Aguachile
A vibrant and refreshing raw shrimp dish from Sinaloa, Mexico, where shrimp are 'cooked' in a zesty marinade of lime juice and fiery serrano chilies. This dish is known for its intense spiciness and is often served as a refreshing appetizer or light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Raw shrimp
- 200 ml Fresh lime juice
- 6 Serrano chilies
- 1 Cucumber
- 1/2 Red onion
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro
- 8 Tostadas
- 1/2 tsp Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the shrimp: If using whole shrimp, peel and devein them, leaving the tails on if desired for presentation. Make a lengthwise cut through the back of each shrimp to butterfly it, then gently pound it slightly thinner with the flat side of a knife or a meat mallet. This helps them 'cook' more evenly and quickly in the lime juice. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Make the aguachile marinade: In a blender, combine the fresh lime juice, serrano chilies (stems removed; for milder heat, remove seeds and membranes), and a pinch of salt. Blend until the chilies are finely pureed. Taste and adjust salt and chili levels as needed. The mixture should be vibrant green and taste zesty and spicy.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Marinate the shrimp: Place the prepared shrimp in a non-reactive bowl (glass or ceramic). Pour the blended aguachile marinade over the shrimp, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Gently stir to coat. Let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. The shrimp will turn opaque and firm as the acid in the lime juice 'cooks' them. Do not over-marinate, or the shrimp can become tough.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Assemble and serve: Just before serving, gently drain off any excess marinade if desired (though many prefer to keep it). Arrange the marinated shrimp on a platter or in individual bowls. Top generously with thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with tostadas on the side for scooping.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Freshness is paramount: Use the freshest, highest-quality raw shrimp you can find. If you have any doubts about freshness, do not use them for this dish.
- ✓Aguachile literally translates to 'chile water,' highlighting the key spicy marinade.
- ✓Spice level: Serrano chilies are quite hot. Adjust the number of chilies and whether you include seeds and membranes based on your personal heat tolerance. You can also substitute jalapeños for a milder heat.
- ✓Don't overcook: The shrimp should be just opaque. Over-marinating will make them rubbery.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Aguachile Verde: Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the blender with the lime juice and chilies for a greener, more herbaceous flavor.
- Aguachile Negro: Incorporate a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce into the marinade for a darker color and umami depth.
- Mixed Seafood: Add thinly sliced scallops or pieces of white fish (like sea bass or snapper) to the marinade along with the shrimp.