Is aguachile gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients used (including chips or tostadas) are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Aguachile is a refreshing and fiery Mexican dish that packs bold flavor and visual appeal into every bite. With marinated shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a zesty chile-lime sauce, it’s the kind of dish that wakes up your palate and keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a light meal, aguachile is a fresh, spicy celebration of coastal Mexican cuisine.