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Pescado en Xtabentún

A coastal Yucatecan specialty, Pescado en Xtabentún marries the freshest white fish with xtabentún, the peninsula’s honey-and-anise liqueur made from the nectar of the xtabentún flower.

⏱ 25 minPrep time
🔥 0 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Pescado en Xtabentún - fish glazed with honey anise liqueur

A coastal Yucatecan specialty, Pescado en Xtabentún marries the freshest white fish with xtabentún, the peninsula’s honey-and-anise liqueur made from the nectar of the xtabentún flower. The liqueur lends the classic lime-and-sour-orange ceviche a haunting herbal sweetness. It is a dish that tastes like a Mérida evening.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Toss the fish cubes with the lime and sour orange juices and a pinch of salt; marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 25 minutes, until the fish turns opaque.
  2. Drain off most of the juice, then add the onion, tomato, cilantro and habanero, and season with salt.
  3. Pour the xtabentún over the mixture and fold gently; rest for 5 minutes so the liqueur's anise and honey notes meld.
  4. Serve chilled on tostadas with slices of avocado.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Use sushi-grade fish — the lime 'cooks' it, but freshness is everything. If xtabentún is hard to find, substitute an anise liqueur with a teaspoon of honey.

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Recipe details

Prep25 min
Cook0 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
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 →