Ceviche Perlita

Ojai resident Claud Mann, chef and cohost of the TBS show Dinner and a Movie and a regular contributor to Edible Ojai, makes this dish constantly during the summer. His wife’s father, who grew up in Acapulco, invented it and called it Perlita, or “little pearl,” for daughter Perla. The title also refers to the bright bits of fish in the ceviche.

Notes: The citric acid in lime juice firms fish and makes it opaque, so ceviche looks and tastes cooked but isn’t. As with sushi, if you want to be extra careful, shop at a trusted market, tell the fishmonger that you plan to eat the fish raw, and always use safe kitchen practices.

3/4 pound very fresh boneless, skinless halibut or sea bass, cut into 1/4-in. to 1/2-in. diced

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican

2 tablespoons juice from a jar of sliced pickled jalapeños (sometimes labeled

1/2 medium sweet white onion, finely chopped

3/4 cup grape tomatoes or 1 medium firm-ripe tomato, cut into 1/4-in. cubes

1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-in. cubes

4 ounces pitted green olives (preferably not brined in vinegar; if they are, rinse with water before using), finely chopped

1/2 cup very finely crumbled cotija (firm Mexican cheese) or feta cheese (about 3 oz.)

1 serrano chile, minced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1 firm-ripe avocado

Coarse kosher salt to taste

Thick tortilla chips

Mexican hot chile sauce, such as Cholula

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine fish and 2 tbsp. each of lime and lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours and up to 6, stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Meanwhile, mix olive oil, oregano (rubbed between your palms first if the flecks are large), and pickled jalapeño juice in a large bowl.

Step 3

Drain fish in a colander, discarding juices, and add to olive-oil mixture. Toss to coat.

Step 4

Add pickled jalapeños, onion, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, cheese, serrano, and cilantro. Peel avocado, cut into 1/2-in. cubes, and toss gently with remaining 1 tbsp. lemon juice; add to bowl and toss ceviche gently and thoroughly. Season to taste with salt and remaining 1 tbsp. lime juice. Serve with tortilla chips and hot chile sauce.

Step 5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 164Calories from Fat 66

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g19%

Saturated Fat 2.9g15%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 576mg24%
Total Carbohydrate 4.8g2%

Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
Protein 11g22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Ceviche Perlita