How to Make Fish Ceviche (2024)

FAQs

What kind of fish is best for ceviche? ›

When it comes to making ceviche, you'll want to find high-quality fresh, flaky white fish. We used halibut in this recipe, but redfish, mahi-mahi, snapper, trout, and cod are all really good choices too.

The “cook time” for ceviche depends on how tender you want the fish to be and how big the pieces are. But the general rule is to marinate for at least 20 to 30 minutes and no more than 4 hours. Here are a few notes to go by: 30 Minutes: The fish will be mostly opaque and a bit more “cooked” yet still tender.

Raw fish – virtually any raw fish can be used for ceviche, as long as it's “sashimi-grade” / “sushi grade” and therefore safe for eating raw. Fish simply labelled as “fresh” is not always sashimi-grade, it just means it hasn't been frozen. Always ask your fish monger, or ensure the fish is clearly labelled.

The fish will begin to cook immediately, however, because citrus is acidic it is not being being cooked by heat but the citrus juice from the lime. This process will take anywhere from 15-20 minutes. You can leave in the lime juice longer as it will cook the fish more thoroughly. Overcooking isn't an issue.

Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. Longer or shorter depending on the size/firmness of the fish. Remember that the fish is 'cooking' in the citric acids and the longer you leave it in the marinade the more 'cooked' the fish will be. Leave it too long and it will be overcooked.

As the fish sits in the marinade, the acid from the citrus juice will begin to penetrate the flesh with flavor and break down the proteins, giving the finished ceviche a texture similar to seafood cooked using heat. How long you want to leave the fish in the marinade is completely up to you.

Bottled lemon and lime juice are safe to use for ceviche. The acids in them will "cook" the fish. However, we don't recommend using bottled juice because this simple recipe's success comes from the freshness of the ingredients. Bottled citrus simply doesn't compare to freshly squeezed lemons and limes.

One very important rule about marinating fish and seafood is that a highly acidic marinade, one containing lots of vinegar or citrus juices, can actually cook the fish or seafood, so you need to use mild marinades for short periods of time.

Fish to use in ceviche:

The ONLY fish you should use for ceviche is sashimi-grade fish that is suitable for raw consumption. It is not enough to just buy “fresh fish” from the stores – this usually just means it hasn't been frozen then thawed. It does not mean it's fresh enough to eat raw.

Use frozen fish.

It might be tempting to get fresh fish to make your ceviche, but frozen actually comes with less risks. And for ceviche, higher quality is always better. Look for a wild caught and flash frozen white fish, like cod or halibut. You want the texture to be firm and the flavor subtle.

How do you know if ceviche fish is safe? ›

For that reason, ceviche should be treated like raw fish: Buy the best, freshest, most delicious saltwater-species (not freshwater) fish you can from a fishmonger you trust, looking or asking for a “sushi-grade” label if possible.

A firm or semi-firm lean white fish is the best choice as the base for making your ceviche. Some common examples of this type of fish include bass, grouper, rockfish and sole. If you're not well versed on different types of fish, simply ask your seafood seller for suggestions. Why employ firm, white fish?

How Long Does Ceviche Take To 'Cook'? You want it to just be opaque and starting to “cook” through. You don't want it actually flaking and falling apart. For fish sliced 1/4 inch thin, as we've done, 20-30 minutes is ideal.

Traditionally, ceviche is fully “cooked” in the citrus, but not everyone is comfortable with the idea of eating fish or seafood in this way. Here, I briefly poach the shrimp, then let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes in the fridge to fully absorb the bright citrus marinade.

The traditional Peruvian preparation is made with a white seawater fish, like sea bass, which is then cured in freshly squeezed lime or bitter orange, and mixed with sliced onions, chili peppers and salt.