Cómo preparar un buen ceviche
Ceviche, a classic Peruvian dish, is a seafood delicacy that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts around the world. Known for its fresh, tangy, and zesty flavors, preparing a good ceviche requires attention to detail and a bit of culinary skill. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to prepare a delicious ceviche that will leave your guests impressed.
1. Choose the right ingredients
The key to a great ceviche lies in the quality of the ingredients. Start by selecting fresh, high-quality seafood, such as white fish like sea bass or corvina. It is important to use raw fish, as ceviche is made by marinating the seafood in citrus juices to “cook” it without heat. Ensure that the fish is well cleaned and cut into thin, bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the marinade
The marinade, known as the “leche de tigre” or tiger’s milk, is the soul of ceviche. It is a mixture of freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice, salt, and chili peppers. To make the marinade, combine the juice of 8 to 10 limes with 2 to 3 tablespoons of salt and 2 to 3 chopped red chili peppers. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or chili peppers as needed.
3. Marinate the seafood
Place the cut fish pieces in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss the seafood gently to ensure it is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This marinating process allows the citrus juices to react with the fish, creating a flavorful and tender texture.
4. Add the extras
While the seafood is marinating, prepare the additional ingredients that will enhance the flavor of your ceviche. This includes diced onions, cilantro, aji amarillo or another type of chili, and slices of red or white onion. After the seafood has marinated, gently fold in these ingredients, taking care not to break up the fish pieces.
5. Taste and adjust
Once all the ingredients are combined, taste the ceviche and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the dish is too tangy, you can add a bit of oil or some more salt. If it is too spicy, consider adding some sugar or milk to balance the flavors.
6. Serve and enjoy
Finally, it’s time to serve your ceviche. Arrange the ceviche on a plate, garnishing with a few more slices of chili or a sprinkle of salt. Serve immediately with slices of fresh, raw red onion on the side, so guests can add their own desired amount.
Now that you know how to prepare a good ceviche, you can impress your friends and family with this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
