Authentic Mexican Aguachile Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of shrimp, deveined and shells removed
  • 3 cups of fresh lime juice
  • 2 cucumbers, sliced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1-2 serrano peppers, seeds removed and chopped
  • 1 bunch of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • 1 cup of cold water
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Tostadas or crackers for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Slice the shrimps in half from the back and place them in a large dish. Pour 2 cups of fresh lime juice over them, making sure that they are completely covered. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes until they turn pink.
  2. While the shrimps are marinating, prepare the aguachile sauce. Combine the remaining 1 cup of lime juice, the chopped serrano peppers, the fresh coriander leaves, cold water, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the aguachile sauce over the marinated shrimps, ensuring that they are well coated.
  4. Arrange the sliced cucumbers and red onions over the shrimps. Let it marinate for another 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld together.
  5. Just before serving, garnish the dish with slices of avocado and serve with tostadas or crackers.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different seafood: Instead of shrimp, you can use scallops, fish fillets, or even octopus.
  • Spice it up: Add diced jalapenos or habanero peppers for an extra kick of heat.
  • Experiment with fruits: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace the shrimp with firm tofu or sliced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Change up the herbs: Replace the fresh coriander with fresh mint or basil for a different flavor profile.
  • Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for some texture.
  • Customize the toppings: Instead of avocado, try sliced radishes or pickled red cabbage.
  • Make it creamy: Blend in a ripe avocado with the aguachile sauce for a creamy texture.
  • Play with citrus: Experiment with different citrus juices like lemon or grapefruit for a unique twist.
  • Add some crunch: Serve the aguachile with a side of tortilla chips or crispy lettuce leaves.

Recipe overview

This Aguachile recipe is a traditional Mexican dish that offers a refreshing and tangy flavor profile, perfect for hot summer days or as an appetizer before a main course. Aguachile, which translates to 'chile water', is a spicy and citrusy concoction that's used to marinate fresh shrimp. The shrimp, marinated in lime juice, essentially 'cooks' in the acidity, resulting in a tender and flavorful seafood dish. Mixed with cucumbers, red onions, serrano peppers, and garnished with avocado slices, this dish is a burst of freshness in every bite. Served with tostadas or crackers, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is quite simple to make, but it requires time for marinating to let all the flavors come together beautifully. Enjoy this vibrant, healthy, and delicious dish!

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? - Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and drain them before marinating.
  2. How spicy is this dish? - The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or less serrano peppers. It is recommended to start with one pepper and increase as desired.
  3. Can I substitute cilantro for coriander? - Yes, cilantro and coriander refer to the same herb. So you can use cilantro if coriander leaves are not available.
  4. How long can I marinate the shrimp? - It is recommended to marinate the shrimp for 10-15 minutes, as prolonged marination can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.
  5. Can I make this recipe in advance? - While the dish is best when served immediately after preparation, you can marinate the shrimp and prepare the sauce in advance. However, it is recommended to add the cucumbers, onions, and avocado just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Dish - A dish large enough to marinate the shrimps and mix the ingredients together
  • Blender - To blend the aguachile sauce
  • Knife - For slicing the shrimps, cucumbers, red onions, and avocado
  • Cutting Board - To safely cut and prepare the ingredients
  • Citrus Juicer - To extract juice from the limes
  • Spoon - For mixing and serving the aguachile
  • Tongs - To handle and serve the shrimp
  • Platter or Serving Dish - To present and serve the finished aguachile
  • Tostadas or Crackers - To serve the aguachile with

Origin stories

Aguachile, with its bright, zesty flavors, hails from the coastal regions of Mexico, specifically from the Sinaloa state, where fresh seafood is abundant. The name 'Aguachile' translates to 'chili water', reflecting the dish's key ingredients - chilies and water. Originally, this dish was made by the indigenous peoples of Mexico using a small, native type of shrimp called 'chiltepin'. The shrimp were marinated in water, chili, and a local fruit called 'pitaya'. Over time, as limes became more readily accessible due to Spanish influence, they were incorporated into the dish, replacing the pitaya. Today, this vibrant dish is enjoyed not just in Sinaloa, but around the globe, bringing a taste of the Mexican coast to anyone who savors its unique, refreshing flavors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.