If fresh, light, and healthy are your thing, then Tuna Ceviche belongs on your menu.
Originating in Latin America, tuna ceviche is an invigorating dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. Marinating fish in juices is said to have roots tracing back to the Inca Empire in Peru, where fish was preserved and “cooked” using the acidity of local fruits. As this culinary custom spread across Latin America, different regions added their touch to the dish, making tuna ceviche a favorite in many seaside communities. Other popular ceviches are mango shrimp ceviche and vegan ceviche.
The charm of tuna ceviche lies in its lively, fresh flavors. Prepared with top-notch tuna, the fish is typically cut into pieces and soaked in a blend of lime or lemon juice. This citrus marinade effectively “cooks” the fish, imparting a firm texture. To elevate the taste profile, ingredients like onion, cilantro, creamy avocado, and jalapenos are incorporated, resulting in a delightful fusion of tangy, spicy, and herbal elements.
A key benefit of tuna ceviche is its simple preparation process. Unlike cooking methods that demand time and heat, making ceviche takes minutes. All you need are tuna, citrus juice, and a few basic ingredients that are typically found in your kitchen pantry or fridge. This makes it an excellent choice for evenings when you crave something healthy and fresh but lack the time to spend hours cooking in the kitchen.
Enjoy tuna ceviche as an appetizer or a main dish, or use it as a way to liven up salads, pasta, and more.
Is Tuna Ceviche Healthy?
Tuna ceviche is a very healthy dish, so go ahead and enjoy! Tuna provides protein for muscle development and repair. It’s also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health by reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease. These beneficial fats also aid in brain health, helping to maintain sharpness.
Ceviche retains the nutrients present in tuna. Because no heat is used, the fish preserves its texture and taste. Additionally, the inclusion of such vegetables as onions, cilantro, and avocado adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your meal. These veggies offer antioxidants that combat free radicals and bolster your system.
Indulging in tuna ceviche is a way to savor a low-calorie meal that is packed with nutrients.
What is sushi-grade tuna?
Sorry, though you can make tuna ceviche with canned tuna, it won’t yield the best results. A raw tuna that is safe to eat is needed, and sushi-grade is the highest-quality raw tuna. This premium tuna undergoes careful handling right from the moment it is caught to ensure its freshness and safety. Fishermen swiftly freeze the tuna at low temperatures to eliminate any potential parasites and help maintain its exceptional quality. When you purchase sushi-grade tuna, you get a piece of fish thoroughly inspected and approved for sushi preparation.
FAQs & Tips
Storing tuna ceviche is really easy. To keep it fresh in the refrigerator, simply transfer the ceviche into a container and refrigerate. It will remain tasty for 1 to 2 days. Be sure to seal it tightly to preserve that taste and prevent any unwanted fridge smells from seeping in. If you prefer freezing, place the ceviche in a freezer container or a Ziploc bag, removing as much air as possible. Remember to label it with the date. It should last for up to one month. Just defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before indulging.
Ceviche is a dish where fresh fish is “cooked” without using any heat. Instead, the magic takes place through the use of lime or lemon juice. The acidity from the juice turns the fish opaque, the same way heat does during cooking. This transformation process is known as denaturation. The fish soaks up the flavors, resulting in an invigorating and zesty delight. Although it’s intimidating if you haven’t prepared fish in this way, don’t worry. If you follow the instructions, your tuna ceviche is safe to eat.
Orange juice creates a delightful flavor in foods; however, it isn’t acidic enough to cook the fish. Lemon and lime juices have a higher acidity and that is why they are recommended. You can also use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in place of lemon or lime juice. For a sweet orange flavor, squeeze some fresh orange juice over the dish after it is complete.
Serving Suggestions
Tuna ceviche is light and refreshing, so you don’t want to overpower it with other foods. Still, there are great ways to complement it. To use the ceviche as a snack or dip, make some air fryer tortilla chips for a healthy crunch. You can also wrap up the tuna ceviche in a gluten-free tortilla with sun-dried tomatoes, creating a healthier alternative to a regular sandwich. For a hearty yet healthy meal, share the ceviche with a side of cilantro lime cauliflower rice or coconut cilantro lime rice. You’ll be transported to tropical islands as you eat! Tuna ceviche also pairs well with a light salad, such as lemon orzo salad or cucumber and tomato salad. Enjoy!
Recipe
Tuna Ceviche
Ingredients
- 12 oz sushi-grade tuna diced
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 avocado diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 small jalapeño seeded and minced (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Tortilla chips or plantain chips for serving
Instructions
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced tuna with lime juice, ensuring the tuna is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the citrus to ‘cook’ the fish.
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After marinating, drain off and discard the excess lime juice. Gently fold in the red onion, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using). Season with salt to taste.
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Serve the ceviche chilled, accompanied by tortilla chips or plantain chips for scooping.
Nutrition
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