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 Ceviche: tender morsels of the freshest fish or seafood gently pickled in lime juice to preserve the freshness of the catch a little longer, tossed with a variety of succulent summer vegetables. Ceviche is as much a place as a dish and the place is far from home. In the shade or full sun, it’s casual, spirited beach food. Food that makes folks feel the thick, salty-smelling coastal air with just one bite of its bracing freshness.
Serves 6 as an appetizer
About 8 bamboo skewers
1 generous pound peeled medium-size shrimp (about 24 pieces)
Olive oil
1/2 cup fresh lime juice, plus several lime slices for garnish
1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus several sprigs for garnish
1/2 cup ketchup
1 to 2 tablespoons bottled hot sauce (like Frontera Tangy Toasted Arbol Hot Sauce)
About 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional but recommended to smooth out sharpness)
1 cup diced peeled cucumber or jícama (or 1/2 cup of each)
1 small ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed
Salt, about 1/2 teaspoon
Tostadas, chips or saltine crackers for serving
Preheat the gas grill or prepare a charcoal grill. Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Skewer the shrimp, about 6 per skewer; thread a second skewer through the shrimp so they won’t turn on the grill. Spray generously with oil. Grill, turning once until opaque, about 4 minutes total. Let the shrimp cool completely. Cut cooked shrimp into _-inch pieces and place in a large non-aluminum bowl. Toss with the lime juice, cover and refrigerate to chill.
In a small strainer, rinse the onion under cold water, then shake off the excess liquid. Add to the shrimp bowl, along with the cilantro, ketchup, hot sauce, optional olive oil, cucumber or jícama and avocado. Taste and season with salt, if you think it needs any. Cover and refrigerate, if not serving immediately.
Spoon the ceviche into martini glasses, juice glasses or small bowls; garnish with sprigs of cilantro and slices of lime. Serve with tostadas, tortilla chips or saltines to enjoy alongside.
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