Vibrant Alton Brown Ceviche Recipe for Fresh Seafood Delight

Ceviche, a zesty Latin American delicacy, electrifies seafood with its tangy transformation through citrus magic.

Raw fish dances in bright lime juice, triggering a delicate molecular metamorphosis that renders proteins silky and tender.

Coastal communities have perfected this ancient technique, turning simple marine ingredients into a culinary symphony.

The dish bursts with fresh herbs, punchy chili peppers, and crystalline seafood that practically sparkles on the plate.

Each forkful carries whispers of ocean breeze and tropical sunshine, blending tradition with sophisticated gastronomy.

Professional chefs revere this method for its elegant simplicity and complex flavor profile.

Zero heat, maximum impact – this recipe promises a sensational palate-awakening experience that will transport you straight to sun-drenched beaches.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Fresh Ceviche

• Grapefruit, Lime: Choose bright, firm citrus with vibrant, smooth skin for maximum zesty flavor and juice extraction.

• Catfish: Select fresh, high-quality fillets with firm, white flesh and mild ocean scent.

• Avocado, Tomatoes, Red Onion: Pick ripe avocados with slight give, firm tomatoes, and crisp red onions for perfect texture and flavor.

• Cilantro, Jalapeno, Garlic, Dried Oregano, Ground Cumin: Select fresh, aromatic herbs and spices with robust, intense fragrance.

• Salt, Sugar: Use fine sea salt and pure cane sugar for balanced seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil with rich, fruity undertones for authentic Mediterranean essence.

Alton Brown Ceviche Tools Recommended

• Large Resealable Bag: Perfect for marinating fish and keeping your fridge clean.
• Zester: Helps extract zesty citrus flavors from grapefruit and lime peels.
• Large Serving Bowl: Spacious container for mixing ceviche ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping fresh produce.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for dicing avocado, tomatoes, onion, and herbs.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning with salt, sugar, and spices.
• Garlic Press: Quickly minces garlic cloves for intense flavor.
• Mixing Spoon: Helps gently combine all ceviche ingredients.
• Refrigerator: Chills and marinates the dish to perfection.

Step-by-Step for Alton Brown’s Ceviche

• Zest and Juice the Citrus

Grab a fresh catfish and place it in a large zip-lock bag. Sprinkle in grapefruit and lime zest, then pour in their juices. Seal the bag tightly, making sure no air escapes.

• Marinate the Seafood

Pop the bag in the refrigerator for a few hours, giving it a gentle shake every couple of hours to help the flavors dance around the fish. This process transforms the raw fish and infuses it with bright, tangy notes.

• Build the Flavor Symphony

Drain the citrus marinade and transfer the fish to a serving bowl. Introduce a colorful mix of fresh ingredients – creamy diced avocado, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onion, and spicy jalapeño. Drizzle in some olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic, chopped cilantro, oregano, salt, a touch of sugar, and a hint of cumin. Toss everything together with a light hand, letting the ingredients mingle and get acquainted.

• Chill and Delight

Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for half an hour. This brief timeout allows the flavors to harmonize and intensify. Serve cold as a vibrant starter or a light, refreshing meal that’ll transport your taste buds to a coastal paradise.

Flavor Additions for Alton Brown’s Ceviche

Experiment with different citrus combinations like orange or tangerine zest for unique flavor profiles that complement the catfish’s delicate taste.

Adjust the jalapeno quantity to match your personal spice tolerance, or swap with milder peppers like poblano for a gentler kick.

Substitute catfish with other firm white fish such as tilapia or sea bass to explore diverse seafood options while maintaining the ceviche’s authentic texture.

Prepare the ceviche up to 24 hours in advance, storing in an airtight container to enhance the marination process and develop deeper, more complex flavors.

Ceviche Serving Ideas from Alton Brown

• Garnish with Zesty Greens: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and thin lime wedges on top to brighten the ceviche's appearance and add an extra citrusy kick.
• Pair with Crispy Companions: Serve alongside tortilla chips, crisp plantain chips, or toasted baguette slices for a delightful textural contrast and perfect scooping vehicle.
• Create a Colorful Platter: Arrange the ceviche on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves, surrounded by colorful bell pepper slices and radish rounds to enhance visual appeal and provide additional fresh crunch.
• Elevate with Tropical Beverage: Complement the citrusy seafood with a light, cold beer, a crisp white wine, or a refreshing margarita to enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage Guide for Alton Brown’s Ceviche

• Preserve Fresh Flavors: Store your ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum taste and safety. Consume within 24 hours to enjoy peak freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Marinate with Care: Keep the fish marinating process between 4-8 hours to ensure perfect texture and flavor absorption. Never leave seafood at room temperature for extended periods.
• Smart Ingredient Management: Dice avocados just before serving to prevent browning. Chop fresh herbs like cilantro right before mixing to maintain vibrant color and intense aromatics.
• Chill and Serve Strategy: Refrigerate the completed ceviche for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend seamlessly. Serve cold directly from the refrigerator for the most refreshing experience.

Tangy Alton Brown Ceviche Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s ceviche recipe blends zesty citrus and fresh seafood in a classic Latin American dish. Lime juice chemically “cooks” delicate fish, creating a refreshing appetizer perfect for summer gatherings. You’ll savor complex flavors that dance across your palate.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) US farm-raised catfish fillets, cut into ½-inch pieces
• ½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) chopped fresh oregano leaves
• 1 tsp grapefruit zest
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp turbinado sugar
• ½ tsp toasted and ground cumin

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Submerge catfish in a sealable plastic bag with grapefruit and lime zest and juice, covering the fish completely to initiate the curing process.
2. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate the sealed bag for 4-8 hours, periodically rotating to ensure uniform acid penetration and fish transformation, which will denature the protein and create a cooked-like texture.
3. Fish Composition: Drain the citrus marinade and transfer the fish to a spacious mixing vessel, maintaining its delicate structural integrity.
4. Flavor Layering: Incorporate avocado, tomatoes, and onion into the fish, creating a vibrant and textural foundation for the ceviche.
5. Aromatic Enhancement: Infuse the mixture with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, and dried oregano, developing a complex flavor profile that complements the citrus-cured fish.
6. Seasoning Calibration: Sprinkle kosher salt, granulated sugar, and ground cumin to balance the zesty and herbaceous notes, elevating the overall taste experience.
7. Final Fusion: Thoroughly blend all components, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed and the flavors harmonize seamlessly.
8. Resting Period: Refrigerate the prepared ceviche for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective essence before serving.

Notes

• Master Marinating Technique: Citrus acids “cook” the fish by breaking down proteins, transforming raw catfish into a tender, flavorful dish without heat.
• Chill for Optimal Flavor: Refrigeration allows ingredients to harmonize, deepening taste profiles and creating a more cohesive culinary experience.
• Ingredient Precision Matters: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure balanced texture and consistent flavor distribution in every bite.
• Temperature and Timing: Keep ingredients cold throughout preparation to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth, critical for raw seafood dishes.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg