Scallop Lime Ceviche
When you want something fresh and impressive but have zero energy to actually cook.
If your brain is fried from a long day and you just want something light and refreshing, this scallop ceviche is the ultimate low-effort win. Because we are using citrus juices to 'cook' the fish, there is no actual stove time required, which is perfect for those nights when even turning on the oven feels like too much work. The scallops provide a buttery texture that melts in your mouth, while the lime and jalapeño provide a sharp, zesty kick to wake up your palate. It’s served chilled, so you can prep it ahead of time or assembly-line it in five minutes before dinner. You'll love that clean, zingy finish—it feels incredibly sophisticated but requires almost zero technical skill. Just grab some lime wedges and a bag of pre-washed greens to round out the plate.
Ingredients
- 8 oz sea scallops — pat dry and roughly chopped
- 0.5 cup lime juice — freshly squeezed is best
- 1 tsp salt — sea salt preferred
- 0.5 tsp chili flakes — or a minced jalapeño
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro — finely chopped
Method
- 1 In a medium glass bowl, combine the chopped scallops, lime juice, salt, and chili flakes.
- 2 Toss everything together with a spoon to ensure the scallops are fully coated in the citrus mixture.
- 3 Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30) in the fridge; this allows the acidity to firm up the seafood.
- 4 Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving.
- 5 Serve immediately with tortilla chips or over a bed of arugula.
Variations
- Vegetarian Swap — Replace the scallops with firm tofu cubes or hearts of palm marinated in the same citrus mixture.
- Extra Zest — Add a teaspoon of grated ginger and some diced cucumber for extra crunch and zing.
Notes
If you want an extra kick, add a teaspoon of honey to balance the acidity of the lime. Serve chilled for the best texture.
Equipment that helps
- Glass Bowl — Acidic citrus juices can leach chemicals from some plastics, so glass is safer for marinating.
Find more dinners like this
More like this
