Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Then look no further! This cod fish ceviche recipe is your answer. Ceviche, a traditional South American dish, is all about letting fresh, high-quality ingredients shine. The "cooking" is done through the "marinating" process of the fish in citrus juices, resulting in a wonderfully tender and zesty meal perfect for a warm evening or a light lunch. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, and even seasoned chefs will appreciate its simplicity and deliciousness. It's the epitome of healthy meals and one of the best recipes for a quick dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cod fillet, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or plantain chips, for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fish: Ensure your cod fillet is very fresh. Cut it into ½-inch cubes. The smaller the cubes, the faster the ceviche will “cook.”
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Marinate the Fish: In a medium-sized glass bowl, combine the lime juice and orange juice. Add the cubed cod and gently stir to ensure all the fish is submerged in the citrus mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The fish will "cook" in the acidic juices, turning opaque and firm. Do not let it marinate for longer than 2 hours, as it can become mushy.
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Combine the Ingredients: Once the cod is cooked, drain off any excess citrus juice. Add the red onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeño (if using), and avocado to the bowl with the cod. Gently mix everything together.
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Season and Serve: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or plantain chips for a delicious and refreshing appetizer or light meal.
Tips for the Best Cod Fish Ceviche:
- Use the Freshest Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the taste of your ceviche. Use the freshest cod, limes, oranges, and other vegetables you can find.
- Don't Over-Marinate: Over-marinating will result in mushy fish. Stick to the recommended marinating time.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder ceviche, omit the jalapeño or use a smaller amount. For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like cucumber, mango, or tomatoes.
Variations:
- Shrimp Ceviche: Substitute shrimp for the cod. Shrimp cooks faster than cod, so reduce the marinating time to 15-20 minutes.
- Seafood Ceviche: Create a mixed seafood ceviche by combining cod, shrimp, and scallops.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This cod fish ceviche is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both healthy and easy to make. It's a perfect choice for a quick dinner idea, a light lunch, or a flavorful appetizer. Enjoy this homemade cooking delight! It's truly one of the best recipes you'll ever try!