Is Ceviche Safe To Eat? Essential Tips You Need to Know

Are you wondering, “Is ceviche safe to eat?” This popular dish, known for its fresh, uncooked ingredients, often raises concerns for first-timers. Dive into everything you need to know about ceviche, the vibrant and zesty delight of Latin American cuisine.

Ceviche, a dish of marinated fish or seafood served either raw or cooked, originated in Ecuador. Ceviche comes from the Quechan word siwichi, which means fresh or tender fish. This Ecuadorian dish is popular in Latin America because of its tasty and authentic flavor.

Known as one of the best seafood dishes in the world, ceviche offers a memorable eating experience. The dish is safe to eat and typically features raw shrimp or fish marinated in a tangy, flavorful soup that delights your taste buds, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.

Is Ceviche Safe To Eat?

Eating food with raw, fresh seafood ingredients like sushi and sashimi is healthy as long as you stay within limits. Similarly, ceviche contains raw fish with pathogens that can be dangerous if eaten too often.

Ensure you avoid ceviche from fish frozen first (as contrasted to fresh), or you risk dealing with tapeworms that may cause pain and vomiting.

Different Types of Ceviche 

There are two versions of ceviche: Peruvian or Mexican and Ecuadorian. Both versions are a bit different in taste and cooking methods. 

Peruvian or Mexican Ceviche

Ceviche from Peru and Mexico is quite similar in taste. The Mexican version is slightly spicier, but you cannot tell the difference if you do not eat them together. 

It combines red onions, celery, corn, and cilantro with raw fish. In a denaturation process, the fish is marinated in citrus juices before being served with other ingredients that add irresistible flavors.

Ecuadorian Ceviche

You will most probably find shrimp ceviche in an Ecuadorian restaurant. However, the significant difference between Ecuadorian and other dish versions is that the former contains cooked seafood. 

People in Ecuador prefer their ceviche served with soup and cooked fish or shrimp rather than dry and raw. Another difference in the recipe that completely changes the flavor is using zesty citrus notes instead of hot peppers.

Is Ceviche Raw or Cooked?

While ceviche is technically not cooked, it’s not raw either. The fish in ceviche is marinated in citrus juice, which cures it, causing it to denature its proteins while changing all its chemical and physical properties (i.e., turning the flesh opaque and firm like being cooked with heat). 

The primary purpose of marination is to make the fish digestible while giving it some savory flavors.

Is Ceviche Healthy?

All the ingredients involved in cooking ceviche are healthy. They are low in carbs and have many health benefits for people on a keto diet. A cup of ceviche contains only 9g of carbs with 170 calories, 26.1g of protein, and 2.9g of fat. 

Which Fish Is Safe for Ceviche?

Selecting a fish for your ceviche does not require following any specific rule. However, using the freshest fish available is the only important point you need to consider. 

Some of the most common fishes that work best for your delicious ceviche are:

• Tilapia
• Snapper
• Halibut
• Cod
• Mahi Mahi
• Sole 
• Grouper
• Sea bass 
• Fluke 
• Rockfish

One way to determine if the fish you buy is fresh is to check its eyes and gills. Look for fish with clear eyes and bright red gills. 

Moreover, there are some fish that we would recommend you not to use for your ceviche. These include:

• Tuna
• Salmon 
• Freshwater fish, such as trout

How To Find Safe Restaurants in Latin America

Finding safe restaurants in Latin America can be hectic, but plenty of restaurants follow every hygienic precaution. 

So, is it impossible to enjoy ceviche at a restaurant without upsetting your stomach? No, certainly not. We recommend considering reviews from other people before stepping into any ceviche restaurant in Latin America.

While the risk of getting sick will always be there, I wouldn’t avoid eating ceviche. I’ve eaten tons and tons of ceviche without ever getting sick. If you want to reduce the risk of getting sick, ask the restaurant to cook the fish or shrimp before adding them to the ceviche.

Can I Eat Ceviche When Pregnant?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), groups susceptible to foodborne illnesses, such as pregnant women, should avoid eating raw or uncooked seafood, which can be found in ceviche.

Although this dish may have been marinated in spices and lemon juices for over 30 minutes, it is technically not cooked. 

Eating raw food can cause food poisoning, which can be dangerous for pregnant women, who are more susceptible to diseases.

Most believe denaturation can eliminate parasites and make uncooked food safe, but this is false. Food is still raw and unsafe if it is not cooked on heat. Citrus juice is not acidic enough to cook food, similar to heat.

What Are the Risks of Eating Ceviche During Pregnancy?

Parasites and bacteria such as listeria may be present in raw seafood. So, if you eat ceviche during pregnancy, you are more likely to get infected with parasites or bacteria like Listeria, which can cause something like Listeriosis.

The symptoms of Listeriosis include:

• Muscle ache 
• Diarrhea 
• Chills
• Fever 
• Stiff neck 

These symptoms can cause dehydration (loss of water), which can severely affect your unborn child. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage or early labor in the worst-case scenario. 

Effects on the Baby

Ceviche can not only affect you negatively but also your baby. 

It can cause serious problems to the brain of your child. Medical attention is needed as soon as possible. Some of the possible consequences of eating ceviche on your baby are:

• Brain development problem
• Lack of cognitive ability
• Epilepsy
• Blindness

How to Safely Eat Ceviche?

Follow the steps below to safely eat ceviche. By performing each step carefully, you can enjoy your delicious ceviche without the risk of food poisoning or other problems.

