The Best Ceviche Recipe

If you love refreshing, zesty flavors and crave a dish that’s both light and utterly satisfying, you absolutely need to try The Best Ceviche Recipe! This colorful classic supports its “best” title with fresh fish, juicy citrus, and just the right kick of chili—all coming together in a dish that whispers of beach days and sunshine in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every delicious layer of this ceviche recipe comes from an all-star cast of simple, fresh ingredients. Each plays a key role—crunchy, juicy, tender, or creamy—to make every bite lively and unforgettable.

• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a pop of color and sweet, sharp bite—soaking with lime softens its punch.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and drawing out the natural juices from the seafood and veggies.
• Fresh lime juice: The cornerstone of any ceviche, it “cooks” the fish, infusing everything with bright, tangy zest—use ripe, juicy limes if possible!
• Garlic cloves: Finely minced for a subtle, savory note that blends seamlessly with the citrus and chili.
• Serrano or jalapeño chili pepper: Brings just the right level of heat—start with a little and adjust to taste.
• Fresh fish (sea bass, red snapper, mahi-mahi, etc.): Choose what looks best and freshest; firm, mild white fish is perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds herby aroma and a burst of color, essential for authentic flavor.
• Grape or cherry tomatoes: Sliced or halved for sweetness and juicy bite.
• Diced cucumber: Keeps it extra refreshing and adds crunch.
• Olive oil (optional): Rounds out the textures and flavors with a silky, subtle richness.
• Avocado (optional): For extra creaminess or to blend into a silky avocado sauce to drizzle over the top.

Variations

What’s truly wonderful about The Best Ceviche Recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Whether you’re feeling spicy, want a tropical twist, or need to work with what’s on hand, ceviche flexes to fit your taste and ingredients.

• Add Tropical Fruit: Diced mango, pineapple, or papaya fold in beautifully for a bright, sweet balance—especially delicious in summer.
• Switch Up the Protein: Try cooked shrimp, scallops, or even diced octopus instead of (or in addition to) fish for a seafood medley.
• Vegan Ceviche: Swap fish for hearts of palm and extra avocado—a crowd-pleasing plant-based version with all the tangy goodness.
• Go Extra Spicy: Leave some chili seeds in for heat lovers, or garnish with thinly sliced red chilis for maximum kick.

How to Make The Best Ceviche Recipe

Step 1: Macerate the Onions

Begin by slicing your red onion thinly—with the grain for maximum crunch and character. Toss the slices into a bowl with kosher salt, black pepper, and all that glorious fresh lime juice. This first step softens the onion’s bite while infusing it with zingy citrus, becoming the flavor backbone for the marinade.

Step 2: Add the Fish, Garlic & Chili

Dice your pristine fish into half-inch cubes—aim for uniformity so it “cooks” evenly. Add it to the marinating onions along with finely minced garlic and your preferred amount of fresh serrano or jalapeño chili. Give everything a gentle toss so the citrus can start working its magic on the fish, turning each piece opaque and savory.

Step 3: Fold in Veggies & Cilantro

Measure out your juicy grape or cherry tomatoes (halved or diced), chopped fresh cilantro, and crispy cucumber. Fold these into the fish mixture, drizzling in olive oil if using. The tomatoes add sweetness, the cucumbers keep it cool, and cilantro ties all the flavors together for that signature ceviche freshness.

Step 4: Chill & Finish

Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge. Let everything marinate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 45–60 minutes), giving the lime juice time to “cook” the fish. Just before serving, taste and tweak—add more salt, extra chili, or a dose of lime—then gently fold in diced avocado, if using, for ultra creaminess. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Step 5: Optional Avocado Sauce

For a next-level garnish or salad-style presentation, blend ripe avocado with cilantro, lime, olive oil, a splash of water, salt, coriander, and garlic until you have a smooth, emerald-green sauce. Drizzle over your ceviche or use as a creamy dipper—it’s almost too good to share.

How to Serve The Best Ceviche Recipe

Garnishes

Top your ceviche with extra chopped cilantro, thinly sliced chilies, and cubes of creamy avocado right before serving—each garnish adds a final burst of color and flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few lime wedges on the side, or a swirl of the avocado sauce all add that extra “wow.”

Side Dishes

The Best Ceviche Recipe is irresistible with crisp tortilla chips, crunchy mini tostadas, or piled into cool lettuce cups for freshness. A side of coconut rice, grilled corn, or even a tangy slaw makes it a meal, while ice-cold beer or a tart margarita is the definitive finishing touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your ceviche in appetizer glasses or tiny jars for cocktail parties, pile it high on round tortilla chips for shareable canapés, or serve in lettuce cups for a colorful picnic. For a dramatic starter, plate it as a salad with a swirl of avocado sauce, or fill crisp taco shells for an unforgettable hand-held treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ceviche keeps well for up to 1 day when tightly covered and refrigerated. While it’s tastiest on day one (when the textures pop!), it’s still delicious the next day—just know the fish and veggies will soften a bit as they soak up more citrus.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for The Best Ceviche Recipe; the texture of the marinated fish and vegetables changes dramatically once frozen and thawed, losing that signature fresh snap.

Reheating

This is one dish you never want to reheat—ceviche is always served cold and fresh! If your leftovers are extra chilly from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving to bring back the flavors and aroma.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s bright, easy, and always a hit, go ahead and give The Best Ceviche Recipe a try. It’s sunshine in a bowl—fresh, zesty, and bursting with playful color and bold flavor. Share it with friends or savor it solo, and you’ll see why you’ll want to make it again and again!

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