As I stirred the freshest ingredients together on a sun-soaked afternoon, the vibrant colors and enticing aromas sparked a joyful memory of coastal gatherings. My Strawberry Scallop Ceviche brings together tender scallops and juicy strawberries in a zesty lime marinade that feels like pure sunshine on a plate. This quick and easy recipe not only dazzles with its delightful flavors but also embraces a gluten-free approach, making it perfect for everyone at your table. Whether it’s a casual BBQ or a festive celebration, this refreshing dish is destined to be a showstopper. So, are you ready to dive into a culinary adventure that perfectly captures the essence of summer?
Why is Strawberry Scallop Ceviche a Must-Try?
Freshness at its finest: This recipe showcases vibrant, seasonal produce that pairs beautifully with tender scallops, making every bite a burst of flavor. Easy preparation means even novice cooks can create a stunning dish in no time—perfect for impressing guests! Gluten-free and nutritious, it caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Plus, the versatility allows you to switch up ingredients, such as substituting scallops with crab or using mangoes instead of strawberries. Ideal for any gathering, whether as a delicious appetizer or a light summer snack, this ceviche is sure to be a crowd pleaser, just like our Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake or refreshing Strawberry Dirty Sprite. Dive in and enjoy!
Strawberry Scallop Ceviche Ingredients
For the Ceviche
• Scallops – The star of the dish; opt for the freshest scallops you can find to achieve the best flavor.
• Red Fresno or Jalapeño Peppers – Choose according to your preferred spice level; these add a vibrant kick.
• Red Onion – Provides sharpness and crunch; scallions work well for a milder taste if preferred.
• Jicama (or Radishes) – Offers a crisp texture and mild sweetness; cut into thin slices or small dices for the best results.
• Strawberries – Adds a fruity sweetness that beautifully complements the scallops; quartered or diced for even mixing.
• Cilantro Stems with Leaves – Bring fresh herbal notes; chop roughly to release maximum flavor.
• Dill Sprigs – Gives a unique aromatic profile that brightens the dish; chop roughly to enhance the oils.
• Fresh Lime Juice – Vital for marinating the scallops and brightening the flavors – a must for a delicious Strawberry Scallop Ceviche.
• Avocado or Olive Oil – Adds a touch of richness and creamy texture; you can omit this if you prefer a lighter option.
• Lime Zest – Enhances the lemony aroma and flavor for a beautiful finish.
• Sugar – Balances the acidity of the lime juice; feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
• Salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors of the ceviche; don’t skimp on this!
• White Pepper – Adds subtle warmth, or black pepper can be used as a substitute if needed.
• Tortilla Chips – The perfect crunchy companion for serving; aim for about 3-5 chips per serving for that delightful crunch.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Scallop Ceviche
Step 1: Preparation of Ingredients
Start by rinsing your fresh scallops under cold water, removing any grit. Slice red Fresno or jalapeño peppers thinly for a kick, and finely dice a small red onion. Next, peel and cut the jicama or radishes into small, crunchy pieces. Quarter or dice the sweet strawberries, and roughly chop the cilantro stems and dill. This colorful medley sets the stage for your vibrant Strawberry Scallop Ceviche.
Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the prepared scallops, peppers, diced red onion, and jicama or radishes. Add in the quartered strawberries, along with the roughly chopped cilantro and dill. Toss everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. This delightful blend of flavors and textures will form the base of your Strawberry Scallop Ceviche.
Step 3: Marination
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixed ingredients, ensuring every piece is coated. Drizzle in avocado or olive oil, then sprinkle with sugar, salt, and white pepper. Gently mix again, making sure to maintain the integrity of the scallops. Allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes, turning opaque and firm, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Serving
Once marinated, take out your Strawberry Scallop Ceviche. For an elegant presentation, serve in small cups or on crispy tostadas. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of dill, and a touch of lime zest on top. Pair it with tortilla chips on the side for a satisfying crunch, turning your dish into a refreshing, summery delight that’s perfect for any occasion.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Scallop Ceviche
-
Freshness Matters: Always use the freshest scallops possible. The quality of the seafood directly impacts the taste of your Strawberry Scallop Ceviche.
-
Don’t Over-Marinate: Limit marination to 30-60 minutes. Leaving scallops too long in lime juice can result in a mushy texture.
-
Balance Flavors: Taste as you go! Adjust the lime juice and sugar levels according to your preference for a harmonious ceviche.
-
Chop Uniformly: Cut all ingredients into similar sizes for even texture and a beautiful presentation, enhancing the overall experience.
-
Cool It Down: Serve the ceviche chilled for a refreshing burst of flavors. The cold temperature accentuates the dish’s vibrant profile.
What to Serve with Strawberry Scallop Ceviche?
Bright and refreshing meals are all about delightful pairings that balance your palate and enhance the experience.
