Father’s Day is almost here, and what better way to spoil Dad (or your favorite father figure) than with a homemade dish that’s packed with flavor and love?

This zesty Costa Rican-style shrimp ceviche is a total crowd-pleaser fresh, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s got all the good stuff: shrimp, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, and a punch of cilantro.

If you've ever strolled down Paseo de los Turistas in Puntarenas, you know exactly the kind of beachside deliciousness we're talking about. One of my favorites is from Isla Coco Bar, but honestly, there are tons of spots that do it right.

I like to add a little extra twist to mine, think crunchy cucumbers, peppery radishes, a touch of garlic, and a jalapeño kick. My hubby loves it, and every time I serve it at a get-together, it disappears in minutes!

It’s fresh. It’s healthy. It’s light but satisfying. And it pairs perfectly with some crispy tortilla chips and an ice-cold beer or glass of white wine.

So, let’s get cookin’!

Here’s what you’ll need to serve about 8 hungry folks, with ingredients you can easily find right here in Costa Rica.

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined.

• 5 large lemons, juiced (add more if needed).

• 2 white onions, finely chopped.

• 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped.

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (add to taste).

• 1 cucumber, peeled and finely chopped (optional).

• 1 bunch radishes, finely diced (optional).

• 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional).

• 3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional).

• Tortilla chips, for scooping and snacking.

Toss the shrimp into a bowl. You can chop them up or leave them whole, totally your call. Pour in enough lemon juice to fully cover the shrimp. Pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes until the shrimp turns firm and opaque.

Once the shrimp are ready, stir in the onions, tomato, cucumber, radishes, and garlic. Add the jalapeño and cilantro gradually, and remember, jalapeños get spicier as they sit, so taste as you go!

Cover it up and chill for another hour to let all those flavors mingle.

Serve cold with tortilla chips. Bonus points if you’ve got a beer or a crisp white wine on hand!

Shrimp ceviche is one of those dishes that feels like a mini vacation in every bite of bright citrus, tender shrimp, crunchy veggies, and that perfect balance of cool and heat. It’s great as a starter, a snack, or a light meal on a warm day.

Trust me, Dad’s going to love it. And so will everyone else at the table.