Ceviche is a perfect summer appetizer. It’s light, bright, refreshing, and doesn’t require use of the stove one bit. Even famed food writer MFK Fisher agreed when she wrote in With Bold Knife and Fork that it’s “very good in hot weather.” So I, not being one to disagree with such a refined palette, take that as the final word!
Armed with the last batch of scallops my friends shared (see my post for Bay Scallops Casserole) after their trip to Crystal River, Florida, I decided to make ceviche. Truth be told, it wasn’t because I was particularly inspired, I just really didn’t want to turn on the oven 🙂
Bay scallops are great for ceviche because they’re small, tender and sweet, plus, they require little prep and are always delicious. My husband likes his ceviche on the “well-done” side (meaning, the seafood has sat in citrus juices longer than a couple of hours), so I held back my enthusiasm for tasting this recipe for one whole day, allowing my batch to ‘marinate’ for almost 12 hours. It was hard, believe me, especially when I was anxious to get out a blog post!
The mix-in ingredients can vary depending on what you have available, but try to toss in things that add color and texture. I had some ripe mango and tomato on hand, so that was perfect. I used basil (a fresh, sweet complement), but cilantro would work well, too. I purposely didn’t add any spice, but you could easily toss in some minced jalapeño or other pepper you like.
I think you’ll find this recipe to be very easy, tasty and quite pretty. Serve it with corn chips, crisp lettuce cups, the scallop shells themselves (if you’re lucky enough to have them!) or a buttery cracker. Or, if you’re like my husband, simply eat it right out of the bowl with a spoon, because it’s really delicious that way, too 🙂
- 1 lb. bay scallops, cut in half
- Juice of one lime
- Juice of one lemon
- Splash of dry white wine (if you have it)
- ½ small, sweet onion (small dice)
- Handful fresh parsley, minced
- Handful fresh basil, minced
- ¼ c. fresh tomato, seeds removed, small dice
- ¼ c. ripe mango, peeled, small dice
- Dash kosher salt
- Combine the scallops, lime, lemon, white wine and onion in a deep bowl. Mix well to combine and ensure all scallops are covered (if you find they're not covered, simply add more citrus juice or wine). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours (ideally 12).
- Remove from refrigerator and drain all liquid from the scallops. In the same bowl, add parsley, basil, tomato, mango and a dash of kosher salt. Mix and taste for seasoning.
- Serve in a pretty dish, on a shell, with crackers or lettuce cups.
I have yet to make ceviche. This scallop recipe looks very tempting and I’m going to try it. Always nice when you don’t have to turn on the oven!
Hmm maybe I should take up scalloping! Looks fantastic.
Thanks Wendy. I should take it up, too! It’s great having access to such fresh scallops.
Looks delicious! I’ll have to try this.
Thanks Amy. It’s not only easy, it’s delicious 🙂
It’s so pretty in the scallop shells! My parents had a blast scalloping in Homosassa recently. I hope I can join them next year. Those little scallops are so sweet. I got a couple bags from them recently. Not just any scallop recipe works because they’re so small and delicate. Your scallop gratin was perfect, and my next bag is destined for this ceviche. 🙂
Thanks Danielle! This ceviche is not only easy, but also, pretty. Enjoy your scallops!