African-inspired Spicy Seafood Salad

Ingredients

While the original Ceviche Tico from Costa Rican cuisine typically features lime juice, cilantro, and local ingredients like sweet peppers and chayote, this African-inspired version incorporates the bold flavors and spices commonly found in African cuisine. The addition of African spices, such as berbere or harissa, and the use of local African vegetables like bell peppers and onions, give this dish a distinctively African twist. We alse have the original recipe for Ceviche Tico, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 500g (1.1 lb) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 400g (14 oz) firm white fish fillets, cut into small cubes 400g (14 oz) firm white fish fillets, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups (470ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 cups (470ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cups (470ml) freshly squeezed orange juice 2 cups (470ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 bell peppers (any color), diced 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 2 chili peppers, finely chopped 2 chili peppers, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons African spice blend (berbere or harissa) 2 tablespoons African spice blend (berbere or harissa)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (Sugar: 6g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, fish, lemon juice, and orange juice. Ensure the seafood is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the seafood to "cook" in the citrus juices.
2. 2.
   After an hour, drain the seafood and discard the citrus juices.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, chili peppers, African spice blend, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Add the drained seafood to the vegetable mixture and gently toss until well combined.
5. 5.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shrimp — Ensure the shrimp is fresh and properly deveined before using in the recipe.
• Fish — Opt for firm white fish like cod or tilapia for the best texture in the salad.
• African spice blend — If you can't find berbere or harissa, you can create your own blend using spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
• Serve the Spicy Seafood Salad with a side of crispy plantain chips for a delightful contrast in textures.
• Adjust the amount of African spice blend according to your spice tolerance.

Serving advice

Serve the African-inspired Spicy Seafood Salad chilled in individual bowls or as a shared appetizer. Accompany it with a wedge of lemon or lime for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Spicy Seafood Salad with a sprinkle of African spice blend and a few fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal.