Ceviche de Pescado- Mexican Fish Ceviche

Ceviche de Pescado is fish cooked in lime juice, mixed with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and cilantro. Serve it chilled with tortilla chips for a fresh, no-cook meal or appetizer.

During the hot Arizona Summer, staying cool is a top priority.  No cook meals are perfect to keep your house and body cool.

Hello chilled ceviche!  

My husband introduced me to ceviche and my in-laws make it often in the Summer. There’s different variations in Mexico and parts of South America, but this is our family recipe and the ingredients are simple.

Jump to:

• What Kind of Fish to Use for Ceviche de Pescado
• Is the Fish Cooked in Ceviche?
• What Gives the Ceviche Flavor?  
• How long does Ceviche keep for?
• Ceviche de Pescado- Mexican Fish Ceviche Recipe

What Kind of Fish to Use for Ceviche de Pescado

The most important takeaway is to use fresh fish (like you live near the ocean) or packaged frozen fish. Frozen is best if you are like me and don’t live near an ocean.

For years I have been using frozen vacuum sealed fish, since it’s commonly packaged/frozen right after it’s caught. 

‘Fresh’ seafood at your grocery store counter is typically frozen fish thawed then put out on display. So if you are not using it right away, this decreases the freshness dramatically. 

When making Ceviche Pescado, I recommend using frozen fish and thawing it partially in the fridge. The fish is easier to dice when it is partially frozen.

I made this Ceviche using Cod, but my in-laws make it with Tilapia. Any type of firm or semi-firm white fish works:

• Halibut
• Mahi-Mahi
• Sea Bass
• Snapper
• Flounder

Is the Fish Cooked in Ceviche?

The fish ‘cooks’ in the acid from the lime juice, and is refrigerated  for 2 hours. You definitely want to use fresh limes for ceviche. I ended up using 4 limes to get ½ cup of lime juice. 

Use a glass bowl for mixing and storing the ceviche since stainless can react with the lime juice.  Cover the dish with a Tupperware lid or plastic wrap before placing in the refrigerator. 

I prefer to drain out the ‘cooking’ lime juice before mixing in the other ingredients, because I think it’s too watery. Sometimes if it needs more acidity I’ll squeeze some fresh lime juice after everything is mixed.

When my in-laws make ceviche they do not drain the ‘cooking’ lime juice from the fish, and instead mix everything together. They also make a large batch and use fresh fish, so there is less liquid. 

Try keeping the lime juice in first and see if you like it that way, otherwise you can always drain it. 

What Gives the Ceviche Flavor?  

The lime juice is going to give acidity, but the mix-ins and salt will add tons of flavor!

Fresh chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro will add crunch and flavor. Diced jalapeno will add spice for some heat. I left the seeds in, but you can remove them for less spice. Or you can add hot sauce on your individual portion.

Avocado is also a great add-in. I typically don’t mix it in and instead add it on the top when eating. 

How long does Ceviche keep for?

Ceviche Pescado is best eaten the day of. After the initial 2 hours, you can add the mix-ins, then store it back in the refrigerator. I would store it in the fridge for a max of 2 days. 

Since ceviche requires some preparation, I recommend making it in the morning and enjoying it for lunch or dinner that same day. 

Here on some options on serving the Ceviche: Tortilla Chips, Tostadas, Plantain Chips, Lettuce Leaves, Cucumber Slices, or just eat it with a fork 🙂 

Want to try a Thai chilled salad? 

Papaya Salad is also served cold and requires no cooking!

Want more Ceviche? Try this Citrus Shrimp Ceviche