Leche de Tigre (Peruvian Tiger's Milk)

🧂 Ingredients

• 200 ml Freshly squeezed lime juice(About 8-10 limes. Ensure it's freshly squeezed for the best flavor.)
• 100 g Fresh white fish trimmings(Use firm white fish like sole, corvina, or sea bass. Ensure they are very fresh and clean.)
• 1/4 medium Red onion(Thinly sliced or roughly chopped.)
• 1 small Ají limo or habanero pepper(Remove seeds and membranes for less heat, or leave some in for more spice. Finely minced.)
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(Chopped, including tender stems.)
• to taste Salt(Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust.)
• a few Ice cubes(Optional, for chilling.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the aromatics: Thinly slice the red onion. Finely mince the ají limo (or habanero), removing seeds and veins if you prefer less heat. Chop the cilantro, including the tender stems.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Combine ingredients in a blender: Add the freshly squeezed lime juice, fish trimmings, sliced red onion, minced ají limo, and chopped cilantro to a blender. If using, add a few ice cubes to help keep the mixture cold.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
3. 3

   Blend until smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed for about 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is well combined and has a slightly milky, opaque appearance. The fish trimmings should be broken down.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
4. 4

   Strain the mixture: Pour the blended liquid through a fine-mesh sieve set over a clean bowl. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the solids, extracting as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Season to taste: Stir in salt, starting with about 1/2 teaspoon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The leche de tigre should be bright, tangy, slightly spicy, and well-salted.

   ⏱️ 1 minute
6. 6

   Chill and serve: For the best flavor and invigorating effect, chill the Leche de Tigre in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes (or longer if time permits). Serve immediately in small shot glasses.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓The name 'Tiger's Milk' is said to refer to its potent, invigorating, and restorative qualities.
• ✓It is famously enjoyed as a remedy for hangovers due to its refreshing and zesty profile.
• ✓For a more substantial serving, you can add small pieces of cooked seafood (like shrimp or calamari) or finely diced fish to the strained Leche de Tigre just before serving.

🔄 Variations

• Shrimp Leche de Tigre: Use shrimp trimmings or small cooked shrimp.
• Spicy Kick: Leave some seeds in the ají limo or add a pinch of chili powder.
• Creamy Version: Add a small piece of avocado or a splash of coconut milk for a richer texture.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving