Ceviche classico with leche de tigre recipe (2024)

In a classic ceviche, the mixture of lime juice, salt and flavourings in which the fish is marinated is known as leche de tigre, "milk of the tiger". Drink it when you've eaten the fish and the sweet potato.

Feb 22, 2012 2:30am

By Diego Muñoz

  • 15 mins preparation
  • 10 mins cooking
  • Serves 4
  • Ceviche classico with leche de tigre recipe (1)

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Ceviche, cebiche, seviche, sebiche, se-vish-ay: no matter how it's spelt or pronounced, we all know what I'm talking about. The dish based on raw fish marinated in lime juice is a symbol, a flagship, of my country, Peru. Peru is full of cevicherias, places that specialise in ceviche. In the markets, next to the beach, in small restaurants and large restaurants, in little tents on the street, in restaurants hidden behind closed doors, even in garages used as restaurants, ceviche is part of everyday life. There's a cevicheria at every price - something for everybody.

The origins of ceviche are controversial, but it's generally agreed that it was first created by fishermen, which explains why it's popular in coastal areas throughout Central and South America. Peruvian ceviche is a product of many influences: fish from the Peruvian sea; limes of the type grown on the north coast of Peru, known as limón sutil, originally from Asia; red onions brought to South America by the Spaniards; and chillies from the Andes and the rainforest.

Every region and every family in Peru has its own version of the dish, influenced by the ingredients that are available from one place to another, by family traditions, by the advice of local fishermen and by the celebrity chefs on Peruvian television. Even far from the sea, the Andes and the rainforest areas have their own variations. In Lima, we include fresh boiled corn, coriander, fried dry corn, sweet potato and iceberg lettuce along with the seafood. In Peru, the fish most commonly used are lenguado (sole), corvina, pejerry (silverside) and bonito. We also use various types of rock fish, as well as sea urchin, octopus and black mud clams. At home and in Australia, I prefer to use firm-textured fish, but the most important thing is that it must be very fresh. (In Peru, back in the days before refrigeration, ceviche was eaten only for lunch, because the fish was fresh only in the morning, and in some places that belief is still held.)

There are two schools of thought on how long the fish should be marinated in the lime juice. Traditionally, the fish was "cooked" in the acid for quite some time, but today it's pretty much eaten as it's made. Even a short marinating time means the proteins on the surface of the fish coagulate slightly and the fish appears to "cook", an effect caused by the difference in acidity between the lime and the fish flesh. It's important not to press the limes too hard when you're juicing them, because you don't want to release any bitterness from the pith.

In a good ceviche, the fish is full of flavour, the lime juice mixture is nice and thick, the onions are crunchy, the chilli is present but not overwhelming, the sweet potato provides sweetness, and the cancha (fried Andean corn) provides more crunchiness. It should be eaten with a spoon so that you have a little of everything in each mouthful. The biggest mistake you can make with ceviche is to allow the acid of the lime juice to dominate. In a perfect ceviche, there is a balance of salt, acid, onion, umami, and the rounded, fresh flavour and firm texture of the fish.

Ingredients

  • 1 sweet potato, cut into 1cm-thick rounds
  • 30 gm caster sugar
  • 1 star anise
  • ½ cinnamon quill
  • 100 ml lime juice, plus extra to taste
  • 70 ml fish stock
  • 50 gm white-fleshed fish trimmings
  • 5 cm piece celery stalk
  • 10 gm (2cm piece) ginger, coarsely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 small Spanish onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 coriander sprigs, plus 1 cup coriander
  • ½ small green chilli
  • 200 gm Palmers Island mulloway, cut into 2cm-thick pieces (see note)
  • ½ small birdseye chilli, seeds removed, finely chopped

Method

Main

  • 1

    Place sweet potato in a saucepan with sugar, star anise, cinnamon and 1 litre water, bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until tender (5-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

  • 2

    Blend lime juice, stock, fish trimmings, celery, ginger, garlic, 20gm onion and 1 tsp fine sea salt in a blender until smooth.

  • 3

    Add coriander sprigs and green chilli and blend until finely chopped.

  • 4

    Pass through a fine sieve and refrigerate until chilled (20-30 minutes).

  • 5

    Combine mulloway and a pinch of salt in a chilled bowl and stir well. Add lime juice mixture to fish, then squeeze in extra lime juice to taste and toss to combine.

  • 6

    Meanwhile, soak remaining onion in iced water (5 minutes).

  • 7

    Drain onion, add to ceviche with remaining coriander and birdseye chilli, toss to combine, adjust seasoning to taste, then serve in a bowl with all the juices, with the sweet potato on the side.

Notes

Note Palmers Island mulloway, which is farmed in waters near Yamba in northern New South Wales, is available from select fishmongers. If it's unavailable, substitute another white, firm-fleshed fish.

