Ceviche de Corvina Panameño
A refreshing and zesty Panamanian-style ceviche featuring fresh corvina (sea bass) marinated in lime juice with finely diced vegetables and a hint of spice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Corvina (Sea Bass) fillets(very fresh, skinless and boneless, cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1 cup Lime juice(freshly squeezed (about 8-10 limes))
- 1/2 medium Red onion(finely diced)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro(fresh, chopped)
- 1 small Jalapeño or Serrano pepper(seeded and finely minced (adjust to taste))
- 1/4 cup Bell pepper(red or green, finely diced)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Optional: Orange juice(to balance acidity)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Ensure the fish is very fresh and has been properly handled for raw consumption. Cut the corvina fillets into uniform 1/2-inch cubes.
- 2
Place the cubed fish in a non-reactive bowl (glass or ceramic). Pour the fresh lime juice over the fish, ensuring it is fully submerged. The acid in the lime juice will 'cook' the fish.
💡 Tip: Avoid using a metal bowl, as it can react with the lime juice and impart a metallic taste. - 3
Add the finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (or Serrano pepper), and diced bell pepper to the bowl.
- 4
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If using, stir in the optional orange juice to slightly mellow the tartness.
💡 Tip: Taste the lime juice before adding salt; some limes are saltier than others. - 5
Gently stir everything to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to allow the flavors to meld and the fish to 'cook' through.
💡 Tip: The fish is ready when it turns opaque and feels firmer to the touch. Do not marinate for too long, or the fish can become tough. - 6
Before serving, give the ceviche a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Drain off some of the excess liquid if desired, but leave enough to keep it moist.
- 7
Serve chilled, typically with plantain chips, saltine crackers, or slices of avocado.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality and freshness of the fish are paramount for a safe and delicious ceviche.
- ✓Finely dicing the vegetables ensures they meld well with the fish and lime juice.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your personal heat preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely diced tomato for extra color and a touch of sweetness.
- Include a tablespoon of finely chopped celery for added crunch.
- Substitute other firm white fish like snapper or grouper if corvina is unavailable.