-
Crispy Tortilla Chips:
Perfectly crunchy, these chips provide the ideal vessel for scooping up the ceviche, offering a satisfying contrast. -
Creamy Avocado Salad:
A cool and creamy salad with avocados and lime complements the ceviche’s brightness while adding a velvety twist. -
Zesty Corn Salsa:
Sweet corn tossed with lime, cilantro, and jalapeños offers a vibrant flavor punch that harmonizes beautifully with the ceviche. -
Chilled White Wine:
A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc enhances the lightness of the dish, balancing the citrusy notes and seafood flavors. -
Coconut Rice:
The subtle sweetness and creaminess of coconut rice pairs well with the acidity of the ceviche, creating a tropical twist. -
Mango Sorbet:
A refreshing dessert option that cleanses the palate and echoes the ceviche’s fruity elements, perfect for a warm day.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Scallop Ceviche are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prep all the ingredients—slicing scallops (or chosen seafood), chopping vegetables, and quartering strawberries—up to 24 hours in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When ready to serve, simply combine everything in a bowl with the lime juice and seasoning, letting it marinate for about 30-60 minutes until the scallops are opaque. This way, you ensure your ceviche is just as delicious as if made fresh, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Scallop Ceviche
Fridge: Store any leftover Strawberry Scallop Ceviche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Consume it as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer: It’s best not to freeze ceviche due to the delicate texture of the scallops; freezing can cause them to become rubbery when thawed.
Reheating: Ceviche is traditionally served cold, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply enjoy it fresh from the fridge for a delightful, refreshing experience.
Strawberry Scallop Ceviche Variations
Feel empowered to make this lovely dish your own by experimenting with these delightful variations!
-
Crab Substitute: Swap scallops for fresh crab meat for a sweet, tender twist. The delicate flavor of crab pairs seamlessly with the other ingredients.
-
Tropical Upgrade: Delight your taste buds by using diced mango or peaches instead of strawberries. This luscious change adds a beautiful sweetness that sings of summer.
-
Creamier Texture: Add diced avocado to the ceviche for a rich and creamy element that perfectly balances the citrus vibrancy. It’s like the dish is giving you a warm hug!
-
Different Heat Levels: If you prefer a spicier kick, use serrano peppers instead of jalapeños, or even add a sprinkle of chili flakes for that extra zing.
-
Herb Fusion: Swap cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a new flavor profile that elevates the ceviche into unexpected and delightful territory. This can add a refreshing twist, reminiscent of a garden.
-
Savory Crunch: Add toasted corn or sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture and a pop of flavor. They offer a delightful bite that enhances every spoonful!
-
Citrus Variety: Experiment with grapefruit juice in place of lime for a more tart flavor experience. The bitterness of grapefruit can wonderfully balance sweetness.
-
Serving Senses: Pair your ceviche with crispy plantain chips instead of tortilla chips for an exotic take on the traditional crunch. The hint of sweetness from the plantains adds a whole new dimension to your dish.
Feel free to dive into an exciting culinary adventure—and if you’re feeling inspired, consider making a scrumptious dessert to follow, like our Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake or a cool, refreshing Strawberry Dirty Sprite! Enjoy customizing your Strawberry Scallop Ceviche!
Strawberry Scallop Ceviche Recipe FAQs
How do I select fresh scallops for the ceviche?
Absolutely! When selecting scallops, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have a sweet, briny scent. Fresh scallops should be pale in color, without dark spots or a slimy texture. If you can, ask your fishmonger to let you know when they were harvested, ensuring the freshest purchase for your Strawberry Scallop Ceviche.
How long can I store leftovers of the Strawberry Scallop Ceviche?
You can store any leftover Strawberry Scallop Ceviche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. After that, the texture and flavors might start to degrade—so it’s best to enjoy it fresh! Just remember, ceviche is a dish best served right after marination for the ultimate flavor.
Can I freeze Strawberry Scallop Ceviche?
It’s best to avoid freezing ceviche, including Strawberry Scallop Ceviche, due to the delicate texture of the scallops. Freezing can cause them to become rubbery and lose their tender bite. I recommend preparing only what you plan to enjoy, ensuring that every last bite is as fresh and delightful as the first.
What should I do if my scallops seem over-marinated?
Very! If you find that your scallops have become too firm or appear mushy after marination, don’t panic. To help improve the texture, rinse them gently under cold water and reintroduce them to fresh lime juice and diced veggies to balance flavors again. Keep an eye on marinating time for future preparations to achieve just the right consistency.
Is this recipe safe for someone with a shellfish allergy?
No worries! This recipe uses scallops as the main protein. For anyone with a shellfish allergy, I suggest substituting scallops with firm tofu or marinated mushrooms for a delightful flavor profile without the risk. Always consider personal dietary restrictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal for everyone.
Savory Strawberry Scallop Ceviche: A Refreshing Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by rinsing your fresh scallops under cold water, removing any grit. Slice red Fresno or jalapeño peppers thinly for a kick, and finely dice a small red onion. Next, peel and cut the jicama or radishes into small, crunchy pieces. Quarter or dice the sweet strawberries, and roughly chop the cilantro stems and dill.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the prepared scallops, peppers, diced red onion, and jicama or radishes. Add in the quartered strawberries, along with the roughly chopped cilantro and dill. Toss everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixed ingredients, ensuring every piece is coated. Drizzle in avocado or olive oil, then sprinkle with sugar, salt, and white pepper. Gently mix again, making sure to maintain the integrity of the scallops. Allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Once marinated, take out your Strawberry Scallop Ceviche. Serve in small cups or on crispy tostadas, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, a sprinkle of dill, and a touch of lime zest. Pair with tortilla chips.
Leave a Reply