Ceviche
Peruvian · Seafood

Ceviche

Peruvian raw fish marinated in fresh lime juice with onions and peppers

Time
60 min
Serves
2
Cuisine
Peruvian
The Method

Instructions

First things first, grab your freshest white fish and cut it into bite sized cubes, about 1 centimeter each. This size helps the lime juice work its magic evenly. Make sure your fish is ultra fresh because this dish relies on the raw fish being safe and delicious. Place those lovely cubes into a glass bowl,something non reactive is best here to keep the flavors pure.

Now, pour enough fresh lime juice over the fish cubes so they're completely submerged. You want every piece bathed in that citrusy goodness. Sprinkle a generous pinch of salt over the fish and lime juice; it helps to season and tenderize the fish as it marinates. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes. You'll know the fish is ready when it changes from translucent to a lovely opaque white, which means it's gently cooked by the acid in the lime.

While the fish is marinating, let's tackle those red onions. Slice them thinly and then soak the slices in a bowl of cold water for around 10 minutes. This simple step really mellows out their sharp bite, making them a perfect balance to the zesty fish later on. After soaking, drain the onions well.

Once your fish has turned opaque and looks tender yet firmer than raw, drain off most of the lime juice, but be sure to save a little bit to mix back in later,it's all about that bright, fresh flavor. Gently fold the drained fish together with the softened red onions, finely chopped peppers for a touch of color and heat, and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro. The cilantro adds such a lovely herbal brightness, don't skip it!

Now, taste your mixture and add some of the reserved lime juice back in to get that perfect tangy balance. Adjust the salt as needed too. Remember, ceviche is all about freshness and balance, so taste as you go until it's just right for you.

To serve, lay out crisp lettuce leaves as your base,they add a nice crunch and make a pretty presentation. Spoon your ceviche over the lettuce, then serve it alongside slices of sweet potato, sweet corn kernels, and some crunchy cancha if you have it (that's roasted corn, a traditional Peruvian touch). The fish should come out tender but definitely not mushy, so keep an eye on that marinating time.

And there you have it, a vibrant, refreshing ceviche that's bright, tangy, and perfect for any sunny day. Freshness is the key here, so enjoy every bite knowing you made something truly special!
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