Zesty Peruvian Tilapia Ceviche
Experience the vibrant flavors of Peru with this Zesty Tilapia Ceviche, a dish that captures the essence of fresh seafood and zesty lime. This recipe marries the sweetness of fresh tilapia with the warmth of habanero peppers, creating a delightful balance of heat and flavor. Ideal for a light meal or as a refreshing appetizer, this ceviche is sure to impress your guests. The addition of fresh cilantro adds a layer of aromatic freshness, which can be adjusted based on your personal taste. Perfect for sunny days, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also disappears just as quickly once it hits the table.
8
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
2 lbs (cubed)
Garlic cloves
8-10 (chopped)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Habanero pepper
1 (seeded and chopped (or Aji Amarillo, if available))
Limes
8-12 (freshly squeezed and strained)
Red onion
1 (thinly sliced and rinsed)
Instructions
1
Begin by cubing the tilapia fillets into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2
Add the chopped garlic, salt, black pepper, chopped cilantro, and the finely chopped habanero pepper (or Aji Amarillo) to the bowl with the fish. Mix gently to coat all the fish evenly with the seasonings.
3
Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture, ensuring the fish is completely covered in juice. It’s essential to use a juicer that extracts juice without tearing the membranes for optimal flavor.
4
Layer the thinly sliced and rinsed red onion on top of the mixture, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, allowing the fish to cure in the acidity of the lime juice.
5
Before serving, mix the ceviche gently to combine all the ingredients well. Consider serving it alongside cool, crisp lettuce, sweet corn, creamy avocado, or a variety of fresh salad vegetables to complement the dish.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Peruvian Tilapia Ceviche?
It is a vibrant Peruvian dish that features fresh tilapia fillets cured in lime juice, flavored with garlic, cilantro, and habanero peppers.
What kind of fish is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 2 lbs of tilapia fillets.
How long does the ceviche need to refrigerate?
The fish should be refrigerated for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to cure properly in the lime juice acidity.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this ceviche?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Is the Tilapia Ceviche spicy?
Yes, it contains a habanero pepper, which provides a significant heat level balanced by the citrus.
What can I use if I don't have a habanero pepper?
You can use Aji Amarillo as a traditional Peruvian substitute if available.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for the juice of 8 to 12 freshly squeezed and strained limes.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 18.75g of protein in each serving.
Should the fish be cooked on a stove?
No, the fish is 'cooked' by the chemical process of the acidic lime juice curing the raw protein.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be thinly sliced and rinsed before being layered on top of the ceviche.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 2.5g of fat.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses between 8 and 10 chopped garlic cloves.
Are there any specific carbohydrate details?
Each serving contains 5g of carbohydrates.
What are some recommended side dishes for ceviche?
It is great served with crisp lettuce, sweet corn, creamy avocado, or fresh salad vegetables.
Is this dish suitable for summer?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing summer dish perfect for sunny days.
How should I cut the tilapia?
The tilapia fillets should be cubed into bite-sized pieces.
Can I adjust the amount of cilantro?
Yes, the cilantro adds aromatic freshness and can be adjusted based on your personal taste preference.
What is the best way to squeeze the limes?
Use a juicer that extracts juice without tearing the membranes to ensure the best flavor.
Does the fish need to be completely covered in lime juice?
Yes, it is essential that the fish is completely submerged in juice to cure properly.
What seasonings are included besides garlic and lime?
The recipe also includes salt, black pepper, and fresh cilantro.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
While it needs time to chill, the active preparation time is relatively quick.
What category of cuisine does this belong to?
This dish is part of Peruvian cuisine.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it works excellently as both a light meal or a refreshing appetizer.
How do I store the ceviche while it cures?
Place the mixture in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator.
What do I do with the habanero pepper before adding it?
The habanero should be seeded and finely chopped before being added to the fish.
Do I need to mix the ingredients after refrigerating?
Yes, you should mix the ceviche gently right before serving to combine all the flavors.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is zesty, spicy, and fresh with a strong citrus base.
What type of bowl should I use?
A large mixing bowl is recommended to ensure all ingredients can be mixed evenly.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a healthy option with high protein and relatively low calories and fat.