Are you craving a fresh, vibrant, and healthy meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This sea bass ceviche recipe is the perfect solution for a quick dinner idea or a stunning appetizer. This delicious dish bursts with citrusy flavors and is a testament to the magic of simple, homemade cooking. It's a fantastic example of how easy it is to create healthy meals packed with flavor. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sea bass fillet, cut into ½-inch cubes
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 3-4 limes)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or plantain chips, for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the Sea Bass: Ensure your sea bass is extremely fresh. Rinse the sea bass fillet and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut it into ½-inch cubes. The smaller the cubes, the faster the “cooking” process will be.
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Marinate the Fish: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the lime juice and orange juice. Add the sea bass cubes, ensuring they are fully submerged in the citrus mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through. Over-marinating can make the fish tough, so keep an eye on it.
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Add Flavor Boosters: Once the sea bass is cooked, gently drain off some of the excess citrus liquid. Add the red onion, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine.
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Garnish and Serve: Gently fold in the diced avocado and halved cherry tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or plantain chips for a truly delightful experience.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ceviche:
- Fish Choice: While sea bass is excellent, you can use other firm, white fish like snapper, halibut, or cod. Avoid oily fish.
- Citrus Juice: The acidity of the citrus juice “cooks” the fish, so ensure you use enough and that the fish is fully submerged.
- Freshness is Key: The quality of the ingredients directly impacts the final taste. Use the freshest sea bass, limes, oranges, and other ingredients you can find.
- Don't Over-Marinate: Over-marinating can result in dry, tough fish. Aim for the minimum marinating time and check the fish regularly.
Variations:
- Spicy Ceviche: Increase the amount of jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Mango Ceviche: Add diced mango for a touch of sweetness and tropical flavor.
- Cucumber Ceviche: Incorporate diced cucumber for added freshness and crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This sea bass ceviche is a fantastic example of easy recipes that are both healthy and delicious. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch, a vibrant appetizer, or a quick and easy dinner. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful dish!