Mock Ceviche

There are a couple of reasons to cook “ceviche” (you can’t rightly call cooked fish ceviche, any more than you can serve cooked steak tartare). It makes the fish more tender, and it’s a good a form of reassurance: No one will worry about eating raw fish.

MAKES: 6 or more servings

TIME: 30 minutes or less

INGREDIENTS:

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound shrimp (any size)
• 1/2 pound sea scallops, tendons removed if you like
• 1/2 pound cleaned squid, cut into rings (tentacles left whole)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small chile, like Thai or jalapeño, seeded and minced, or to taste (or use hot red pepper flakes or cayenne)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced red or yellow bell pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced tomato (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced avocado (optional)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring about 2 quarts of water to a boil and salt it. Add the shrimp and cook for about 4 minutes, or until they are pink and firm. Remove with a slotted spoon and run under cold water to chill. Peel and set aside.
2. Cook the scallops and squid together in the same water until the scallops are firm and not quite cooked through and the squid is fairly tender, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon (reserve the cooking water) and run under cold water to chill, then combine with the shrimp.
3. Toss the seafood with the olive oil and, if you like, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, for up to 24 hours.
4. Toss with all the remaining ingredients except the cilantro. Taste and adjust the seasoning. If the mixture is dry, add a little more olive oil, lime juice, or some of the cooking water. Stir in most of the cilantro, then garnish with the rest.
5. Serve the mock ceviche and enjoy!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Serve the mock ceviche as an appetizer, either on its own or with crispy tortilla chips.
• Create a ceviche bar where guests can assemble their own ceviche bowls with additional toppings such as diced avocado, chopped jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Serve the mock ceviche in lettuce cups for a light and refreshing twist.
• Pair the mock ceviche with a crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail like a mojito or margarita.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this mock ceviche, which provides a delicious alternative to traditional ceviche while still delivering a delightful seafood experience. Mock ceviche is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer or light meal. With its combination of tender seafood, tangy lime juice, and aromatic herbs and spices, it offers a burst of flavors that will please your taste buds. Whether you serve it with crispy tortilla chips, in lettuce cups, or as part of a ceviche bar, this mock ceviche is sure to impress your guests. So, give it a try and savor the taste of this delightful dish.