Are you craving a light, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful dish that's ready in minutes? Look no further than this delicious crab ceviche! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a refreshing appetizer, or a stunning addition to your next summer party. It's a celebration of fresh seafood, zesty citrus, and vibrant herbs, all coming together in a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make. Let's dive into this exciting homemade cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- 1 avocado, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped avocado, tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the crab meat: Gently rinse the crab meat under cold water to remove any stray shells. Pat it dry with paper towels. This ensures a clean and delicious ceviche.
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Marinate the crab: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crab meat and lime juice. Make sure the crab is fully submerged in the juice. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This "cooking" process gently "cooks" the crab with the acidity of the lime juice. Don't let it sit for longer than an hour, or the crab meat will become mushy.
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Add the vegetables and herbs: After marinating, add the red onion, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños, and tomatoes to the bowl. Gently stir to combine.
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Season and serve: Season the ceviche with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the diced avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a standalone appetizer.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ceviche:
- Use the freshest ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor of your ceviche. Opt for high-quality, fresh crab meat and ripe produce.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder ceviche, reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit them altogether. Alternatively, for extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Don't over-marinate: Over-marinating the crab meat will result in a mushy texture. Stick to the recommended marinating time.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the ceviche and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more lime juice, salt, or pepper.
Variations:
- Add some sweetness: A touch of sweetness complements the acidity of the lime juice beautifully. Consider adding a teaspoon of agave nectar or a diced mango.
- Seafood substitutions: While crab meat is delicious, feel free to experiment with other types of seafood like shrimp or scallops. Adjust the marinating time accordingly; shrimp and scallops will marinate faster than crab.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This crab ceviche recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly extraordinary dish. Enjoy this refreshing and vibrant seafood delight!