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If you love fresh, vibrant flavors that remind you of sunny coastal getaways, then this Halibut Ceviche Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to dish. It’s a stunning combination of tender, lime-cured halibut mingling with creamy avocado, zesty jalapeno, and tangy tomatoes that burst with every bite. This ceviche is refreshingly light yet incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for warm afternoons, dinner parties, or whenever you crave a taste of something bright and healthy. Plus, it’s made from simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to showcase the true magic of fresh seafood done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple and fresh—the beauty of this Halibut Ceviche Recipe is how each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing flavors, textures, and colors. Every element adds a layer of brightness, creaminess, or subtle heat that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1 pound sushi-grade halibut (cubed): Choose the freshest possible for the best texture and flavor in your ceviche.
- 1.5 cups fresh lime juice: The key citrus component that “cooks” the fish and provides a vibrant tang.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (to taste): Enhances and balances all the natural fresh flavors.
- 1 large avocado (peeled and diced): Adds creamy richness and a luscious contrast to the zesty lime.
- 2 vine-ripened tomatoes (seeded and diced): Bring juicy sweetness and color vibrancy to the mix.
- 1/3 cup red onion (finely chopped): Offers a sharp, slightly sweet crispness that cuts through the creaminess.
- 1 jalapeno (seeded and finely chopped): For just the right amount of gentle heat to lift the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Brings a fragrant herbal freshness that ties everything together.
How to Make Halibut Ceviche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cure the Halibut
Start by chopping the sushi-grade halibut into bite-sized cubes—this ensures each piece is perfectly coated with citrus. Place the cubes in a glass or stainless steel bowl, sprinkle with sea salt, and pour in the fresh lime juice. Make sure the fish is fully submerged or add a bit more lime juice if needed. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For a tender texture with a hint of raw freshness, cure it for 15 to 30 minutes. If you prefer it firmer and more “cooked” by the citrus, leave it for 1 to 2 hours but never exceed 3 hours to avoid turning the fish rubbery.
Step 2: Drain the Cured Halibut
Once your halibut has reached your desired texture, strain it carefully to drain off the lime juice. Discard the juice to prevent the dish from becoming overly sour or watery. Transfer the citrus-cured halibut into a clean serving bowl where it will mingle with the fresh vegetables.
Step 3: Combine the Fresh Veggies and Herbs
Add the diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, finely chopped red onion, jalapeno, and fresh cilantro to the same bowl used for curing or a separate bowl if you prefer. Gently toss these ingredients with the halibut to combine, taking care not to mash the avocado. Adjust salt as needed to elevate all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Serve Halibut Ceviche Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is key with ceviche, so finishing with a sprinkling of extra cilantro leaves or thin slices of jalapeno adds a wonderful pop of color and a hint of spice on top. A few lime wedges on the side encourage everyone to add an extra citrusy burst if they wish.
Side Dishes
This Halibut Ceviche Recipe shines perfectly when paired with crunchy toasted bread, salty plantain chips, or fresh tortilla chips. These accompaniments provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky texture of the ceviche.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the ceviche in individual cocktail glasses or hollowed-out avocado halves for a playful touch. Alternatively, layering it over crispy wonton cups or cucumber slices creates an elegant appetizer that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 24 hours for best quality. The lime juice will continue to “cook” the fish, so the texture will change over time and is best eaten fresh.
Freezing
Freezing ceviche is not recommended because the texture of the fish and fresh vegetables will deteriorate once thawed. This recipe truly shines when enjoyed fresh and vibrant.
Reheating
Reheating ceviche is generally avoided as it is meant to be eaten cold and fresh, highlighting the bright, citrusy flavors and tender fish. If you want warm seafood, consider other cooking methods instead.
FAQs
What type of fish can I use instead of halibut?
If halibut isn’t available, other firm, fresh white fish like snapper, sea bass, or mahi-mahi work well for ceviche, as they hold up nicely when cured in citrus.
Can I make this ceviche without avocado?
Absolutely! While avocado adds creaminess and richness, you can omit it or substitute with cucumber cubes for a refreshing crunch if you prefer.
How long can I leave the fish in lime juice?
For best texture, leave the fish in lime juice between 15 minutes and 2 hours. Beyond 3 hours, the fish becomes too firm and loses its delicate ceviche texture.
Is it safe to eat raw fish cured in lime juice?
Yes, as long as you use sushi-grade fish and keep everything properly chilled, the acidity from the lime juice effectively “cooks” the fish, making it safe and tasty.
Can I add other veggies or fruits to this ceviche?
Certainly! Mango, cucumber, or radishes add delicious flavor and texture contrasts. Feel free to experiment while keeping the balance fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Halibut Ceviche Recipe that brings a burst of freshness and joy to any meal. It’s quick to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and impressively elegant without fuss. Next time you want to wow family or friends with a tasty, light dish that’s perfect for warmer days, give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming a staple in your culinary repertoire!
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PrintHalibut Ceviche Recipe
This Halibut Ceviche is a refreshing and light seafood dish where fresh sushi-grade halibut is marinated in lime juice and combined with avocado, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, it captures vibrant flavors and zesty freshness without any cooking involved.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including marination time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound sushi-grade halibut, cubed
Marinade
- 1.5 cups fresh lime juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (to taste)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 large avocado, peeled and diced
- 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Halibut: Chop the sushi-grade halibut into bite-sized pieces and place them in a glass or stainless steel mixing bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt and pour fresh lime juice over the fish, ensuring it is fully submerged. Stir gently to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes for tender, semi-raw fish, or 1 to 2 hours if you prefer a firmer, more ‘cooked’ texture.
- Drain the Fish: After marination, strain the halibut from the lime juice, discarding the liquid to prevent bitterness and excess acidity. Transfer the strained fish into a clean serving bowl.
- Mix the Ingredients: In the original mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, avocado, finely chopped red onion, jalapeno, and fresh cilantro. Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Combine and Season: Add the marinated halibut to the vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients. Season with additional sea salt to taste if needed.
- Serve: Serve the ceviche immediately as is, or optionally alongside toasted bread or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure to use sushi-grade halibut for safety, as the fish is eaten raw but ‘cooked’ by citrus acid.
- Do not let the fish marinate longer than 3 hours to avoid an overly firm or rubbery texture.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity to your preferred spice level.
- For added zest, consider a splash of freshly chopped jalapeno seeds or a pinch of black pepper.
- Serve chilled for optimum freshness and flavor.
