Authentic Aguachile Recipe (Mexican Shrimp Dish)

Looking for a delicious and authentic Mexican shrimp dish? Look no further than Aguachile! This dish is made with cooked shrimp, lime juice, chilies, and salt. It is served cold and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. In this blog post, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to make Aguachile at home with simple ingredients. Let’s get cooking!

What is Aguachile?

Aguachile is a traditional Mexican shrimp dish that is made with cooked shrimp, lime juice, chilies, and salt.

It is served cold and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. This dish gets its name from the Spanish word “aguachile” which means “chili water.” The dish originates from the Mexican state of Sinaloa and is very popular in coastal areas.

Aguachile is typically made with fresh, raw shrimp. The shrimp are marinated in a mixture of lime juice and chilies, which “cooks” the shrimp. This process gives the shrimp a slightly pink color and a slightly spicy flavor.

The dish is usually served with chopped onions, cucumbers, and avocado. It can also be garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

Ingredients for authentic Aguachile Recipe:

Shrimp:

• 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed) 
• 1–3 large limes (1 cup)
• pinch of salt (kosher)

Red onion:

• ¼ of a medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar ( optional, to brighten color)
• 1 cup of water to cover

Aguachile Marinade:

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice ( 2–3 limes; you may also use the left over lime juice from “cooking” the shrimp)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 cup cilantro, packed
• 2 jalapeños
• 1 serrano chili pepper ( optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Garnishes – Serve with:

• Chopped onions
• Top with extra virgin olive oil
• Cucumbers
• Fresh Avocado slices
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges 
• Radishes sliced
• Tortilla chips
• Crispy tostadas

How to make Aguachile – Mexican Shrimp Dish:

1. Clean the shrimp by removing the shells and deveining them. Butterfly cut them. Rinse the shrimp in cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Place the peeled shrimp on a dish in one layer and squeeze lime juice over shrimp. Season with a little kosher salt. This process will “cook” the shrimp. Flip if needed – shrimp will turn pink within 20-30 minutes.
3. Next, thinly slice the red onion and place it in a bowl then season with salt. Pour enough water to cover the onions. Add a splash of white vinegar (this is optional but it will bring out the red color more). Let the onions sit for at least 15 minutes.

Aguachile Marinade directions:

1. Add all the ingredients for the Aguachile marinade in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Aguachile:

1. Pour the aguachile marinade over the shrimp with the excess lime juice if you haven’t added it to the blender.
2. Drain the red onions and add them to the top of the Aguachile.
3. Garnish with chopped onions, cucumbers, radishes, or chili peppers.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. This dish is best served cold!

Serve with slices of avocado, tortilla chips, Mexican shrimp cocktail, fresh herbs (cilantro), red chili flakes, and an optional drizzle of olive oil.

Enjoy!

Why does Aguachile make the perfect appetizer?

Aguachile is the perfect appetizer because it is light, refreshing, and full of flavor. This dish can be made in advance and is best served cold.

It is also relatively easy to make, which makes it perfect for entertaining a crowd.

Is Shrimp Aguachile healthy?

Yes, Aguachile is a healthy dish! It’s packed with high protein and healthy fats from the shrimp and avocado. The lime juice and chilies also add a boost of Vitamin C.

This dish is relatively low in calories, making it a great option if you are watching your weight.

Is Aguachile a spicy dish?

Aguachile can be as spicy as you like! The level of spice will depend on the type of chili peppers you use. If you want a milder dish, you can remove the seeds from the chili peppers.

For a spicier Aguachile, leave the seeds in, and add extra chili pepper, or habanero peppers to the recipe.

What type of shrimp should I use for Aguachile?

For the best results, use fresh, raw shrimp for Aguachile. Fresh shrimp will ensure that your dish has the best flavor and texture.

How does lime cook shrimp?

The acidity in the lime juice “cooks” the shrimp, causing it to turn pink in color.

Is it safe to eat shrimp cooked in lime juice?

Yes, it is safe to eat shrimp cooked in lime juice. The acid in the lime juice breaks down the proteins in the shrimp the same way it does when heated.

What is the difference between Aguachile and Ceviche?

One main difference is that Ceviche has more various ingredients than Aguachile.

Ceviche can contain fish or shrimp along with various vegetables.

Aguachile is focused more on shrimp with jalapeños or serrano peppers for a spicy flavor.

Both are very similar and delicious seafood dishes, but traditional Aguachile is more like a sauce while ceviche is more like a salad.

How to store Aguachile

Aguachile should be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container. It will last for up to four days.

Can you freeze this Mexican shrimp dish?

Aguachile does not freeze well because of the high acidity content. The lime juice will cause the shrimp to become tough and rubbery.

If you have leftovers, it is best to eat them within a few days.

Aguachile is a simple traditional Mexican dish that is best served on a hot day. The recipe is light, refreshing, and perfect for entertaining. Serve this at your next get together or on holidays like Cinco De Mayo. Your guests will be impressed with this easy and delicious appetizer that can also be served as a main dish with rice or tortillas.

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