Select the Type of Seafood

You can choose any seafood you want, but some fish work better in ceviche than others. Most people prefer tuna because of its taste, but remember that even tuna is not safe if you eat it uncooked. 

We recommend using shrimp as it is the most convenient option for all kinds of seafood and tastes delicious.

Marinate in Acidic Juices

Once you have selected the right seafood, the next step is to prepare the juice to marinate it. We prefer lemon or lime juice, as these are the best ingredients for the denaturation process. 

Cut the seafood into small cubes and place them inside the juice box, or, if you are using fresh citrus, in a bowl with the squeezed juice. Make sure that the juice completely covers the seafood. You can also add some extra spices for flavor during this time. 

Cook the Seafood Properly

The most important part is cooking the seafood. Remove it from the juices and treat it with butter or healthy oil before heating it. We recommend using a thermometer to maintain the temperature for evenly cooking the seafood. 

You need to make sure that the seafood is cooked correctly and thoroughly. Any raw part can contain live bacteria, so check it carefully before eating.

Want To Make Ceviche at Home? A Quick Ceviche Recipe

With our quick recipe, you can prepare your own ceviche at home. This delicious dish is safe to prepare, and you don’t have to worry about getting sick.

Ingredients

Following are the ingredients that you will need to cook this fantastic dish:

• 2lbs shrimp
• 1lb tomatoes
• One onion
• A sprig of cilantro 
• ¼ cucumber
• One orange
• ½ cup lemon juice
• One tablespoon salt
• Pepper, to taste
• One tablespoon of olive oil
• Half tablespoon mustard
• Avocado

Step-By-Step Process

1. Start by soaking the produce in water for at least 15 minutes. 
2. Prepare a mixing bowl big enough for all the ingredients you will prepare. 
3. Cut the onion into small cubes and add ¾ tablespoons of salt and lemon juice. Mix well, then place the onion mixture in the fridge for at least one hour.
4. To make a smooth tomato paste, first, slit half of the tomato’s skin and place them in boiling water for 3 minutes. The skin of the tomatoes will start to peel back after a few minutes, and then you can take them out of the pot and peel the skin off with water. Blend the tomatoes to make a smooth paste. Set aside.
5. Chop the cilantro finely.
6. Cut the cucumber into thin slices. 
7. Juice the orange. 
8. Blanch the shrimp by boiling it in water with ¾ tablespoon of salt for a few minutes until it turns pink. Peel the shrimp if you don’t want a crunchy texture to your ceviche. 
9. Mix all the ingredients you prepared earlier (onion mixture, tomato paste, chopped cilantro, sliced cucumber, orange juice, and shrimp) in a bowl with olive oil and mustard. Add a dash or two of pepper (to taste). Place the bowl inside the fridge and let it cool for one hour.
10. Use avocado for garnishing to give your ceviche a final touch.

The recipe cooks the shrimp, eliminating all the parasites and bacteria. However, if you prefer uncooked food, you can marinate it in lemon juice instead of cooking it with heat. 

The exact process can be followed for fish ceviche, but make sure not to use freshwater fish.

Frequently Asked Questions – Is Ceviche Safe To Eat?

Can You Get Parasites From Ceviche?

Ceviche is made with raw fish or shrimp that contain parasites and bacteria, which can cause food poisoning or parasites. We recommend trying the Ecuadorian version since it involves cooking the seafood on the heat before marination, effectively removing the bacteria and parasites.

It does not change the dish’s flavor, but some still prefer an uncooked version. You can choose one according to your preference.

How Can You Eat Ceviche Without Getting Sick?

Can ceviche make you sick? To enjoy ceviche without the risk of getting sick, prepare it yourself or ask the restaurant if the seafood in the dish is cooked.

Our recipe involves cooking the seafood and eliminating any potential bacteria or parasites. This ensures that your sensitive stomach won’t have to contend with them after you’ve enjoyed your meal.

Is Ceviche Considered Cooked?

Ceviche has two versions: Peruvian or Mexican and Ecuadorian. 

The Ecuadorian version offers cooked seafood, while the Mexican and Peruvian ceviche version serves it raw. If you consider having the dish’s uncooked version, read all the risks involved.

Is It Safe To Eat Ceviche?

Ceviche is safe as long as it is cooked on heat. However, some believe that marinating the fish in lime juice or bottled lemon cooks it the same way. So, you must ensure your ceviche is not completely raw and at least marinated in citrus juices if not properly cooked. 

I Accidentally Ate Ceviche While Pregnant: Now What?

If you accidentally ate ceviche while pregnant, there is a chance you will get sick from foodborne diseases. Many women don’t get food poisoning even after eating raw ceviche, but you should try to reduce the effects by using the supplements listed below. 

• Garlic
• Pumpkin seed 
• Lavender
• Black walnut
• Oregano

The listed supplements will help you fight the parasites you might have eaten with your ceviche. Some doctors recommend these organic options, which are considered anti-parasites.

Conclusion – Is Ceviche Safe to Eat?

We introduced you to the delectable Latin American dish, ceviche, which might redefine your seafood dining experience. This guide provides essential information and guidelines on safely preparing and enjoying this sensational dish, with special considerations for pregnant women.

Always prioritize food safety, no matter where you find yourself or how tempting the local cuisine may be. While you can take a chance on taste, safety should come first. You can enjoy both delicious flavors and peace of mind with cooked ceviche.

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