Penulis Fresh aguachile with avocado and sesame seeds is a vibrant and refreshing Mexican dish typically made with raw shrimp marinated in a tangy, spicy mixture of lime juice, chili peppers, cilantro, and garlic. The shrimp is often served with slices of fresh cucumber and red onion.
When you add avocado, it brings a creamy texture that balances the heat and acidity of the dish. The sesame seeds, often toasted, provide a slight crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the dish's overall complexity. It's a delicious and visually appealing seafood dish, perfect as a light appetizer or a refreshing main course.
To make Fresh Aguachile with Avocado and Sesame Seeds, you'll typically follow these steps:
1. Marinate the Shrimp
Start with fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp. The shrimp are marinated in a mixture of fresh lime juice, chili peppers (often serrano or jalapeño), cilantro, garlic, and salt. The acid from the lime juice "cooks" the shrimp, turning them opaque and firming up their texture. This marinade should be left for about 15–20 minutes, allowing the shrimp to soak in the flavors.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Thinly slice cucumber, red onion, and avocado. The cucumber adds a cool crunch, while the red onion gives a mild sharpness that complements the shrimp. The creamy avocado provides richness and helps to balance the heat from the chiles.
3. Assemble the Dish
Once the shrimp are marinated, arrange them on a plate or shallow dish. Layer the cucumber and red onion slices around the shrimp. Add the avocado in slices or cubes, placing it strategically over the top for a beautiful presentation.
4. Top with Sesame Seeds
Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan until golden and aromatic. Sprinkle these seeds generously over the dish to add a nutty crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of the avocado and the tanginess of the shrimp.
5. Garnish and Serve
Finish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and additional lime wedges for squeezing. Some variations also include a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of salt to bring everything together.
The result is a beautiful, multi-textured dish with fresh and bold flavors—perfect for summer gatherings or as a light appetizer. The combination of spicy, tangy, creamy, and crunchy elements makes aguachile with avocado and sesame seeds a unique and satisfying culinary experience.
Here's a simple recipe for making Fresh Aguachile with Avocado and Sesame Seeds:
Ingredients:
For the Aguachile
- 1 lb (450g) fresh shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4–6 limes)
- 2-3 serrano or jalapeño chiles (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garnish
- 1 avocado, sliced or cubed
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (white or black)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Slice the shrimp in half lengthwise if they are large. If you prefer, you can leave them whole, but slicing them will allow the marinade to penetrate better.
- Place the shrimp in a shallow dish or bowl.
2. Make the Aguachile Marinade
- In a blender or food processor, combine the lime juice, serrano or jalapeño chiles (seeds removed for less heat, if desired), cilantro, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to "cook" the shrimp in the lime juice.
3. Prepare the Garnishes
- While the shrimp are marinating, slice the avocado, cucumber, and red onion. Set them aside.
- Toast the sesame seeds by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden and aromatic. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish
- After the shrimp have marinated and turned opaque, remove them from the refrigerator.
- Arrange the marinated shrimp on a serving plate or platter.
- Surround the shrimp with the cucumber and red onion slices, and arrange the avocado slices or cubes over the top.
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over everything.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Add a few sprigs of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor, if desired.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra tang.
Tips:
- Adjust the Heat
If you prefer a milder version, use fewer chiles or remove the seeds. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of chiles for a spicier dish.
- Chill the Ingredients
If you like your aguachile extra cold, chill the shrimp, avocado, and other garnishes in the fridge before assembling the dish.
- Serving
Aguachile is traditionally served with tortilla chips, tostadas, or warm corn tortillas.
Enjoy your Fresh Aguachile with Avocado and Sesame Seeds—a refreshing, spicy, and savory dish perfect for a light meal or appetizer!
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