Traditionally, red snapper is used when making this Veracruz-style ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juice), but just about any type of sustainable mild white fish or shellfish will work. Thoroughly chilled ceviche is a must, so be sure to refrigerate the serving dish ahead of time and nestle it in a larger bowl filled with ice when you’re ready to assemble and serve the tostadas.

What to buy: The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program recommends avoiding some varieties of red snapper. Luckily, this recipe works great with other varieties, such as wild-caught snapper from Hawaii, opakapaka (pink snapper), rock cod, halibut, or bass. Buy your fish from a reputable source, and let your fishmonger know that you will be serving it as ceviche so he or she gives you a top-quality piece.

Game plan: The ingredients can be prepped and refrigerated in separate containers a few hours ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, the recipe comes together in about 15 minutes—just mix and marinate—making this a no-fuss starter perfect for entertaining.

This recipe was featured as part of our No-Fail Mexican Favorites for Cinco de Mayo.

  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 60 mins 
  • Active: 60 mins

Ingredients (17)

For the marinade:

  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 8 medium limes)
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 medium jalapeño peppers, stemmed and cut into 1/4-inch rings

For the ceviche:

  • 1/4 pound sea scallops, tough opaque muscle removed (if attached) and medium dice
  • 1/4 pound skinned red snapper fillets, pin bones removed and medium dice
  • 1 cup cored, Roma tomatoes (about 3 medium)
  • 1/2 cup Spanish green olives such as Manzanilla, pitted and thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped shallots (about 2 medium)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, drained and coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained

To serve:

  • 4 tostada shells
  • 1/2 medium avocado, cut lengthwise into 8 slices
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 medium lime, cut into 8 wedges
  • Hot sauce, for serving (optional)

Instructions

For the marinade:

  1. Place the lime juice, olive oil, and cilantro in a medium nonreactive bowl and whisk to combine. Stir in the jalapeños and set aside.

For the ceviche:

  1. Add the scallops and snapper to the marinade and stir to combine. Let the seafood marinate until firm and opaque, about 5 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, combine the tomatoes, olives, shallots, cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and capers in a large nonreactive bowl.
  3. When the seafood is ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to the tomato mixture, leaving the fresh jalapeños and marinade in the bowl. Stir to combine. (If you want more heat, remove the fresh jalapeños from the marinade, coarsely chop, and add to the ceviche.)

To serve:

  1. Divide the ceviche among the tostada shells and top each with 2 avocado slices. Sprinkle with the cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges and hot sauce (if using).