Seviche
Seviche is a vibrant seafood dish featuring fresh fish marinated in citrus juice, complemented by herbs, peppers, and spices, perfect for a light, refreshing appetizer or main.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fish fillets ⓘ
- juice of 8 to 10 limes or lemons ⓘ
- 2 or more garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions, including tops ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pickled peppers ⓘ
- 1 small hot pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon coriander seed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 ripe tomato, seeded and chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut raw fish into bite-sized pieces.
- Cover the fish with lime or lemon juice and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to marinate.
- Drain the fish well after marinating.
- Toss the marinated fish with minced garlic, chopped green onions, pickled peppers, hot pepper, chopped parsley, salt, coriander seed, chopped tomato, and oil.
- Serve chilled on lettuce, as a first course or cold main dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use the freshest fish available, such as snapper or tilapia. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of hot pepper or use a sweeter variety. To enhance the dish, consider adding diced avocado or mango for a tropical twist. For a unique flavor, substitute coriander seeds with fresh cilantro. This seviche pairs beautifully with Stuffed Eggs Mexican-Style for a delightful appetizer spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the seviche chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing first course or as a light main dish. It pairs well with tortilla chips or crispy tostadas for added texture. For a complete meal, consider accompanying it with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. This dish also complements various seafood recipes, making it a versatile addition to your dining table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover seviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The acidity from the lime or lemon juice will continue to cook the fish, so consume it promptly for best quality. Avoid reheating, as this dish is meant to be served cold. If the flavors seem muted after storage, add a splash more lime juice before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seviche contains roughly 1299 calories, with 18g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 123g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2083mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fish, but ensure it's fully thawed and patted dry before marinating. Fresh fish provides the best texture and flavor, but frozen fish can be a convenient alternative if fresh isn't available. Just be cautious about marinating time, as previously frozen fish may absorb the lime juice quicker.
How spicy is this seviche?
The spice level depends on the type and quantity of hot pepper used. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a smaller hot pepper or remove the seeds. For those who enjoy heat, feel free to add more chopped hot pepper or even a dash of hot sauce. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Can I make this seviche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seviche a few hours in advance. However, for the best texture and freshness, it's recommended to serve it within 24 hours of marinating. If making ahead, combine the fish and lime juice, then add the other ingredients just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).