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    Home » Recipes » Seafood » Fish Ceviche (Ceviche de Pescado)

    Fish Ceviche (Ceviche de Pescado)

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted March 6, 2020 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    An EASY Fish Ceviche (or Ceviche de Pescado) recipe that’s full of flavor, light, and delicious. Serve on top of a tostada or with saltine crackers and enjoy this Mexican seafood goodness!
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Fish ceviche served in a glass bowl

    Fish Ceviche (Ceviche de Pescado) is the perfect warm-weather food. You never feel heavy after you eat this delish. It’s full of all your favorite Mexican flavors.

    On top of that, it’s cheap and easy to make.

    Very similar to Ceviche de Camarón, only this recipe is made with fish.

    Talk about a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Winner! No chicken dinner, and it’ll help you stay thinner.

    INGREDIENTS

    Ingredients for Fish Ceviche on a wooden surface.

    • Frozen fish tilapia
    • Tomato
    • Onion
    • Jalapeño
    • Cilantro
    • Lime juice

    For those who don’t want to use raw onions or a strong spicy flavor, you can also use pickled onions and pickled jalapeños.

    If you prefer, add cucumber and nopales ingredients too.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Raw white fish chopped up into tiny pieces.

    • Chop the frozen tilapia into tiny pieces.
    • Be sure to keep it cold, or it will go bad.

    Mushy defrosted fish actually comes in hand when you’re chopping it up into tiny pieces. If it’s too watery, squeeze out with your hands any extra liquid.

    Can I use frozen fish for ceviche?

    Absolutely! This tasty recipe is easier than shrimp ceviche since cleaning raw shrimp takes time.

    You can use fresh fish too, but I suggest you use firm white fish. 

    What types of fish are used in ceviche?

    You can use cod, grouper, haddock, or sea bass. Any firm white fish will do.

    Lime Juice.jpg

    • Squeeze the limes.
    • You will need 6 key limes or 3 regular limes.

    That’s the trick.

    Thanks to this, we can use frozen fish. The citrusy lime juice will mask that frozen flavor and will give it a refreshing touch.

    Is it raw?

    Technically, ceviche is not raw, but it’s not cooked either. Cooking requires heat, and ceviche never touches a skillet. The acid from the lime “cooks” the fish in a chemical process called denaturation.

    It kills all the bad bacteria, making ceviche SAFE to eat.

    Diced Jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes on a cutting board.

    • Chop up the onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
    • Set aside until ready to use.

    This is a classic combination in the Mexican cuisine, using these ingredients greatly enhances its flavor and gives it a lighter and fresher touch.

    Fish ceviche in a glass baking dish with a sliver spoon and surrounded by cilantro.

    • Drain any liquid that might have come out of the fish.
    • Mix the onions, tomatoes, and jalapeño with the fish.
    • Pour the lime juice and mix well.

    Be sure to remove as much of the liquid as possible, or you’ll end up with a watery dish.

    Ceviche fish in a serving plate with a spoon

    You can’t rush an excellent dish like this, give it at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

    How long will it last?

    If your fish is fresh, ceviche can last up to 3 days in the fridge. Do not let it go longer than that, or it can make people sick.

    Fish Ceviche served in a glass bowl.

    PRO TIP:

    • If you cook a lot of Mexican food, chop this trio of ingredients up (onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños) in double quantities. Chop once, cook it twice. It makes for faster cooking.

    This Ceviche de Pescado recipe is a keeper. It’s a tasty Mexican seafood recipe that you’ll make again and again as a quick and easy appetizer on warm days or during Lent. 

    MORE CEVICHE RECIPES:

    Scallop Ceviche

    Salmon Ceviche

    Vegan Ceviche

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!
    Fish ceviche served in a glass bowl.

    Fish Ceviche (Ceviche de Pescado)

    An EASY Fish Ceviche (or Ceviche de Pescado) recipe that’s full of flavor, light, and delicious. Serve on top of a tostada or with saltine crackers and enjoy this Mexican seafood goodness!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Lunch or Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 129kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb White Fish (such as tilapia)
    • 1 tspn salt
    • 3 Lime juice (6 key limes)
    • 1/4 onion diced
    • 1 tomato diced
    • 1 jalapeno finely diced
    • 1/2 bunch cilantro
    • 1/2 cucumber (optional)
    • 1 diced avocado (optional)

    Instructions

    • Wash the fish.
    • Pat dry.
    • Chop into ½ inch pieces.
    • In plastic or glass container, add the fish, salt, and lime juice.
    • Cover and refrigerator for 1/2 hour.
    • Add onion, tomato, jalapeno, cucumber (if using), and cilantro.
    • Mix well.
    • Cover again and refrigerate for another 1/2 hour.
    • Mix in avocado right before serving.
    • Serve with saltine crackers or on top of a tostada.

    Notes

    Don't worry about using frozen fish for this recipe. The citrusy lime juice will mask the frozen fish flavor.
    This is tilapia. However, you can also use cod, grouper, haddock, or sea bass. Any white fish will do.
    For those of you who do not want to use raw onions, you can also use pickled onions.
    For a less spicy ceviche, you can use pickled jalapenos. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 159mg | Potassium: 503mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 388IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Lent, Mexican, Recipes, Seafood

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Emily Flint

      November 16, 2020 at 9:05 am

      5 stars
      This ceviche dish looks so delicious and refreshing, I can’t wait to find some frozen tilapia!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 16, 2020 at 10:58 am

        This recipe is amazing! Hope you try it.

        Reply
    2. Audrey

      November 16, 2020 at 2:06 pm

      5 stars
      I’m such a huge fan of ceviche! Yum

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 30, 2020 at 9:13 am

        Ceviche is the best! Hope you try this recipe!

        Reply
    3. Alexandra

      November 16, 2020 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      Love the delicious fresh flavours of the dish, and how simple it is to make!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 24, 2020 at 2:34 pm

        Fresh and delicious indeed!

        Reply
    4. Chef Dennis

      November 16, 2020 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      Hmm yum! I can’t wait to try making this Ceviche de Pescado at home! It looks absolutely delish.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 30, 2020 at 9:13 am

        I think so too delicious glad you liked it!

        Reply
    5. Connie

      November 16, 2020 at 11:13 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! I like making mine with baby shrimp. So good!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 24, 2020 at 2:35 pm

        Hope you try it! It’s the best!

        Reply
    6. Alena

      November 17, 2020 at 4:48 am

      5 stars
      Ceviche reminds me of vacation because I’ve only ever had it on vacation, but I love that I can now make it at home! This recipe makes it so easy and delicious.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 30, 2020 at 9:14 am

        Easy and delicious indeed! Hope you try it!

        Reply
    7. Leslie

      November 17, 2020 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      Delightful recipe!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        November 30, 2020 at 9:16 am

        Hope you try it!

        Reply
    8. Anonymous

      July 4, 2021 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      Taste and very good mixture of texture, creaminess and acidity

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 19, 2021 at 2:26 pm

        So glad you liked it. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for warm summer days.

        Reply
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