ceviche

or se·vi·che

[ suh-vee-chey, ‑chee ]

noun

1. an appetizer of small pieces of raw fish marinated in lime or lemon juice, often with onions, peppers, and spices.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ceviche¹

First recorded in 1950–55; from Latin American Spanish (Peru, Ecuador, etc.) cebiche, ceviche, seviche, possibly a derivative of Spanish cebo “fodder, fish pieces used for bait,” from Latin cibus “food”; possibly from Spanish Arabic assukkabāj, from Arabic sikbāj “meat cooked in vinegar,” from unrecorded Middle Persian sikbāg (equivalent to sik “vinegar”+ bāg “food, broth”)

Example Sentences

The salmon ceviche was easily the best I’ve had anywhere in the world, and the duck croquettes were the perfect filling snack before heading out to enjoy the afternoon.

From Salon

Nelson’s is great for ceviche and a skirt steak sandwich in a relaxed atmosphere with a view of the ocean, while Mar’sel is oysters and Dover sole.

From Los Angeles Times

There are definitely items on the menu that have been originals and available since we first opened 10 years ago, like the breakfast sandwich, lobster roll, some sort of ceviche that rotates each season.

From Salon

Raw preparations like ceviche highlight the freshness and natural flavors, while grilling adds a smoky depth.

From Salon

Los Angeles Magazine’s deep dive into Olympic food turned up this: Despite the usual calorific dishes and never-expiring canned fruit cocktail, in 1984, some of the cuisine available round the clock to athletes at the nine Olympic Village cafeterias also stretched to “regional favorites: cheese enchiladas, gazpacho, and avocado soup” and dishes “still unfamiliar to most Americans in 1984: ceviche, tabbouleh, oriental vegetables and water chestnuts.”

From Los Angeles Times

More About Ceviche

What is ceviche?

Ceviche is an appetizer dish consisting of raw fish marinated in citrus juice and including ingredients like peppers, onions, and spices.

Popular in South America, ceviche generally features chunked fish marinated in lime juice served with sliced white or red onions and chilies. Sea bass, tuna, and shrimp are common choices for the fish, while lemon or bitter orange juice may be used instead of lime. You may even find vegetarian ceviche, with vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes used instead of fish. As long as the base for the dish is served cold and features citrus curing, it could be referred to as a type of ceviche.

Ceviche is also spelled seviche.

Example: The restaurant offered Sofia and Carlos complementary scallop ceviche because it was their anniversary.

Where does ceviche come from?

The first records of the term ceviche come from around the 1950s. It comes from the Latin American Spanish ceviche, which may also be spelled cebiche or seviche.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to ceviche?

• seviche (alternative spelling)

What are some words that often get used in discussing ceviche?

• appetizer
• fish
• layered
• mixed
• onion
• peppers
• spice

How is ceviche used in real life?

Ceviche is a popular fish starter dish served in restaurants and made at home.

Cookie Monster: Me woke up feeling hungry for duck a l'orange and shrimp ceviche. Just kidding: me want COOKIE! Nom nom nom nom nom.

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) November 14, 2011

Ocean acidification is at the highest level in 300 million years. In other words: instant ceviche!

— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) October 4, 2013

A friend of mine, a great man, brought me some food. Ground bison in a blueberry barbecue sauce. Also, a scallop ceviche. We’ll call him Double G for now. The G stands for Good.

— One of The Blacks (@BrocoliRobBrown) September 18, 2018

 

 

Try using ceviche!

True or False?

Ceviche is an appetizer featuring fish and served hot.