Cook's Corner: Aguachile

The abundance of fresh seafood from Banderas Bay makes aguachile a popular menu item, especially in the summer months when it makes for a nice, light meal.    Try this simple recipe to make this traditional Mexican dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh shrimp
• 4 Serrano chilies, stemmed and rough chopped
• Juice of 5-6 limes
• 1/3 cup cilantro
• 1 tsp salt plus 1/4 tsp more
• 1/3 cucumber

Garnish

• 1 avocado, sliced
• ½ small red onion, finely sliced
• 8-10 tostadas as desired

First, devein and butterfly the shrimp.

In the blender, add chilies, lime juice, cilantro and the first teaspoon of salt.  Blend until the chilies start to break up, stopping just before the mixture becomes totally smooth.

Pour the mixture over the shrimp, ensuring it is completely covered, and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes when the shellfish will begin to turn white and opaque.

Peel and deseed the cucumber and cut into ½ inch cubes before tossing with the shrimp.  Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with the remaining salt.  Add the avocado and red onion garnish and serve with tostadas. 

Ask your Luxury Beach Concierge for the best local seafood markets to find the freshest shrimp in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit and enjoy your own freshly-made aguachile.

Photo sources:
http://globetrotterdiaries.com
http://www.vittleante.com