Welcome, spring season! And what better way to kick off the warmer weather and spring florals than with this quick and tasty ceviche recipe and guide? 

What is ceviche? Ceviche is fresh fish that has been marinated (aka “cooked”) in citrus juices, fresh herbs, and produce, for a very common lunch found in the coastal regions of South and Central America. 

How long should the ceviche be marinated to be safe to eat? The marination time can vary anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of pieces you’ve cut your fish into. That’s why it’s best to opt for smaller bite-sized pieces to ensure it’s “cooked” through. A good rule of thumb from chefs is 45 minutes per ¾” of fish piece. 

How do I know when it’s done “cooking”? There should be a noticeable difference in both the texture and color of the fish. The color should be opaque/white, and the fish should split smoothly with a fork just like normal cooked fish. Also, it should not smell fishy at this point either. But feel free to marinate up to 2 hours, even with smaller pieces, if that makes you feel more comfortable! However, the fish will just tend to be chewier the longer it sits. 

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• ¾ lb. white fish (I used halibut), (sashimi-grade)
• ¾ cup lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp. honey
• ⅓ cup cherry tomatoes (quartered)
• ½ small red onion (minced)
• ¼ cup fresh mint (chopped)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• ½ small avocado (firm and diced (optional))
• 1 garlic clove (minced (optional))
• 1 serrano or jalapeno pepper (finely chopped (optional))
• 1 peach or mango (firm and finely diced) (optional)
• salt & black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Slice the fish into small bite-sized pieces, then add into a large bowl. Pour in the lime juice, orange, and honey to stir. Make sure the fish is completely submerged in the citrus juices. If not, add more lime juice. Cover with either a lid or saran wrap. Set in the fridge to “cook” for 20 minutes. 
2. Remove the cover, then stir in the remaining chopped ingredients until well-combined. Cover once again to “cook” in the fridge for 10 more minutes, then enjoy! Best served with plantain chips.

Now, it’s time to grab our aprons and enjoy the seasonal delights of the blossoming spring!