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Ceviche classico with leche de tigre recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between ceviche and leche de tigre? ›

The main differences are these: – Ceviche is typically cut into cubes like poke and tossed in the leche de tigre for at least a minute before serving. – Tiradito is sliced like sashimi and the leche de tigre is poured over the fish like a finishing sauce.

What is leche de tigre made of? ›

Leche de tigre, or tiger's milk, is the Peruvian term for the citrus-based marinade that cures the seafood in a ceviche. Also known as leche de pantera, this leftover fish runoff usually contains lime juice, sliced onion, chiles, salt, and pepper — along with a bit of fish juice.

How long should ceviche marinate before eating? ›

So as you can see, ceviche has got a pretty limited lifespan. Anywhere from the 5 minute to 30 minutes range is in edible-to-great territory. Below that is fine if you're into the slipperier texture of sashimi, but you don't want to go for any longer, lest your fish turn dry and chalky.

What is tiger milk used for? ›

Tiger's Milk or the more traditionally called Leche de Tigre is a Peruvian sauce that forms the base of the country's most famous dish, Ceviche.

Why do they call it leche de tigre? ›

Peruvians believe this is an energy booster and it has. aphrodisiac properties is why it is called milk of the. tiger since it makes you feel like a tiger after you. drink it.

Does Leche de Tigre have milk in it? ›

Is there milk in leche de tigre? As you can see in the leche de tigre recipe, there's no milk of any kind in it. There are a handful of recipes that add a splash, usually in tiraditos. However, traditionally it's not included in Peruvian ceviche.

What does leche de tigre taste like? ›

With a depth of flavor from blending lime juice, fish stock, chiles, onion, garlic, and cilantro, this acidic emulsion not only “cooks” the fish but delivers a bright pop of flavor when spooned up from the bowl or sipped from a shot glass (as is common in Peru).

Is ceviche good for you? ›

In summary, ceviche is a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be a valuable addition to a weight loss diet. Its low-calorie content, rich protein sources, and abundance of vitamins and minerals make it an ideal choice for those looking to shed extra pounds.

How do you eat leche de tigre? ›

Leche de Tigre is the leftover juices of a ceviche that many peruvians eat after they are finished with their dish. Leche de Tigre is also served at some restaurants in a small glass along with ceviche, as a shot, mixed with beer or pisco.

Can you eat 3 day old ceviche? ›

Layer with salsa and shrimp and garnish with cilantro, shrimp or lime wedge and serve with tortilla chips. Because the shrimp is marinated in lime juice, ceviche can be kept in the fridge for at up to 2-3 days. However, it does not freeze very well so eat ASAP!

Does ceviche have to sit overnight? ›

You can make the ceviche up to 4 hours in advance, completing steps 1 through 3, then adding the cilantro, cucumber, and avocado in step 4 just before serving. Too long in the citrusy marinade and the shrimp get rubbery.

Can ceviche marinate too long? ›

Whatever its provenance, ceviche essentially “cooks” the seafood you are using by denaturing the proteins, as they are by heat, but without the same risk of overcooking. That said, ceviche marinated too long may turn slightly rubbery.

What to serve with ceviche? ›

Since ceviche is soaked in a sour, citrus marinade, you'll want to temper that acidity with earthy, savory vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, and corn. Add textural contrast and natural serving spoons by providing a variety of crunchy chips made from root vegetables, corn, and plantains.

What is Nikkei Leche de Tigre? ›

Leche de Tigre is used to flavor fish and seafood in the classic preparation of ceviches. You can use any fresh white fish for this recipe, or mix lemon with orange if you prefer something less acidic. This Peruvian Nikkei base spice is used with great success all over the world.

Where did ceviche originally come from? ›

A brief history of ceviche

However, it is widely accepted that ceviche originated on the Pacific coasts of Peru nearly 2000 years ago. The Moche civilization, who inhabited the area, prepared fish with the juice of a local passionfruit known as tumbo.

Are there different types of ceviche? ›

Regional or contemporary variations include garlic, fish bone broth, minced Peruvian ají limo, or the Andean chili rocoto, toasted corn or cancha and yuyo (seaweed). A specialty of Trujillo is ceviche prepared from shark (tollo or tojo).

What is the difference between Mexican ceviche and Peruvian ceviche? ›

Mexican ceviche often throws in jalapeño, tomatoes, cilantro, and many fresh ingredients in general, according to My Latina Table. Meanwhile, traditional Peruvian ceviche keeps it simple — only onion, aji pepper, and sometimes choclo, a type of Andean white corn (via Here Magazine).

What is ceviche called in English? ›

Ceviche, also known as cebiche, sebiche or seviche, is a citrusy seafood dish popular throughout Latin America. It is traditionally made from raw fish and cured with lime. Though its origin is largely debated, it is broadly agreed that this meal can find its roots in Peru.

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