Tropical Mango Scallop Ceviche Fiesta

Mango Scallop Ceviche: A Detailed Culinary Guide

Mango Scallop Ceviche is a vibrant and refreshing dish that marries the delicate flavors of sea scallops with the tropical sweetness of mango and the zesty tang of lime. This ceviche not only stands out for its taste but also for its colorful presentation, making it an ideal choice for parties and special gatherings. The recipe is relatively simple, but it requires some patience as the scallops need to marinate overnight to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Below, you’ll find an in-depth guide to preparing this delightful dish, including the ingredients, preparation steps, nutritional information, and some tips for perfecting your ceviche.

Recipe Overview

Name: Mango Scallop Ceviche
Cuisine: Mexican
Category: Weeknight Meals
Cook Time: 8 hours (overnight marinating)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Description: A beautiful and delicious way to enjoy scallops, with a festive presentation perfect for parties. This dish never lasts long once served.

Ingredients and Their Quantities

• Sea Scallops: 1 lb (approximately 16 ounces)
• Limes, juice of: 5 limes
• Raspberry Vinegar: 1/2 cup
• Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
• Green Bell Peppers: 2, finely diced
• Yellow Bell Peppers: 2, finely diced
• Red Bell Peppers: 2, finely diced
• Red Onions: 1 1/2 cups, finely diced
• Mangoes: 2-3, peeled and diced
• Plum Tomatoes: 6, diced
• Fresh Cilantro: 4 tablespoons, chopped
• Tortilla Chips: For serving

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 113.3 kcal
• Fat Content: 0.8 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol Content: 10.9 mg
• Sodium Content: 417.1 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 21.4 g
• Fiber Content: 3.2 g
• Sugar Content: 12.8 g
• Protein Content: 7.5 g

Recipe Instructions

1. Marinating the Scallops:

   • Combine the sea scallops, lime juice, raspberry vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper in a glass mixing bowl.
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally to ensure that the scallops are evenly marinated.

2. Preparing the Vegetables and Mango:

   • The following day, add the finely diced green, yellow, and red bell peppers, red onions, diced mangoes, and plum tomatoes to the bowl with the marinated scallops.
   • Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

3. Final Touches:

   • Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
   • Add the chopped fresh cilantro and mix gently.

4. Serving:

   • Serve the Mango Scallop Ceviche with tortilla chips or crackers. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the bright flavors and textures are at their peak.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ceviche

1. Choosing the Scallops:

   • Ensure that you use fresh, high-quality sea scallops for the best flavor and texture. Fresh scallops will have a sweet, slightly briny aroma and a firm texture.

2. Lime Juice:

   • Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for this recipe. Bottled lime juice may contain preservatives and lack the vibrant flavor needed for ceviche.

3. Marinating:

   • The marinating time is crucial. Marinating the scallops overnight allows the acid in the lime juice to “cook” the scallops, giving them a firm yet tender texture.

4. Raspberry Vinegar:

   • Raspberry vinegar adds a subtle fruitiness that complements the mango and scallops. If you cannot find raspberry vinegar, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.

5. Balancing Flavors:

   • Taste the ceviche before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. The balance of acid, salt, and sweetness is key to a delicious ceviche.

6. Serving Suggestions:

   • For an elegant presentation, serve the ceviche in individual glass cups or martini glasses. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and a lime wedge.

7. Accompaniments:

   • In addition to tortilla chips, you can serve the ceviche with sliced avocado, a simple green salad, or even on top of crispy tostadas for added texture.

Variations and Additions

1. Spicy Kick:

   • If you enjoy a bit of heat, add finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the ceviche. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.

2. Fruity Twist:

   • While mango is a fantastic addition, you can experiment with other tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya for a different flavor profile.

3. Seafood Mix:

   • Incorporate other seafood like shrimp or fish (such as halibut or snapper) along with the scallops for a more varied ceviche.

4. Herb Variations:

   • While cilantro is traditional, you can try adding fresh mint or basil for a unique twist.

Serving and Storing

• Serving:

  • Mango Scallop Ceviche is best served chilled, making it a perfect appetizer for warm weather gatherings or as a refreshing starter for a Mexican-themed meal.

• Storing:

  • Leftover ceviche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best consumed fresh, as the texture of the scallops and vegetables may change after prolonged storage.

Conclusion

Mango Scallop Ceviche is a delightful dish that brings together the freshness of the ocean with the vibrant flavors of tropical fruit and crunchy vegetables. Its simple preparation, combined with the overnight marinating process, allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to treat yourself to a gourmet experience at home, this ceviche is sure to impress and satisfy.

Enjoy the burst of flavors and the joy of preparing this exquisite dish!