Description
This vibrant ceviche recipe combines fresh seafood with zesty lime and lemon juice, fresh vegetables, and herbs for a light, refreshing dish that is perfect as an appetizer or light meal. Easy to prepare and customizable, it delivers bold, bright flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb firm-fleshed fish such as snapper, seabass, or shrimp, cut into bite-sized pieces
Citrus Marinade
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1–2 chili peppers, finely minced
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1 ripe avocado (plant-based dairy), diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood: Cut the fresh seafood into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even marinating. Keep the seafood chilled while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Marinate in Citrus: Place the seafood pieces in a glass or ceramic bowl. Pour fresh lime and lemon juice over the seafood, then add a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural). Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, until the fish becomes opaque and firmer in texture.
- Mix in Veggies and Herbs: While the seafood marinates, thinly slice the red onion, chop the tomatoes, and mince the chili peppers. Fold these vegetables gently into the marinated seafood along with freshly chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture sit for another 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Optional Creamy Addition: Just before serving, dice ripe avocado (plant-based dairy) and gently fold it into the ceviche for a creamy texture that complements the citrus tang.
- Serve Fresh: Serve the ceviche immediately, chilled. Garnish with extra cilantro, thin chili slices, and lime wedges as desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use the freshest seafood available for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not marinate the seafood for longer than 30 minutes to avoid over-curing and toughness.
- Cut seafood into even sizes to ensure consistent marinating.
- Add citrus juice gradually to balance acidity and avoid overwhelming sourness.
- Always keep ceviche chilled until served to maintain freshness and safety.
- Prepare all vegetables and herbs ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: ceviche, seafood, lime juice, lemon juice, fresh appetizer, seafood recipe, light lunch, healthy recipe
