Description
This Captivating Ceviche Recipe features fresh seafood marinated in zesty lime juice and combined with vibrant vegetables like red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, tomato, and creamy avocado. Perfectly seasoned and chilled to meld the bright flavors, this refreshing dish makes a delightful appetizer or light meal, excellent for warm days or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound Fresh Seafood (such as firm white fish, shrimp, or scallops)
Citrus Marinade
- 1 cup Fresh Lime Juice
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup Red Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Jalapeño, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tomato, diced
- 1 Avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the seafood: Rinse the fresh seafood under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl for marination.
- Marinate the seafood: Pour fresh lime juice over the seafood pieces until they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, or until the seafood turns opaque and firms up, indicating it is ‘cooked’ by the citrus.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the seafood marinates, finely chop the red onion, jalapeño (or serrano pepper as an alternative), and fresh cilantro. Dice the tomato and avocado and place them together in a separate bowl.
- Combine seafood and vegetables: After the seafood has marinated, drain off the excess lime juice. Transfer the seafood to the bowl containing the chopped vegetables and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the ceviche: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed, and if desired, add more lime juice to enhance the tanginess and freshness.
- Chill to meld flavors: Cover the combined ceviche mixture and refrigerate for an additional 15-30 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve the ceviche: Spoon the chilled ceviche into serving dishes or bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or lime slices to add visual appeal and aroma.
- Enjoy: Serve your delicious homemade ceviche alongside tortilla chips, crackers, or additional slices of avocado for a refreshing appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- Use the freshest seafood possible for the best flavor and safety.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds before chopping.
- Marinating time depends on the thickness of the seafood pieces; thinner cuts will ‘cook’ faster in the lime juice.
- Avocado should be added at the end to prevent it from turning mushy.
- This recipe can be adapted to gluten-free and low-fat diets.
- Consume ceviche soon after preparation for optimal freshness and safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (marinating time, no actual cooking involved)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: ceviche, fresh seafood, lime juice marinade, Mexican appetizer, Latin American cuisine, seafood salad
