Refreshing Ceviche Recipe

Introduction: 

Ceviche is a vibrant and refreshing dish that originates from Latin America, particularly Peru. It's a delightful combination of fresh seafood or fish, marinated in citrus juices, and mixed with a medley of colorful vegetables and herbs. This easy ceviche recipe will guide you through the steps to create a zesty and light dish that's perfect for a summer day or as a starter for any occasion.

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Ingredients:

1 pound (450g) fresh white fish (such as tilapia, snapper, or sea bass), diced into bite-sized pieces

1/2 pound (225g) medium-sized shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6-8 limes)

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to your desired level of heat)

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon sugar

1-2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

Avocado slices and tortilla chips for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Seafood: Begin by cutting the fresh fish and shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them in a glass or non-reactive bowl.

Juice the Citrus: Squeeze fresh lime and lemon juice into a separate bowl. Make sure to remove any seeds.

Marinate the Seafood: Pour the citrus juice over the diced fish and shrimp in the bowl. Ensure that all the seafood is submerged in the juice. The acid from the citrus will "cook" the seafood by denaturing the proteins. Let it marinate for about 20-30 minutes or until the seafood turns opaque.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the seafood is marinating, thinly slice the red onion, finely chop the jalapeño peppers (adjust the amount according to your spice preference), dice the red and yellow bell peppers, and mince the garlic. Place them in a separate bowl.

Combine Ingredients: After the seafood has marinated, drain most of the citrus juice from the bowl. Add the marinated seafood to the bowl with the prepared vegetables.

Season and Mix: Add chopped cilantro, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the mixture. Gently stir all the ingredients together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Chill and Serve: Cover the ceviche and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If desired, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top before serving.

Presentation: Serve your refreshing ceviche in individual bowls or glasses. Garnish with avocado slices and serve with tortilla chips on the side.

Conclusion: 

This zesty and refreshing ceviche recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal appetizer or light meal. Enjoy the burst of citrus, the tender seafood, and the crunch of fresh vegetables in every bite. It's a dish that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Latin America. Enjoy!