Peruvian Ceviche
Peru's iconic national dish, featuring impeccably fresh white fish 'cooked' in vibrant citrus juices, mingled with thinly sliced red onion, fragrant cilantro, and a touch of aji amarillo for a gentle heat. Served traditionally with slices of boiled sweet potato and toasted cancha corn.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Fresh white fish(Sushi-grade sea bass, halibut, or corvina, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.)
- 240 ml Freshly squeezed lime juice(Approximately 10-12 limes. Ensure it's freshly squeezed for optimal flavor and 'cooking' power.)
- 1 medium Red onion(Very thinly sliced into half-moons. Soaking in ice water is recommended to mellow its sharpness.)
- 2 tbsp Aji amarillo paste(Adjust to your spice preference. Ensure it's a good quality paste for authentic flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro(Chopped, including tender stems.)
- 1 clove Garlic(Finely minced or grated.)
- 1 tsp Sea salt(Or to taste. Use good quality sea salt.)
- 1 large Sweet potato(Boiled until tender, peeled, and sliced into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick rounds.)
- 1/2 cup Toasted cancha corn(For serving. This is Peruvian toasted corn, often available in Latin markets.)
- as needed Ice water(For soaking the red onion.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the red onion: Slice the red onion very thinly into half-moons. Place the sliced onion in a small bowl and cover with ice water. Let it soak for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This step significantly reduces the onion's pungent bite, making it pleasant to eat raw.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Prepare the fish: Ensure your fish is very fresh and sushi-grade. Cut the fish into uniform 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Place the fish cubes in a non-reactive bowl (glass or ceramic is ideal). Season lightly with about 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and gently toss.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Marinate the fish: Add the freshly squeezed lime juice to the bowl with the fish. The lime juice should almost cover the fish. Stir in the aji amarillo paste and the minced garlic. Gently mix to ensure all fish pieces are coated. Let the fish 'cook' in the lime juice for 3-5 minutes. You'll see the fish turn opaque on the outside. Do not over-cure; the center should remain slightly translucent and raw for the best texture.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 4
Drain the onion: Drain the thinly sliced red onion from the ice water and pat it gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Combine and finish: Add the drained red onion and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the marinated fish. Gently toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with the remaining sea salt if needed.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Serve immediately: Ceviche is best served fresh. Divide the ceviche among chilled bowls or plates. Arrange slices of boiled sweet potato alongside the ceviche. Garnish generously with the toasted cancha corn for a delightful crunch. Serve the 'leche de tigre' (the flavorful marinade) with the ceviche.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality and freshness of the fish are paramount. Always use sushi-grade fish when preparing ceviche.
- ✓Do not over-cure the fish. The goal is for the citrus to lightly 'cook' the exterior while leaving the interior tender and raw. Over-curing results in a tough, rubbery texture.
- ✓The 'leche de tigre' (tiger's milk) is the delicious, tangy marinade. It's packed with flavor and considered a delicacy in itself. Don't discard it!
- ✓For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped fresh chili like aji limo or habanero along with the aji amarillo paste.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Tiradito: A variation where the fish is sliced sashimi-style (thinner) and typically not mixed with onion. It's often served with a more refined sauce.
- Mixed Seafood Ceviche: Incorporate other fresh seafood like shrimp (blanched briefly), scallops, or calamari (blanched briefly) for a richer dish.
- Nikkei Ceviche: Influenced by Japanese cuisine, this version might include soy sauce, ginger, and avocado.