Ceviche Recipe
Ceviche is a fresh, zesty seafood dish that comes from Latin America, especially Peru and Mexico. Instead of cooking the fish with heat, the fish is cooked in lime or lemon juice. The acid in the citrus juice changes the texture of the fish, making it firm and flavorful. It’s mixed with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and cilantro for a burst of color and taste. Ceviche is usually served cold and is known for being light, refreshing, and full of summer flavor.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves seafood and wants to try something easy yet impressive. Even though it looks fancy, ceviche doesn’t require any cooking on the stove. All you need is fresh ingredients and a little patience while the lime juice works its magic.
You Should Try the Ceviche Recipe
If you’ve never made ceviche before, you’re in for a treat! It’s one of the easiest seafood dishes to prepare, and it’s healthy too. The combination of fresh fish, lime juice, and crisp vegetables makes it both nutritious and delicious. Ceviche can be served as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even as a main dish with tortilla chips or avocado slices on the side.
What’s more, ceviche is fun to make! Kids and beginners can help by chopping veggies or squeezing limes (with adult supervision). The best part is that there’s no need to turn on the stove or oven it’s all about mixing and chilling.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Ceviche Recipe
- Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Ceviche Recipe
- 1 pound (450 g) of fresh white fish or shrimp like tilapia, sea bass, or shrimp
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice about 8–10 limes
- 1 medium red onion, finely sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1–2 jalapeño or chili peppers, finely chopped optional, for spice
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup corn kernels or sweet corn optional
- 1/2 cup diced mango or pineapple for sweetness optional
How to Make Ceviche Recipe
Step One
First, prepare the seafood: Wash the fish or shrimp under cold water, then cut them into small cubes. Place them in a glass or ceramic bowl avoid metal bowls, as the acid may react with the metal.

Step Two
Now add the lemon juice. Pour the lemon juice over the seafood until it is completely covered. Stir gently to ensure each piece is coated with the juice. The acid in the lemon will begin to cook the fish.
Step Three
Then season it. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. The fish will turn from translucent to opaque during the marinating process.
Step Four
Now add the vegetables and spices. When the fish appears cooked, drain off some of the lemon juice, reserving some for flavor. Then add the onion, tomatoes, cucumber, chili pepper, and cilantro. Gently mix with a spoon to combine all the fresh ingredients.
Step Five
Add the avocado and any optional ingredients. Add diced avocado, mango, or corn if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step Six
Finally, refrigerate and serve. Let the ceviche cool in the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
Before you start making, gather the following kitchen tools:
- A sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl glass or ceramic
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for mixing
- Plastic wrap for covering while marinating
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Scampi
Make sure your lime juice is freshly squeezed; bottled juice won’t have the same flavor.
Cut the fish into small, even pieces so they marinate evenly.
Do not over-marinate the fish can become tough if left too long in lime juice.
Add the vegetables after marinating, not before, to keep them crisp.
Serving Suggestion
I like to serve this dish with a simple green salad, and if I want a more substantial meal, I serve it with white rice. Sometimes I also serve it with cold drinks like lemonade or mojito.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use shrimp instead of fish ?
Yes! Shrimp ceviche is very popular. Just marinate peeled and deveined shrimp in lime juice until they turn pink and opaque.
Can I make ceviche with cooked seafood ?
Yes, you can use pre cooked shrimp, crab, or even imitation crab for a quicker version. Just skip the long marination step and mix everything with lime juice for flavor.
Can I freeze ceviche leftovers ?
No, ceviche doesn’t freeze well. Freezing changes the texture of the seafood and makes it mushy once thawed.
Can I make ceviche without seafood ?
Definitely! You can make a vegetarian ceviche using diced hearts of palm, mushrooms, or cauliflower for a similar texture.
Ceviche Recipe
Course: Appetizers, Main DishCuisine: Latin American, Mexican, PeruvianDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutes220
kcal50
minutesThis Ceviche Recipe is a bright, zesty, and refreshing seafood dish made by marinating fresh fish or shrimp in lime juice, mixed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and chili for a burst of flavor. It’s healthy, easy to make, and perfect for hot days or as a light appetizer. No stove or oven needed just fresh ingredients, simple prep, and delicious results in under an hour!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Ceviche Recipe
1 pound (450 g) of fresh white fish or shrimp like tilapia, sea bass, or shrimp
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice about 8–10 limes
1 medium red onion, finely sliced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
1–2 jalapeño or chili peppers, finely chopped optional, for spice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 ripe avocado, diced optional
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup corn kernels or sweet corn optional
1/2 cup diced mango or pineapple for sweetness optional
Directions
- First, prepare the seafood: Wash the fish or shrimp under cold water, then cut them into small cubes. Place them in a glass or ceramic bowl avoid metal bowls, as the acid may react with the metal.
- Now add the lemon juice. Pour the lemon juice over the seafood until it is completely covered. Stir gently to ensure each piece is coated with the juice. The acid in the lemon will begin to cook the fish.
- Then season it. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. The fish will turn from translucent to opaque during the marinating process.
- Now add the vegetables and spices. When the fish appears cooked, drain off some of the lemon juice, reserving some for flavor. Then add the onion, tomatoes, cucumber, chili pepper, and cilantro. Gently mix with a spoon to combine all the fresh ingredients.
- Add the avocado and any optional ingredients. Add diced avocado, mango, or corn if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, refrigerate and serve. Let the ceviche cool in the refrigerator for an additional 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
Notes
- Use the freshest fish possible Freshness is key! Always choose high-quality seafood from a trusted fish market.
- Chill while marinating Always keep ceviche cold while the fish “cooks” in the citrus juice to prevent spoilage.
- Add a touch of sweetness if needed If the flavor is too sour, mix in a little diced mango, pineapple, or corn for balance.
- Serve it cold Ceviche tastes best when chilled; keep it in the fridge until ready
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