Bay Scallop, Shrimp, and Ahi Tuna Ceviche in Tortilla Cups
Yield: 4-6 Servings
Ingredients:
Peanut oil, for frying
4 to 6 small, thin corn tortillas, each about 8 inches in diameter
1/2 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 pound fresh baby bay scallops, side muscles removed
1/2 pound ahi tuna fillet, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
6 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus 6 sprigs for garnish
1/2 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 medium ripe tomato, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- In a large, heavy saucepan or a deep-fryer, heat 5 to 6 inches of oil to 375°F.
- One at a time, fry the tortillas in the hot oil until they are soft, about 10 seconds, immediately transferring each tortilla to paper towels to drain. Reserve, covered, in a warm spot.
- Heat wire potato nest baskets by dipping it in the hot oil for several seconds.
- Carefully fit a softened tortilla into the bottom basket and place the smaller basket on top to shape the tortilla into a cup. Then immerse the tortilla enclosed in the baskets into the hot oil and cook until the tortilla is crispy and golden brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Remove the tortilla cup from the basket and invert on paper towels to drain. Repeat the procedure with the other tortillas. (If you don't have a potato nest basket, you can also lay the tortillas 1 by 1 on the surface of the hot oil, then immediately, carefully push the center to the bottom with a small, empty, clean tin can, thus creating a freeform cup. Be sure to use tongs and heat resistant gloves to protect your hands.)
- Cut the shrimp into pieces the same size as the bay scallops. Refrigerate the shrimp, ahi, and scallops in separate bowls.
- In a nonreactive mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, red onion, and tomato. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Stir the seafood into this mixture, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 45 minutes.
- Place the tortilla cups on individual serving plates. Divide the ceviche among the cups and garnish each serving with sprigs of cilantro.
- Serve immediately.