Homemade Aguachiles Recipe
Dive into the refreshing world of homemade aguachiles, a vibrant Mexican dish that perfectly balances zesty lime, spicy peppers, and succulent shrimp. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for summer gatherings or casual get-togethers.
With fresh ingredients like cilantro, avocado, and cucumber, each bite is a burst of flavor that embodies the essence of coastal cuisine. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this deliciously tangy treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bright & Refreshing Flavors: The combination of fresh lime juice, cucumbers, tomatillos, and cilantro creates a zesty, vibrant dish perfect for hot days.
Light Yet Satisfying: Aguachiles are light on the stomach but packed with protein, fresh veggies, and healthy fats from avocados, making it both nourishing and energizing.
Customizable Heat: With serranos and jalapeños, you can adjust the spice level to suit any preference—mild, medium, or fiery.
Perfect Party Dish: This dish is ideal for sharing at gatherings, served with tostadas or crackers, offering a unique, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
No Cooking Required: The lime “cooks” the shrimp, making it a no-cook recipe that’s quick, easy, and perfect for when you want minimal kitchen time.
Key Ingredients:
Shrimp: The star of the dish, providing a tender, fresh seafood base.
Limes: Essential for “cooking” the shrimp with their bright, tangy acidity.
Tomatillos: Boiled and blended for a unique, slightly tart flavor that enhances the sauce.
Serranos & Jalapeños: Add a spicy kick and bold heat to the dish, customizable to your spice preference.
Cucumbers & Red Onion: Add crunch and freshness, balancing the heat and citrus flavors.
Avocados: Bring creaminess and richness, complementing the tangy, spicy elements.
Cilantro: Offers an earthy, herbal note that ties all the flavors together.
Homemade Aguachiles Recipe
Ingredients:
1.5-2lbs shrimp
20 limes
1 red onion
1 bunch of cilantro
3 Serranos
5 jalapeños (4 to blend, 1 to slice)
1 garlic clove
3 tomatillos
2 cucumbers
2 avocados
Salt to season
Instructions:
Make sure shrimp is peeled and deveined. I slice shrimp in half and place in a bowl.
Squeeze all limes until shrimp is almost covered. I add a little water to cover shrimp and mix.
Place in fridge for about 30-40 mins, shrimp will change color when fully cooked from the lime. While shrimp is “cooking” boil tomatillos.
Then blend serranos, jalapeños, cilantro, garlic and tomatillos. Add blended mixture to shrimp once shrimp is fully”cooked”.
Add sliced onions, jalapeños, cucumbers and cubed avocados. Mix and season with salt.
I place in fridge for about 20mins to let everything marinate together. Serve on tostadas or eat with crackers!
Enjoy !!
Notes:
Shrimp Quality: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and well-drained.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is key to achieving the authentic taste. Avoid bottled lime juice if possible.
Marination Time: The shrimp should “cook” in the lime juice for at least 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the color change to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Adjusting Spice: You can modify the number of Serranos and jalapeños based on your spice preference. For milder flavor, remove the seeds.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Aguachiles can be served on tostadas, with tortilla chips, or even as a salad. Pair with a light beer or a refreshing cocktail.
Storage: For best flavor, enjoy aguachiles fresh. However, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a day, but the texture of the shrimp may change.
Garnishes: Consider adding avocado slices or a sprinkle of chili powder on top for an extra touch before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 250 calories | Protein: 20 grams | Fat: 10grams | Carbohydrates: 10 grams | Fiber: 3 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before marinating them in lime juice.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked from the lime juice?
The shrimp will turn opaque and firm to the touch when fully cooked.
Additionally, they may change color slightly from translucent to pinkish-white.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Absolutely! You can control the heat by adjusting the number of serranos and jalapeños you use in the blender.
For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of these peppers.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the aguachiles ahead of time and let them marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
The flavors will develop even more as they sit.
What are some serving suggestions for Homemade Aguachiles?
Aguachiles can be served on tostadas, tortilla chips, or crackers.
You can also enjoy them as a refreshing appetizer or light meal on their own, perhaps accompanied by a cold beverage like beer or a margarita.
How do I properly devein shrimp?
To devein shrimp, make a shallow slit along the back of the shrimp with a knife and remove the dark vein using the tip of the knife or a deveining tool.
Do I need to use all 20 limes for the marinade?
The number of limes you need may vary depending on their size and juiciness.
Start with fewer limes and adjust as needed to ensure the shrimp are adequately covered in lime juice.
Can I substitute ingredients in the marinade?
Yes, feel free to customize the marinade to your taste preferences.
You can adjust the amount of serranos, jalapeños, and garlic to control the level of spiciness.
What can I do if I don’t have access to tomatillos?
If you can’t find tomatillos, you can substitute with green tomatoes or omit them altogether.
The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How long can I marinate the shrimp in the lime juice?
It’s best to marinate the shrimp for at least 30-40 minutes to allow them to cook fully in the lime juice.
You can marinate them longer for a more intense flavor.
Can I adjust the amount of cilantro in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of cilantro based on your personal preference.
You can add more for a stronger cilantro flavor or omit it entirely if you’re not a fan.