Ceviche is a dish traditionally made by marinating raw fish in citrus juices, “cooking” the fish without heat. Tuna ceviche is a lighter, brighter take on the classic.
While traditional ceviche relies on high-quality raw fish, tuna ceviche can also be made quickly and easily with canned tuna.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light appetizer to share with friends, here are some delicious tuna ceviche recipes, along with tips for preparing, serving, and enjoying this refreshing dish.
Traditional ahi tuna ceviche
This ceviche recipe relies on the freshest ingredients, a vibrant citrus marinade, and a few simple steps.
Key Ingredients
- High-quality ahi tuna. For the best flavor and to avoid any risk of foodborne illness, it’s important to use sushi-grade ahi tuna. Sizzlefish ahi tuna is rated AAA.
- Citrus juices. Lime juice is essential for both marinating the fish and adding that signature ceviche tang. A bit of orange juice adds a touch of sweetness.
- Vegetables and herbs. Chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños are all common additions.
Preparation Steps
- Marinate the tuna. Cut the tuna into small, bite-sized pieces and marinate in lime and orange juice for at least 30 minutes (or longer, if you like).
- Add vegetables and herbs. Combine the marinated tuna with your chopped veggies and herbs.
- Season. Salt and pepper are all you need, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding more jalapeño if you like.
Quick Canned Tuna Ceviche
If you’re craving ceviche but don’t have the time to shop for or prepare fresh fish, canned tuna can be a great substitute. With canned tuna, you can have a tasty and nutritious meal on the table in minutes.
The convenience of canned tuna
Canned tuna is a quick and easy alternative to traditional ceviche that calls for raw fish. For the best flavor, look for canned tuna packed in olive oil.
Recipe adaptations
Here’s a basic recipe that you can adapt to your own taste:
- Ingredients: Canned tuna (preferably in olive oil), diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice
- Preparation: Drain and rinse the canned tuna (unless it’s packed in olive oil). Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and season with salt to taste.
You can also add other ingredients like avocado, jalapeño, or mango. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or tostadas.
Variations and add-ins
Ceviche is endlessly adaptable. Once you get the basic technique down, don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Seafood additions: Try adding shrimp, salmon, or scallops.
- Veggies and fruits: Radishes and green onions can add a little zing, and watermelon or pineapple can give it a touch of sweetness.
- Spice it up (or down): Add more or less jalapeño to control the heat. You can also experiment with other chili peppers for different flavor notes.
- Serving suggestions: Tostadas or tortilla chips are a classic choice. You can also serve it with rice, spoon it into lettuce cups, or pile it on top of a salad.
Enjoy!
Tuna ceviche: nutrition and health benefits
Tuna is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, it’s a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart.
A serving of tuna ceviche generally contains around 200 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of roughly 20 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and 5 grams of carbohydrates. (Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific recipe and portion sizes.)
As with any raw fish dish, make sure you’re sourcing your tuna from a reputable vendor and preparing it safely.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal using canned tuna or an elegant appetizer featuring sushi-grade ahi, tuna ceviche offers something for every palate and skill level.
No matter which recipe you choose, be sure to use the freshest ingredients possible. The quality of your tuna, vegetables, and citrus will make a big difference in the final flavor.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment! Adjust the ingredients and seasonings to create a tuna ceviche that’s perfect for you.