Costa Rican Ceviche Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes  

   Prep Time: 30 minutes

Costa Rican Ceviche Ingredients

Costa Rican Ceviche Instructions

  1. Dice the fresh sea bass into 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring all pieces are uniform for even marination.
  2. Place the diced fish in a glass or non-reactive bowl and pour in the freshly squeezed lime juice and orange juice, making sure the fish is fully submerged.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the fish turns opaque and firms up.
  4. While the fish marinates, finely dice the red onion, red bell pepper, and cucumber, making sure the cucumber is peeled and seeded before dicing.
  5. Finely chop the fresh cilantro, mince the seeded jalapeño, and grate the garlic clove.
  6. Once the fish is opaque, drain off about half of the marinade to prevent the ceviche from being too soupy.
  7. Add the diced red onion, red bell pepper, cucumber, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño, and grated garlic to the marinated fish.
  8. Season the mixture with kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar, then drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil.
  9. Gently fold in the cooked corn kernels if using, and taste the ceviche, adjusting salt, pepper, or citrus as needed.
  10. Cover and chill the ceviche in the refrigerator for at least 15 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  11. Before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado and sprinkle with sliced chives for garnish.
  12. Serve the ceviche cold with plantain chips or saltine crackers on the side.

Estimated Calories: 150, Servings: 4

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About Ceviche Tico Recipe

If you're searching for the best and most authentic way to enjoy a refreshing seafood dish, look no further than this delicious Ceviche Tico recipe! This Costa Rican favorite is renowned for its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, making it the perfect choice for anyone who loves a quick and easy meal. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you'll learn how to make a homemade ceviche that's both tasty and satisfying. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or just craving something light, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.
One of the best things about this Costa Rican ceviche is how easy it is to prepare. The recipe calls for fresh fish, tangy lime juice, crisp onions, cilantro, and a touch of chili for that extra kick. These ingredients come together to create a dish that's bursting with flavor and color. If you're wondering how to make the perfect ceviche, just follow a few simple tips: always use the freshest fish you can find, let the citrus marinate the seafood thoroughly, and don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. This quick and easy method ensures you'll have a delicious appetizer or light meal in no time!
What makes this homemade Costa Rican ceviche truly stand out is its authentic taste and versatility. You can serve it with crunchy tortilla chips, on a bed of lettuce, or even as a topping for tostadas. The combination of simple ingredients and the right technique guarantees a tasty result every time. If you're looking for the best recipe to add to your collection, this is it! Don't forget to check out our extra tips for making your ceviche Tico absolutely perfect-your taste buds will thank you for this easy, quick, and delicious treat.

Storage Tips

When it comes to storage, the best approach for Ceviche Tico is to use an airtight glass container and keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. This method is not only easy but also helps maintain the healthy and delicious qualities of the recipe by minimizing exposure to air and bacteria. For optimal results, avoid storing it in metal containers, as the acidic marinade can react with the metal and alter the flavor, which is not great for preserving the dish's freshness.
Shelf life is a crucial consideration for Ceviche Tico, as the dish relies on the quick "cooking" action of citrus juice. Generally, it is good practice to consume ceviche within twenty four hours of preparation for the best taste and food safety. After this period, the texture of the seafood can deteriorate rapidly, and the risk of spoilage increases, so it is not a great idea to keep leftovers for more than a day, even if the recipe was made with the freshest ingredients.
Spoilage signs are important to recognize to ensure your Ceviche Tico remains safe and delicious. If you notice any off smells, a slimy texture, or a dull appearance, it is best to discard the dish immediately. These changes can happen fast, especially if the ceviche was not stored properly, so a quick inspection before eating is always a good idea. This expert tip will help you enjoy a healthy and easy meal without compromising on safety or flavor retention.

Healthy Ceviche Tico Tips

To boost the health benefits of your homemade Costa Rican ceviche recipe, focus on selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Opt for lean, wild-caught white fish, as it is lower in fat and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health. Use plenty of fresh lime juice, not only for its authentic flavor but also for its vitamin C content and natural antimicrobial properties, ensuring your ceviche is both safe and nutritious. Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables like red onions, bell peppers, and cilantro to increase the fiber, antioxidants, and micronutrients in your dish. This approach makes your easy, quick, and delicious ceviche even more health-conscious without sacrificing taste or authenticity.
For the best health outcomes, minimize added salt and avoid processed ingredients in your Costa Rican ceviche recipe. Instead, enhance flavor with fresh herbs and a touch of chili for a metabolism-boosting kick. If you want a perfect, tasty, and simple ceviche, serve it with baked plantain chips or lettuce cups instead of fried options to keep the meal light and heart-healthy. These expert tips ensure your homemade ceviche remains a quick, easy, and delicious choice that aligns with your health goals, while still delivering the authentic taste and texture that make this dish so popular.

Ceviche Tico Quick Mistake Fixes

When preparing a delicious ceviche, one of the most common pitfalls is ending up with a dish that is too salty. This can easily happen if you are not careful with the amount of salt or salty ingredients added, especially since the marinating process can intensify flavors over time. The best way to avoid this is to taste frequently and add salt in small increments, allowing the flavors to meld before making adjustments. If you find that your ceviche is already too salty, a quick and easy fix is to add more fresh, unsalted ingredients such as diced tomatoes or cucumber, which can help absorb some of the excess salt and restore a healthy balance to the dish.
A great ceviche should have a vibrant, appetizing appearance, as visual appeal is a key part of the overall experience. If the fish or seafood looks dull or the vegetables appear wilted, it can detract from the enjoyment, even if the flavors are good. To ensure the best presentation, use only the freshest ingredients and cut them into uniform, attractive pieces. Serving the ceviche in a chilled bowl or on a bed of crisp lettuce can also enhance its look, making it more inviting and reinforcing the idea that this is a fast, healthy, and easy dish to enjoy at any gathering.
Balancing flavors with last minute changes is a skill that can elevate your ceviche from good to great. If you taste your ceviche just before serving and find it bland or lacking in complexity, a quick squeeze of fresh citrus or a sprinkle of chopped herbs can make a world of difference. For a more robust flavor, a dash of hot sauce or a touch of sweetness from diced fruit can be added right before serving. These fast adjustments allow you to tailor the dish to your guests' preferences, ensuring that your ceviche is always delicious and memorable, no matter the recipe or occasion.

Ceviche Tico Story

During my first semester teaching abroad, the transition was more challenging than anticipated. The academic environment was rigorous, and the cultural differences left me feeling isolated. One evening, after a particularly demanding week, a colleague invited me to a small gathering. There, I was introduced to a dish that would become my best comfort during those uncertain days. The experience reminded me that sometimes, the best support comes from unexpected places, and that a good meal can bridge even the widest gaps.
From a nutritional psychology perspective, it is well established that food can play a significant role in emotional regulation. During that period, I was searching for something both healthy and satisfying, as my energy was low and my motivation was waning. The recipe I encountered that night was not only delicious but also easy to prepare, which was crucial given my limited time and resources. The act of sharing this meal with new friends provided a sense of belonging and stability, reinforcing the idea that even a quick culinary experience can have a profound impact on well being.
Reflecting on that time, I now advise others facing similar transitions to seek out simple rituals that offer comfort and connection. A great meal does not have to be elaborate; sometimes, the most effective solutions are fast and straightforward. The memory of that evening serves as a reminder that the right recipe, shared in good company, can transform a difficult moment into one of resilience and hope. In my professional opinion, integrating such easy and meaningful practices into daily life is a powerful strategy for navigating change.