Ceviche: Marinated seafood dish, typically made with lime juice and chiles.

Ceviche with a Tropical Twist

This ceviche recipe is a vibrant fusion of flavors, combining the classic elements of ceviche with a touch of tropical sweetness and a hint of heat.

Prep time: 30 minutes Marinating time: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Easy Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh, sushi-grade white fish (halibut, sea bass, or tilapia), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup diced mango
  • 1/4 cup diced pineapple
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, finely minced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Substitutions:

  • Fish: You can substitute any firm, white fish. Shrimp or scallops also work well.
  • Mango & Pineapple: If you don’t have these tropical fruits, you can substitute with diced peaches or nectarines.
  • Jalapeño: If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the jalapeño or substitute with a milder pepper like serrano.

Instructions:

  1. In a large glass or ceramic bowl, combine the fish cubes with the lime and orange juice. Make sure the fish is fully submerged in the juice.
  2. Add the red onion, mango, pineapple, cilantro, jalapeño, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours. The fish will turn opaque and firm as it “cooks” in the citrus juices.
  4. Things to avoid:
    • Do not use fish that is not sushi-grade. This can lead to foodborne illness.
    • Do not over-marinate the fish. It will become tough and rubbery.
    • Do not use metal bowls. The acid in the citrus juice can react with the metal and affect the flavor of the ceviche.

Serving suggestions:

  • Serve the ceviche chilled in individual bowls or glasses.
  • Garnish with additional cilantro leaves, mango slices, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Serve with tortilla chips, plantain chips, or tostadas for scooping.
  • For a lighter option, serve the ceviche over a bed of mixed greens.

Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful ceviche with a tropical twist!