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Pacific Halibut Ceviche

Pacific halibut ceviche recipe: firm, white halibut ‘cooked’ in fresh lime juice with cilantro, red onion, and a whisper of chili — bright West Coast flavor.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 30 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 AppetizerCategory
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Pacific Halibut Ceviche - halibut cured in lime with red onion, tomato and cilantro

Ceviche comes from the sunny coasts of Latin America, where cooks have cured raw fish in citrus for centuries. On the Pacific Northwest, the technique found a perfect partner in halibut — the cold-water giant whose firm, meaty flesh stands up beautifully to the acid bath, taking on a delicate, opaque tenderness without ever losing its structure.

What makes it great is the contrast of textures and temperatures: chilled, velvety halibut against crisp red onion, juicy tomato, and cooling cucumber, all brightened by lime and a gentle heat of jalapeño. It’s fresh, clean, and utterly refreshing — a starter that wakes up the palate and tastes like sunshine, even on the rainiest BC afternoon. Serve it with tortilla chips or crisp tostadas.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Place the halibut dice in a glass bowl and pour the lime juice over them, making sure the fish is fully submerged.
  2. Stir in the red onion, jalapeño, and salt, then cover and refrigerate for 15 to 25 minutes, until the fish turns opaque and firm.
  3. Drain off about half the lime juice, then fold in the cucumber, tomato, cilantro, and avocado.
  4. Taste and adjust the salt, adding more lime juice if you like it zestier.
  5. Spoon the ceviche into chilled bowls or onto tostadas.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Fresh halibut is non-negotiable — ask your fishmonger for the day's catch. Ceviche is ready when the fish is opaque all the way through, usually 15 to 25 minutes; beyond that it turns chewy, so serve it right away.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Servings4
CategoryAppetizer
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →