Description
Leche de Tigre, or Tiger’s Milk, is the zesty, citrus-based marinade that forms the heart of Peruvian ceviche. Packed with fresh fish, lime juice, chili peppers, and aromatics, this flavorful dish can be enjoyed as a marinade, appetizer, or invigorating drink. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking for a bold new culinary experience, this easy Leche de Tigre recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Peru straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- ½ lb fresh white fish (sea bass, snapper, or grouper)
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fish stock or cold water
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ inch piece of fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 small celery stalk (chopped)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 aji limo or aji amarillo pepper (sliced, seeds removed for less heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
Optional Additions:
- 1 tbsp aji amarillo paste (for extra depth)
- 1 tbsp orange juice (for slight sweetness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for richness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Cut the fish into small cubes and keep chilled.
- Blend the Base: In a blender, combine lime juice, lemon juice, fish stock, garlic, ginger, celery, aji pepper, onion, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the Mixture: Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the liquid into a bowl, pressing with a spoon to extract all the flavors.
- Add the Fish: Stir in the diced fish and let it marinate for 5–10 minutes in the fridge.
- Garnish and Serve: Add fresh cilantro, extra chili slices, and red onion for garnish. Serve chilled.
Notes
Leche de Tigre can be enjoyed on its own as a drink, drizzled over ceviche, or served with plantain chips or roasted corn kernels for a classic Peruvian pairing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Blending
- Method: Peruvian
- Cuisine: Pescatarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Leche de Tigre, Tiger’s Milk, Peruvian ceviche marinade, spicy fish marinade, authentic Peruvian recipes, seafood appetizer, ceviche sauce, healthy Peruvian food, easy Leche de Tigre recipe