Zesty Mexican Seafood Ceviche
Experience the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mexican coast with this Zesty Mexican Seafood Ceviche. This delightful dish is perfect for warm days and provides a refreshing seafood appetizer or a light side salad. You can customize the spice level to suit your taste, making it as mild or as fiery as you desire. Traditionally enjoyed by beachgoers in Mexico, this ceviche highlights the freshness of seafood, combining succulent fish, shrimp, or scallops with zesty lime, fresh vegetables, and herbs. The marinating process 'cooks' the seafood in citrus juice, creating a tantalizing dish that bursts with flavor. Serve it chilled for an invigorating taste of the ocean, and don't hesitate to add creamy avocado and tangy black olives for an extra layer of flavor. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a casual evening at home, this ceviche is sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
sea bass fillets
1 lb (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
red snapper fillet
1 lb (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
lime juice
5-6 (enough to cover fish)
fresh tomato
1 cup (diced)
green pepper
1 (sweet, chopped)
parsley or cilantro
4 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
jalapeno peppers
2 (chopped, adjust to taste)
white vinegar
2 tablespoons (to taste)
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Tabasco sauce
1 dash (or to taste)
lettuce leaves
as needed (to line serving bowls)
avocado
1 (sliced, optional for garnish)
black olives
as needed (sliced, optional for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by dicing the fish into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. If using shrimp, ensure they are cleaned and peeled.
2
In a glass or ceramic bowl, combine the fish and shrimp with enough fresh lime juice to completely cover them. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight to allow the citrus to 'cook' the seafood. Stir occasionally.
3
Once marinated, gently pour off most of the lime juice, leaving just enough to keep the seafood moist.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sweet green pepper, chopped parsley or cilantro, salt, pepper, oregano, jalapeno peppers, white vinegar, finely chopped onion, and fresh cilantro. Mix until well combined.
5
Add the marinated seafood to the vegetable mixture. Toss gently to incorporate all the ingredients evenly, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6
To serve, line individual bowls with lettuce leaves, then spoon the ceviche mixture into each bowl.
7
For garnishing, add sliced avocado and black olives if desired, and enjoy your zesty ceviche chilled!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mexican Seafood Ceviche?
It is a fresh and vibrant seafood appetizer or light side salad from the Mexican coast, featuring fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice.
What types of fish are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using sea bass fillets and red snapper fillets diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
Can I use shrimp instead of fish?
Yes, you can use shrimp; just ensure they are cleaned and peeled before marinating.
How long should the seafood marinate in lime juice?
The seafood should marinate in the refrigerator overnight to allow the citrus to 'cook' it properly.
Do I need to use fresh lime juice?
Yes, fresh lime juice is essential as it provides the acidity needed to 'cook' the raw seafood.
How do I know if I have enough lime juice?
You should use enough fresh lime juice to completely cover the fish and shrimp in the bowl.
What vegetables are included in this ceviche?
The recipe includes fresh tomatoes, sweet green peppers, jalapeno peppers, and onions.
Can I adjust the spice level of the ceviche?
Yes, you can customize the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeno peppers and Tabasco sauce used.
Should I drain the lime juice after marinating?
You should gently pour off most of the lime juice, leaving just enough to keep the seafood moist.
What herbs are used for flavoring?
The recipe calls for fresh parsley or cilantro, along with dried oregano.
How should the seafood be prepared before marinating?
The fish should be diced into approximately 1/2-inch pieces and shrimp should be cleaned and peeled.
What type of bowl is best for marinating ceviche?
A glass or ceramic bowl is recommended for marinating to avoid reactions with the acidic citrus juice.
Is white vinegar necessary in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to add an extra layer of tangy flavor.
How long should the final mixture chill before serving?
After mixing the seafood and vegetables, refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
How is the ceviche typically served?
It is best served chilled in individual bowls lined with fresh lettuce leaves.
What are some recommended garnishes?
Sliced avocado and black olives are excellent optional garnishes for extra flavor and creaminess.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy, low-fat dish packed with fresh seafood, vegetables, and citrus.
Can I use scallops for this ceviche?
Yes, the description mentions that succulent scallops are a great alternative or addition.
How many ingredients are in this Zesty Mexican Seafood Ceviche?
There are 17 ingredients in total, including the optional garnishes.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, finely chopped.
Is the seafood actually cooked?
The seafood is 'cooked' by the citric acid in the lime juice, which changes the protein structure without heat.
Can I make this for a picnic?
Yes, it is perfect for picnics or gatherings, but it must be kept chilled until serving.
What is the role of Tabasco sauce in this recipe?
Tabasco sauce is used to add a dash of heat and vinegar-based spice to the dish.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh oregano?
This specific recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What is the texture of the green pepper?
The sweet green pepper should be chopped, adding a mild crunch to the ceviche.
How should I stir the seafood while it marinates?
You should stir the seafood occasionally during the overnight marinating process to ensure even exposure to the lime juice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your vinegar and Tabasco labels to be certain.
Can I use parsley if I don't like cilantro?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 4 tablespoons of chopped parsley or cilantro depending on your preference.
What size should the tomato pieces be?
The fresh tomatoes should be diced, ideally to a size that mixes well with the seafood.
Why is it important to serve ceviche chilled?
Serving it chilled ensures the freshest taste of the ocean and maintains the proper texture of the marinated seafood.