- Course: Appetizer, Snack
- Skill Level: Moderate
- Cost: Splurge
- Favorited: 80 Times
Can be made ahead of time.
Ceviches, the wonderful lime-marinated seafood cocktails of Latin American, are experiencing an evolution. In Mexico, for centuries ceviche has meant ultrafresh fish or shellfish that’s preserved/marinated/”acid-cooked” in lime juice. But many modern chefs have broadened the concept to include practically any bold-flavored combination of seafood, vegetables, chiles, herbs, even fruit, that can be served as a cool appetizer or snack, usually with a bracing bolt of lime. My version here is pretty traditionally Mexican except that the fish in Mexico would likely be mackerel or kingfish, it would typically be marinated long enough to “cook” through and it would be served in a glass bowl or in a tostada, rather than nestled into greens. I’ve recently become enchanted with the Peruvian take on ceviche (the fish is marinated only moments before serving), especially since sashimi-grade fish (the top, okay-to-eat raw grade) is become more common in our fish markets. Whatever your marinated preference, this salad is just the ticket on a warm summer night, served with crusty bread or crackers.
In a blender or food processor, combine the lime juice, garlic, cilantro, chiles and 1 scant teaspoon salt. Process until smooth.
Scoop the fish into a large bowl. Pour the lime marinade over it and let it “cook” in the lime juice to suit your own taste: you can eat it right away (Peruvian-style) if you like raw fish, or let it “cook” for an hour or 2 if you like it more well-done; cooked shrimp need only a few minutes to soak up the flavor. (It takes about 4 hours to “cook” fish well-done in lime juice; if that is your desire, add the cilantro, chopped, just before serving to preserve its fresh color.)
Pour off half of the marinating liquid and set aside. Toss the avocado with the fish, then taste and season with additional salt if you think necessary.
Divide the lettuce among four dinner plates. Scoop a portion of the ceviche into the center of each arrangement. Sprinkle with the chopped green onion or cilantro. Drizzle some of the reserved lime marinade over the lettuce, and you’re ready to serve.
Ceviche Riffs (Some for the Adventurous)
Practically any edible piscine morsel can be made into ceviche: Squid and baby octopus are favorites – I simmer both of them until tender (usually 20 to 30 minutes) before marinating them. Scallops are wonderful raw and barely marinated, as are sardines. Around Guadalajara, the fish markets offer ground dish for making ceviche to pile on little tostadas – it cooks through in a matter of minutes; if that appeals look for ground fish cakes in your local fish market. Avocado is just a start when it comes to add-ins: tomato, red or white onion, olives, cooked cactus (nopales), roasted poblano chiles – these should get your creative juices flowing.
Nutritional information is based on 1/8 teaspoon added salt per serving, and using 1lb of cooked shrimp.
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