Aguachile Verde

Yields: 4-6 servings

Time: 30 minutes

Literally meaning “chile water”, Aguachile is traditionally shrimp that has been cooked only using acid from lime juice. It’s a refreshing dish for a hot summer day when the last thing you want to do is stand over a grill. In this rendition, shrimp are bathed in lime and orange juice then marinated with emulsified cilantro, Serrano, and jalapeño. Cucumbers and crisp red onion add a lovely and cooling crunch to this spicy shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. medium raw shrimp

• 1 Orange

• 2-3 Limes

• 2 Jalapeños

• 2-3 serranos

• Cilantro

• Garlic

• Cucumber

• Red Onion

• Kosher salt

Special Equipment:

• High-power blender

Directions

Step One:

Peel, devein, and clean shrimp. Place in a shallow bowl or dish (a pie plate works great). Juice 1 whole orange and 2-3 limes directly over shrimp; enough liquid to fully cover shrimp. Let the acid cook shrimp for 20-30 minutes. Shrimp are ready when they turn pink and curl. Strain and reserve citrus juices, set each aside.

Step Two:

In a high-power blender pulse together 1 jalapeño, 1 Serrano, 1/2 a bunch of cilantro, and a couple cloves of garlic. For less heat, seed the peppers. With the blade running, add in reserved citrus juices. Blend on high for at least 1 minute to emulsify. Season to taste with kosher salt.

Step Three:

Pour mixture over shrimp, toss to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step Four:

While shrimp is chilling, prep garish. Very thinly slice red onion, place in a small bowl. Juice 1 lime over onion and let macerate for 20 minutes.

Thinly slice jalapeño, serrano, and cucumber. Mince a few table spoons of cilantro.

Step Five:

When ready to serve, spoon 4-5 shrimp into a decorative bowls. Top with a few slices each of jalapeño, Serrano, cucumber, and red onion. Sprinkle with a pinch of cilantro and enjoy!

Great Garnish!

My favorite part of this dish is the garnish. You can be as creative or simple as you like. The classics are onion and cucumber. But if you want to try others, go for fresh and crunchy or smooth and creamy. Avocado, radish, a drizzle of good olive oil, turnip- all would compliment the flavor of the shrimp.

You could also serve these shrimp as a tostada or with tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch!