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"Cooking" fish in lime juice milk. No heat.

Ceviche

"Cooking" fish in lime juice milk. No heat.

Total: 15 minDifficulty: MediumYield: 4 Servings

Timing: 15 mins

MexicanSeafoodAppetizer
Chef referenceGastón Acurio
Classic Peruvian Ceviche · Gastón Acurio

Key move

Use impeccably fresh firm fish, cut it evenly, and dress it with lime only long enough to turn the exterior opaque while the center stays tender. Ceviche is about timing and temperature control, not soaking the fish until it goes chalky.

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The Setup

  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife

The Mise en Place

4

Your prep station before cooking begins

The Protein (0/1)

600 gwhite fish(Sea Bass, Flounder, or Snapper (Sushi grade))

The Aromatics (0/1)

150 gred onion(Sliced paper thin, soaked in ice water to remove sulfur bite)

The Pantry (0/1)

30 gaji amarillo paste(Peruvian yellow chili paste (essential flavor))

Other (0/1)

100 glimes(Freshly squeezed. Do not squeeze to the rind (bitter oil).)

My ceviche came out chalky and dry.

Ah, that happens when the fish sits in the lime juice a bit too long, past that 15-minute mark.

My ceviche tastes a little bitter.

That bitterness often comes from the pith, the white part of the lime peel.

Chef's Notes

Tip

Use the freshest fish possible. If unsure, ask your fishmonger for sushi-grade.

Tip

Don't over-marinate. Fish should be opaque but still tender, not chalky.

Serving

Serve immediately after marinating for the best texture and flavor.

Serving

Garnish with fresh cilantro, red onion, and a slice of aji amarillo for authentic flavor.

The Method

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