Spicy Watermelon Shrimp Ceviche Cups (Printable Version)
Shrimp, watermelon, and citrus blend in crisp lettuce cups for a zesty, vibrant starter with a cooling, spicy twist.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 225 g medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
02 - 240 ml freshly squeezed lime juice (about 6–8 limes)
→ Fruits & Vegetables
03 - 150 g seedless watermelon, small-diced
04 - ½ small red onion, finely diced
05 - 1 medium jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
06 - ½ medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
07 - 1 small avocado, diced
08 - 5 g fresh cilantro, chopped
09 - 1 head butter lettuce or 12 small gem lettuce leaves, separated and washed
→ Seasonings & Extras
10 - ¼ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
11 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
13 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, to taste)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Prepare an ice bath in a medium bowl.
02 - Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes, until just pink and opaque. Immediately transfer shrimp to the ice bath to chill.
03 - Once cool, drain shrimp and chop into bite-sized pieces.
04 - In a non-metallic bowl, combine shrimp and lime juice. Marinate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
05 - Drain most of the lime juice from the shrimp, reserving about 2 tablespoons.
06 - Add diced watermelon, red onion, jalapeño, cucumber, avocado, and cilantro to the shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, olive oil, and hot sauce (if using). Gently toss to combine.
07 - Spoon the ceviche mixture into lettuce cups. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Fresh and vibrant summer flavors that wake up your palate
- Quick prep with only about 30 minutes from start to finish
- No heavy cooking and serves chilled for ultimate refreshment
- Healthy gluten free and dairy free so everyone can enjoy
- Portable for parties or picnics no fork required
02 -
- High in lean protein and rich in vitamin C from both shrimp and citrus
- Perfect finger food for parties low mess and always impressive
- Best enjoyed within an hour for peak freshness and texture
03 -
- Always use a nonmetal bowl for citrus marinating so your ceviche stays bright not metallic
- Chill your serving platter before plating to keep the lettuce crisp
- Gently toss the avocado in at the very end to avoid it turning mushy or brown