Citrus and Jalapeño Ceviche with Avocado

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Mexican ceviche featuring fresh fish marinated in lime and orange juice with spicy jalapeño and creamy avocado, perfect for a light Cinco de Mayo appetizer. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 75 minutes pairs fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, small, finely diced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a glass or ceramic bowl, combine 1 lb diced fresh firm white fish with 1 cup fresh lime juice and 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, ensuring the fish is fully submerged; cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour until the fish turns opaque and 'cooks' in the citrus.
  2. Step 2: Drain the fish mixture, reserving about 1/4 cup of the marinade, and transfer the fish to a clean bowl.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeño pepper, 1 small finely diced red onion, 1 medium diced ripe avocado, and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves to the fish.
  4. Step 4: Gently toss in 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper along with 1/4 cup reserved marinade to combine all flavors without mashing the avocado.
  5. Step 5: Chill for another 10 minutes before serving chilled with tortilla chips for scooping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus and Jalapeño Ceviche with Avocado take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus and Jalapeño Ceviche with Avocado?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus and Jalapeño Ceviche with Avocado?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus and Jalapeño Ceviche with Avocado for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus and Jalapeño Ceviche with Avocado?

Mexican cinco de mayo like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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