Citrusy Ceviche

Ingredients

The Ceviche

• 1/2
  
  pound firm fish (sea bass, white fish, snapper, opah, uku; can also use scallop, squid)
  
• 1
  
  juice of lime
  
• 1
  
  juice of sweet mandarin (if you have calamansi, use the juice of 2 calamansi, instead of lime/orange mix)
  
• 
  
  pinches aji amarillo paste (or use chipotle) add more if you prefer spicy
  
• 1
  
  serrano or jalapeno pepper, (seeds and stem removed and julienned–reserve half)
  
• 1/4
  
  small red bell pepper, julienned (reserve half)
  
• 1
  
  tablespoon oil (I use grape seed)
  
• 
  
  salt and pepper to taste
  

Garnishes for Ceviche

• 1/2
  
  red onion, thinly sliced
  
• 1
  
  garlic clove, thinly sliced
  
• 1/2
  
  cup vinegar to cover onion in pot
  
• 1/2
  
  cup crema or sour cream
  
• 1
  
  tablespoon lime juice
  
• 
  
  corn tortilla chips
  
• 
  
  diced avocado
  
• 
  
  cilantro (garnish)
  

Directions

The Ceviche

1. Combine all the ingredients but the seafood in a bowl or tray (something with enough surface to cover the fish).
2. A typical ceviche uses the citrus to ‘cook’ the seafood. If you go this route, you should cube up the fish and let it marinate in the juice for at least an hour in the refrigerator. I like to quick sear the fish on both sides in a tiny bit of the oil, cube it and let it marinade while I prepare the rest of garnishes–about 10-15 minutes.
3. Drain the seafood right before serving and toss with diced avocado and chopped cilantro.

Garnishes for Ceviche

1. Quick pickle your red onions, and garlic, along with the reserved serrano (or jalapeno) and red bell pepper by placing them in a pot with enough vinegar to cover (1/2 cup should be plenty). Bring to a simmer for about 2 minutes and drain.
2. Make a lime crema, by stirring together the crema (or sour cream) and lime to make a tangy sauce.
3. Serve the ceviche over tortilla chips, with the quick pickled red onions and lime crema