If you’re searching for an appetizer that makes a bold statement, Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups are the perfect dish to serve at your next gathering. Not only are they bursting with vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, but they also bring a delightful blend of textures that will excite your taste buds. This appetizer is not only visually stunning but also packs a punch of heat and tang, thanks to the combination of fresh ingredients like shrimp, lime, and spicy serrano pepper.
These mini ceviche cups are incredibly easy to assemble, yet they provide an air of sophistication, making them an ideal choice for everything from summer cookouts to festive gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or bringing a dish to share, Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups are sure to be the star of the table.
What Are Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups?
Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups are a unique and exciting twist on the classic ceviche. Traditionally, ceviche is made by marinating raw seafood in citrus juices, which “cooks” the seafood due to the acidity. However, in this recipe, we’re using cooked shrimp for ease and convenience, making the preparation faster without compromising on flavor. The ceviche mixture is served in crispy, baked tortilla cups, creating the perfect vessel for this zesty shrimp mixture.
The combination of fresh shrimp, lime, serrano peppers, and cilantro offers a refreshing, spicy bite, while the sour cream filling adds a cool, creamy element that balances the heat. These mini tortilla cups not only make for a fun and interactive appetizer but also allow for easy portion control, making them a great choice for large gatherings.
Origin of Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups
The origins of ceviche date back centuries, with varying versions across Latin America. Ceviche is particularly popular in coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant. The dish was first created in ancient Peru, and over time, it spread to various countries, each putting their own twist on the recipe. While traditional ceviche often uses raw fish or shellfish marinated in citrus juices, this particular variation with cooked shrimp and served in tortilla cups adds a modern and fun presentation.
Though ceviche is commonly enjoyed in Peru, Mexico, and Central America, the creative twist of serving it in mini tortilla cups is more of a contemporary take designed to cater to modern tastes and elevate the visual appeal of the dish. The use of sour cream as a filling also introduces a creamy texture that contrasts the typical tanginess of ceviche.
Ingredients (Makes 24 Mini Cups)
Before you dive into creating this zesty, vibrant appetizer, let’s take a look at the ingredients needed to make Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups. Gather these fresh ingredients for the tortilla cups, sour cream filling, and shrimp ceviche.
For the Tortilla Cups:
- 6 flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
For the Sour Cream Filling:
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- ⅛ tsp salt
Lastly for the Shrimp Ceviche:
- 8 oz cooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 serrano pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- ⅓ cup seedless cucumber, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
- ⅛ tsp salt
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Make the Tortilla Cups
The first step in this recipe is to create the crispy tortilla cups that will hold the shrimp ceviche. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the tortillas into 6-inch squares. Then, cut each square into quarters to create 24 smaller pieces.
- Make a 1-inch cut from each corner of the tortilla square, which will help them form into cup shapes more easily.
- Brush both sides of each tortilla square with vegetable oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Press each tortilla square into the cups of a mini muffin pan, making sure to press the edges down to form a cup shape.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortilla cups are golden and crispy. Allow them to cool completely before filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Sour Cream Filling
While the tortilla cups are cooling, you can start preparing the creamy sour cream filling that will go inside each cup:
- Mix together the sour cream, finely chopped cilantro, lime zest, pressed garlic, and salt in a small bowl.
- Transfer the sour cream mixture to a piping bag or resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped, which will make it easier to pipe the filling into the tortilla cups.
Step 3: Make the Shrimp Ceviche
Next, prepare the shrimp ceviche:
- Coarsely chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Combine the chopped shrimp with the finely chopped bell pepper, serrano pepper, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix well and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Assemble the Cups
Once all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups:
- Pipe the sour cream filling into the bottom of each tortilla cup.
- Top with a spoonful of the shrimp ceviche mixture, ensuring each cup is generously filled.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs for an extra burst of color and flavor, if desired.
Now, your Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups are ready to serve!
Tips & Variations
Make it Tropical:
To give your ceviche a fun, tropical twist, add diced mango or pineapple to the ceviche mixture. The sweetness from the fruit pairs perfectly with the tangy lime and spicy serrano pepper, creating a well-rounded flavor.
Heat Control:
If you prefer a milder version, you can swap out the serrano pepper for jalapeño or even omit the peppers entirely. Adjust the heat to suit your taste preferences.
Presentation Boost:
For a more elegant presentation, try serving the ceviche cups in martini glasses for a plated twist. This adds sophistication while still maintaining the interactive nature of the appetizer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the tortilla cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tortilla cups in advance and store them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled. This will save time when you’re ready to assemble the ceviche cups.
Can I use raw shrimp for the ceviche?
While traditional ceviche often uses raw shrimp, this recipe calls for cooked shrimp for convenience. If you prefer to use raw shrimp, ensure it’s fresh and properly prepared by marinating it in citrus juice for several hours before use.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
If you love spice, you can increase the amount of serrano pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the ceviche mixture. Feel free to customize the heat level to your liking.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version of this appetizer. Keep in mind that corn tortillas have a slightly different texture and flavor, but they will still work beautifully.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover ceviche and tortilla cups separately in the refrigerator. The ceviche will stay fresh for about 1-2 days, but the tortilla cups are best enjoyed the same day they’re baked to maintain their crispiness.
Conclusion
Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups are a vibrant, zesty appetizer that packs a punch in both flavor and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, a casual gathering, or a more formal celebration, these mini tortilla cups filled with shrimp ceviche will undoubtedly impress your guests. With their perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors, they’re a treat that will keep everyone coming back for more. Enjoy the process of making these delicious appetizers, and don’t forget to have fun with the variations to make them uniquely yours!
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Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups: A Vibrant, Zesty Appetizer
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups are a unique and exciting twist on the classic ceviche. Traditionally, ceviche is made by marinating raw seafood in citrus juices, which “cooks” the seafood due to the acidity. However, in this recipe, we’re using cooked shrimp for ease and convenience, making the preparation faster without compromising on flavor. The ceviche mixture is served in crispy, baked tortilla cups, creating the perfect vessel for this zesty shrimp mixture.
Ingredients
For the Tortilla Cups
- 6 flour tortillas (10-inch)
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
For the Sour Cream Filling
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- ⅛ tsp salt
For the Shrimp Ceviche
- 8 oz cooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 serrano pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- ⅓ cup seedless cucumber, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Make the Tortilla Cups
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut tortillas into 6-inch squares, then quarter each to make 24 squares.
- Make a 1-inch cut from each corner toward the center.
- Brush both sides with oil and press into mini muffin pan cups.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until crisp and golden. Cool completely.
- Prepare Sour Cream Filling
- Mix sour cream, cilantro, lime zest, garlic, and salt in a small bowl.
- Transfer to a piping bag or resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped.
- Make the Ceviche
- Coarsely chop shrimp and pat dry.
- Combine with bell pepper, serrano, cucumber, onion, lime juice, and salt.
- Mix well and chill for 15–20 minutes.
- Assemble the Cups
- Pipe sour cream filling into each tortilla cup.
- Top with a spoonful of shrimp ceviche.
- Garnish with cilantro sprigs if desired.
Notes
These vibrant cups are perfect for parties or summer gatherings! Serve them chilled in mini phyllo shells or cucumber rounds for a fresh, zesty bite-sized appetizer that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Latin
Keywords: Spicy Shrimp Ceviche Cups
