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Sea Bream Ceviche Recipe

sea bream ceviche - featured image

A fresh and light summer ceviche combining tender sea bream with juicy watermelon and a zingy citrus marinade, perfect for quick and refreshing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh sea bream fillets, skin removed and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup seedless watermelon, diced into small cubes
  • Juice of 34 fresh limes
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chili (jalapeño or serrano), finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: splash of sparkling water or soda for serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse the sea bream fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Using a very sharp knife, slice the sea bream into thin, bite-sized pieces about ¼ inch thick.
  2. Cut the watermelon into small, uniform cubes about ½ inch squares and set aside in a bowl.
  3. Peel and thinly slice half a small red onion. If desired, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes to soften the sharpness, then drain.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine fresh lime juice, finely chopped chili (if using), a pinch of sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk in the olive oil to create a light, tangy dressing.
  5. Add the sea bream slices, watermelon cubes, and sliced red onion into the marinade. Gently toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the lime juice to ‘cook’ the fish.
  6. Just before serving, fold in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lime juice if needed.

Notes

Do not marinate the fish for longer than 30 minutes to avoid a tough, rubbery texture. Use the freshest sea bream possible, ideally sashimi-grade. If the ceviche tastes flat, add a tiny pinch of sugar to balance acidity. Olive oil smooths the sharpness of lime juice and adds richness. Serve chilled and consume within 24 hours. Leftovers should be drained of excess liquid before serving again. Reheating is not recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: sea bream ceviche, summer recipe, fresh ceviche, watermelon ceviche, light seafood dish, quick ceviche, raw fish recipe