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

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's the difference between leche de tigre and ceviche? ›

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 is ceviche prepared? ›

Raw fish + lime juice + 5 minutes = Ceviche!

At its core, Ceviche is as simple as tossing raw fish with lime juice, then leaving it for 5 minutes to let the acid “cook” the fish, making it turn white on the surface, but still raw inside.

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.

What is a leche de tigre? ›

Then the cevicheros—the ceviche prep cooks—add in the leche de tigre, which is made in advance. True to its name, it's milky white, a finely blended and strained mix of lime juice, raw fish, red onion, garlic, cilantro stems, celery, and ginger.

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).

Why is it called 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.

Why is leche de tigre white? ›

Some cooks will puree some fish into the Leche de Tigre to make it creamy, while other actually add milk to give it a white color and to balance the acidity from the limes.

How long should ceviche be marinated? ›

After marinating for 10 to 15 minutes, the fish's exterior will start to firm up, while the center will remain tender and moist—this is medium-rare. Let it sit for 15 to 25 minutes for medium, and 25 minutes for medium-well.

Is bacteria killed in ceviche? ›

Experimental results from multiple studies reveal that although lime juice provides an acidified environment for seafood in ceviche dishes, it is inadequate to kill or inactivate all forms of pathogens and parasites that may be present in fish and molluscan shellfish used in ceviche.

How long does it take for ceviche to be ready to eat? ›

The fish will begin to cook immediately, however, because citrus is acidic it is not being being cooked by heat but the citrus juice from the lime. This process will take anywhere from 15-20 minutes. You can leave in the lime juice longer as it will cook the fish more thoroughly. Overcooking isn't an issue.

Is it healthy to eat ceviche? ›

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.

What country makes the best ceviche? ›

Why Is Peruvian Ceviche Best? Many countries will claim that their ceviche is the best, but only Peru claims it as the national dish. Additionally, as one of our Peruvian guides, Marisol, says, “We have archeological records that show us that ceviche may have been consumed in Peru nearly two thousand years ago.

Does vinegar cook raw fish? ›

One very important rule about marinating fish and seafood is that a highly acidic marinade, one containing lots of vinegar or citrus juices, can actually cook the fish or seafood, so you need to use mild marinades for short periods of time.

What are the different types of ceviche? ›

Occasionally, ceviche is made with various types of local shellfish, such as black clam (cooked or raw), oysters (cooked or raw), spondylus (raw), barnacles (cooked percebes), among others mostly cooked. Well-cooked sea bass (corvina) or bicuda (picudo), octopus, and crab ceviches are also common in Ecuador.

Are there different types of ceviche? ›

Ceviche Variations

Ceviche is usually made with sea bass or flounder, but just about any fish or shellfish will work. The other ingredients vary widely. Ecuadorean ceviche is often made with shrimp and ketchup in addition to the lime juice and served with corn nuts.

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.

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