Join our growing team, we are always accepting applications!

BLOG

What Makes a Great Ceviche

Oct 11, 2019 | Food

Ceviche is so much more than a healthy southern delicacy. Adventurous eaters from Canada to the Caribbean indulge in this unique dish. It’s the perfect cold meal when the Jacksonville weather becomes too hot to handle. While ceviche is certainly delicious, it requires simple techniques that can be difficult to master. You’re in luck because we serve a delicious version right here at North Beach Fish Camp. If you’re not quite sure how chefs go about making this dish, here’s the breakdown:

The Marinade Must be On-Point

What sets ceviche apart from so many other seafood dishes is that it’s flavored and cooked in citrus juice. We can’t stress enough how important it is to find that sweet spot between over-marinaded and just right. The ideal marinade time is 10 to 20 minutes to cook the fish through but keep it from falling apart.

Select the Right Type of Seafood

We’ll keep it easy for ‘ya. The best and only kind of seafood you should use is flaky white fish, shrimp or scallops. Avoid older and pre-frozen fish because it will lose its flavor and color during the marinade process. One of the essential elements of ceviche is the vibrant color and flavor of the ingredients, which can only be accomplished with fresh fish straight from the sea.

Use the Right Combo of Ingredients

We’re talking about the right ratio of the marinade to vegetables and seafood. As a rule, use ½ a cup of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice for each pound of fish or shellfish. This perfectly cures the seafood and results in the right consistency and flavor. Whatever combination of citrus, vegetables and seafood you use, it’s more important than ever to use the freshest ingredients available.

Correctly Prepare Your Fresh Ingredients

We know we’ve already said it, but ceviche is more than simply citrus and fish. Diced yellow, red and green bell peppers add the perfect amount of color and flavor. When you slice the peppers and onions you want to use, make sure everything is uniformly shaped for consistent marinading. When all of the ingredients are around the same size, you’ll notice the difference in flavor and appearance.

Stop by North Beach Fish Camp for Some Fresh Ceviche

Skip the stress of making this dish at home and head to your local Fish Camp instead. Whatever the season, our Ceviche of the Day with as many soda crackers as your heart desires is always a smart choice. Book your reservation online to skip the wait and snag your favorite table.