National Dish Peru: Ceviche de Langostinos (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Ceviche de Langostinos, a bright and refreshing taste of Peru! Plump prawns are cured in tangy citrus juice, then tossed with red onion, avocado and a generous handful of coriander. It is the kind of dish that feels made for warm days — light, zingy and full of Latin American flair. Quick to put together yet undeniably impressive, it makes a stunning starter or a wonderfully easy light meal.
About Ceviche de Langostinos
Ceviche de Langostinos is a refreshing and lively dish that is perfect for warm days. The combination of fresh prawns, citrusy juice and fragrant herbs brings a touch of Latin American flair to your table. It is often served as a starter or a light meal and is not only delicious but also healthy. This is a true explosion of flavour that is both simple to prepare and a real showstopper.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g fresh langostinos (prawns)
- 1 lime (juice)
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 handful of coriander, chopped
- 1–2 chillies (to taste, finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients you need for ceviche, it is important to choose the highest quality. Make sure the prawns are fresh and lively, as this affects the flavour of the whole dish. You will also need fresh citrus fruit and aromatic herbs to round out the taste. Wherever possible, buy your ingredients at a local market or from a trusted fishmonger.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Ceviche de Langostinos is straightforward and quick. Begin by peeling the prawns and removing the vein. It is then important to squeeze the citrus fruit so you can make the marinade for the prawns. Before serving, have all the other ingredients — such as onion and coriander — ready and combine them together in a bowl. Mix well so the flavours can develop to their fullest.
Step-by-step instructions
- Place the prawns in a bowl and pour over the lime and lemon juice.
- Cover the bowl and let the prawns marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- After marinating, take the prawns out of the fridge and mix them with the chopped onion, avocado, coriander and chilli.
- Season with salt and pepper and combine well.
- Arrange the ceviche on plates and garnish with fresh coriander leaves if you like.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Ceviche de Langostinos is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone with those allergies. The main ingredients contain no gluten-based products, and because no dairy is used the dish is also suitable for those who are lactose intolerant. Just take care that the spices and products you use are likewise free from gluten and lactose. That way you can enjoy it with complete peace of mind!
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Ceviche de Langostinos is easy to adapt for vegans and vegetarians. Instead of the prawns you could use marinated mushrooms or overnight-pickled squash pieces, both of which offer a similar texture. Different vegetables such as courgette or pepper can also make the dish interesting. Take care to adjust the flavours of the marinade accordingly so you get a full, rounded taste.
More tips and tricks
One of the best things about ceviche is its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe to your own preferences by adding different fruits or vegetables. If you want to turn up the heat, try different varieties of chilli or reach for chilli powder. Experiment with the amount of citrus juice to find the perfect balance between acidity and sweetness.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Adapting Ceviche de Langostinos to personal preference is a creative task. Some people prefer to use more onion or milder ingredients. Adding fresh tomatoes or even grapefruit can lend the dish a whole new dimension. Remember to try out different combinations to find your own taste and keep the dish exciting. Fruit-forward variations like Ceviche de Mango show just how far you can take the idea.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have langostinos to hand, you can easily make the recipe with other seafood such as salmon or trout — the same approach that shines in a classic Ceviche de Pescado. Firm vegetables like peppers or carrots can also make a good base. You could even swap the lime juice for pomegranate juice to achieve a sweeter note. Trust your creativity and experiment with whatever you have!
Drink pairing ideas
Light, zingy drinks pair best with a fresh dish like Ceviche de Langostinos. A refreshing white wine or a rosé complements the flavours of the prawns and citrus perfectly. Alcoholic cocktails such as a mojito or a margarita can also make a great companion. For an alcohol-free option, fruity lemonades or ice-cold tea are excellent alternatives.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can lift the whole experience of Ceviche de Langostinos. Use fresh coriander leaves or edible flowers to make the dish more visually appealing. Serve the ceviche in pretty, shallow bowls or on a bed of lettuce leaves. Using elegant glasses can also give the dish a special touch and delight your guests.
A bit of history
Ceviche has its roots in Peruvian cuisine, where it is regarded as the national dish. It was originally prepared by fishermen by the sea, who marinated fresh fish with lime juice and salt. Over the years the dish has evolved and is now made with a wide variety of ingredients and regional variations, from Ceviche Mixto to the citrus-cured slices of Tiradito. The combination of fresh ingredients and an instant preparation makes ceviche a beloved dish worldwide, and a cornerstone of Peruvian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Ceviche de Langostinos
In summary, Ceviche de Langostinos is a simple, delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. With fresh ingredients and an easy preparation, you can bring an impressive dish to the table in no time at all. Whether as a starter or a main course, this dish is sure to delight your guests. Give it a go and discover the variety and flavour that Ceviche de Langostinos has to offer!
