If you’re craving something light, zesty, and incredibly flavorful, Ceviche is the answer. This classic Latin American dish combines fresh fish, citrus, and herbs to create a refreshing appetizer or main course that’s perfect for warm days. It’s healthy, easy to make, and every bite is packed with bright flavors and a hint of spice. Ready to dive into a bowl of vibrant, citrus-marinated goodness? Let’s make ceviche!
Ingredients List: Everything You Need for the Perfect Ceviche
To achieve a ceviche that’s fresh, tangy, and perfectly balanced, here’s the essential list of ingredients.
For the Ceviche: Fresh, Zesty, and Colorful
- 1 lb fresh white fish (such as snapper, sea bass, or tilapia), diced – The star of the dish; make sure it’s sushi-grade.
- ¾ cup fresh lime juice – The acidity needed to “cook” the fish.
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice – Adds another layer of citrus brightness.
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced – For a mild, sweet crunch.
- 1 cup diced tomato – Adds color and juiciness.
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped (adjust to taste) – For a touch of heat.
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro – Adds freshness and herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 small cucumber, diced – For a refreshing crunch.
- 1 avocado, diced – Adds creaminess and richness.
- 1 mango, diced – For a touch of natural sweetness.
For Serving
- Tortilla chips, tostadas, or lettuce cups – Perfect for scooping or serving the ceviche.
- Lime wedges – For a final squeeze of citrus.
Equipment Needed: Tools for Fresh and Easy Ceviche
You don’t need much to make this refreshing dish—just a few basics.
- Mixing bowl – For combining all the ingredients.
- Juicer – To get the most juice out of your limes and lemons.
- Sharp knife – For dicing the fish and chopping the veggies.
- Plastic wrap – To cover the ceviche while it marinates.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Ceviche
Follow these simple steps to make a ceviche that’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor.
- Dice the Fish: Start by dicing the fresh fish into small, uniform pieces (about ½-inch cubes) for even marinating. Place the fish in a large mixing bowl.
- Marinate the Fish in Citrus: Pour the lime and lemon juice over the diced fish, making sure the fish is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque (it should look “cooked” on the outside).
- Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: While the fish marinates, dice the tomato, slice the red onion, chop the cilantro, and prepare the jalapeño. If you’re using optional ingredients like cucumber, avocado, or mango, prep those as well.
- Combine the Ingredients: Once the fish has marinated, drain some of the excess citrus juice if there’s a lot left in the bowl (leave a little for flavor). Add the red onion, tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, and any optional ingredients. Toss everything gently to combine.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as desired.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the ceviche and chill in the refrigerator for another 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. When ready to serve, give it a final stir and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
- Serve with Sides: Serve the ceviche with tortilla chips, tostadas, or in lettuce cups for a refreshing and light dish.
Cooking Time and Serving Size: Fresh, Quick, and Ready to Enjoy
Here’s the time breakdown and serving size for this delicious ceviche:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serving Size: Serves 4 as an appetizer, or 2 as a main course
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~150 | Protein: 15g | Carbs: 10g | Fat: 5g
Tips and Variations: Make This Ceviche Your Own
Ceviche is easy to customize! Here are some tips and variations to make it exactly how you like.
- Use Different Seafood: Try adding shrimp, scallops, or octopus for a mixed seafood ceviche.
- Add Fruit for Sweetness: Diced mango or pineapple adds a sweet, tropical twist.
- Spice it Up: If you like it extra spicy, add a few drops of hot sauce or use a habanero pepper.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the fish with diced hearts of palm or mushrooms for a vegan version.
Presentation Tips: Serve Ceviche Like a Pro
Serve ceviche in a shallow bowl or dish and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a few lime wedges for color. Arrange tortilla chips or tostadas on the side for scooping, or serve it in mini cups or on spoons for a fun appetizer at parties.
Ceviche FAQs: Your Questions Answered
New to making ceviche? Here are answers to common questions to help you get perfect results every time.
- How long should I marinate the fish? Marinate for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque. Over-marinating can make it too tough.
- Can I make ceviche ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients and marinate the fish just before serving.
- Is ceviche safe to eat? Yes, as long as you use fresh, sushi-grade fish and follow proper marinating times.
Dive Into the Refreshing Flavors of Homemade Ceviche
This Ceviche recipe is light, refreshing, and perfect for warm days or a fresh appetizer. With its bright citrus, tender fish, and colorful veggies, each bite is a burst of flavor. So grab your freshest ingredients, whip up this simple recipe, and enjoy the delightful, zesty flavors of homemade ceviche. Happy cooking!
