Ahi Tuna Ceviche – Marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño, this no-cook recipe delivers a perfect balance of citrusy tang, subtle heat, and herbaceous notes. Light, healthy, and bursting with flavor, ahi tuna ceviche is an elegant appetizer or a standout main dish for warm-weather dining. Serve it with tortilla chips, over crisp greens, or on its own for a delightful and satisfying treat.
What is Ceviche?
Ceviche is a popular seafood dish in Latin American cuisine, particularly in coastal regions of Mexico. It’s made from raw fish or seafood, “cooked” in acidic citrus juice, most commonly lime or lemon. The acid changes the protein structure of the fish, giving it a firm texture and a translucent appearance. Ceviche is often mixed with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, avocado, and spicy jalapeños, resulting in a medley of flavors and textures that scream summer.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Ceviche
- Use Fresh Citrus: Bottled lime juice just doesn’t cut it. Freshly squeezed limes are essential for the best flavor.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Keep everything cold to enhance the refreshing nature of the dish.
- Experiment with Peppers: For a milder version, use diced poblano peppers. If you love heat, go for habaneros!
Variations on Traditional Tuna Ceviche
Want to change things up? Here are some creative variations:
- Tropical Twist: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet, tropical flavor.
- Asian Fusion: Incorporate soy sauce, sesame oil, and finely chopped ginger for an Asian-inspired ceviche.
- Herbal Boost: Add fresh basil or mint for a unique herbal kick.
- Smoky Flavor: Try adding a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle for a deeper, smoky flavor.
How to Serve Mexican Tuna Ceviche
The most traditional way to enjoy tuna ceviche is on crunchy tostadas, but you can get creative:
- With Tortilla Chips: A great option for scooping up the ceviche.
- In Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb, fresh alternative.
- With Plantain Chips: For a Caribbean flair.
- In Martini Glasses: Perfect for a stylish presentation at a dinner party.
How to Store Leftover Ceviche
Ceviche is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. The fish will continue to marinate and may become firmer.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing will alter the texture of the fish, so it’s not recommended.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen tuna for ceviche?
Yes, but ensure it’s high-quality, sushi-grade tuna. Thaw it properly before use, and pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
How do I know if my tuna is fresh?
Fresh tuna should have a clean, ocean-like smell and a deep red or pink color. Avoid fish that smells overly “fishy” or has a dull color.
Is ceviche safe to eat?
Yes, as long as you use sushi-grade fish and marinate it in sufficient acid (lime juice) to “cook” it properly.
Can I make this recipe with other types of fish?
Absolutely! Mahi-mahi, snapper, or even shrimp make excellent substitutes for tuna.
Traditional Tuna Ceviche Recipe Mexican
Ahi Tuna Ceviche - Marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, cilantro, red onion, and jalapeño, this no-cook recipe delivers a perfect balance of citrusy tang, subtle heat, and herbaceous notes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ahi tuna steak, sushi grade, cut into small cubes
- 1 avocado, diced for creaminess
- 1 jalapeño, minced for a touch of heat (optional, but highly recommended)
- Juice of 1 lime, to "cook" the tuna and add that perfect tang
- ½ cup red onion, minced for crunch and a hint of sharpness
- ⅓ cup cilantro, minced, because what’s a ceviche without cilantro?
- 1 teaspoon salt, to bring all the flavors together
- Tortilla chips, for scooping (optional but so satisfying
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the cubed tuna, diced avocado, minced jalapeño, lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and salt.
- Toss everything gently to make sure the tuna is evenly coated with all those fresh flavors.
- Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes. The lime juice will work its magic, slightly "cooking" the outside of the tuna while keeping the inside perfectly raw and tender.
- Grab some tortilla chips for scooping or enjoy the ceviche on its own. It’s bright, tangy, and incredibly delicious!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 154Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 25mgSodium 411mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 15g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Traditional Mexican Tuna Ceviche is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a light meal on a hot day. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with the variations, this dish is a surefire way to transport your taste buds straight to the Mexican coast.
Try these other tuna recipes:
