How Many Calories Are in Peruvian Ceviche? A Complete Nutritional Guide

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard one-cup serving of classic Peruvian ceviche, made with lean white fish, can contain as few as 150–200 calories. This makes it a protein-rich and surprisingly light meal option, though the final calorie count can vary dramatically based on the accompaniments and preparation.

Quick Summary

A typical portion of Peruvian ceviche usually contains 150 to 250 calories, with its exact nutritional value depending on the seafood, marinade, and side dishes. It is a highly nutritious, low-fat source of protein and is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Key Points

Low-Calorie Base: The core of classic Peruvian ceviche, made with lean white fish, is naturally low in calories, typically ranging from 150–200 per cup.
Ingredients Matter: The type of fish used significantly affects the calorie count; lean white fish keeps it low, while fatty fish like salmon will increase it.
Accompaniments Add Calories: Traditional sides like sweet potato (camote) and corn (choclo) increase the total calorie count, adding carbohydrates and fiber.
Watch for High-Fat Additions: Modern versions and non-traditional additions such as avocado, creamy sauces, or fried chips can substantially boost the overall calorie intake.
Protein Powerhouse: Peruvian ceviche is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which promotes satiety and supports muscle health.
Nutrient-Dense Dish: The citrus marinade, along with fresh onions and chilies, provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The Core Components: The Basic Ceviche Recipe

At its heart, classic Peruvian ceviche is a simple yet powerful dish, relying on the quality of its fresh ingredients. The base is composed of several key elements, each contributing to its overall nutritional profile. These include lean white fish (such as sea bass or flounder), fresh lime juice, sliced red onion, cilantro, and hot peppers like ají limo.

The calorie content of the base recipe is quite low, primarily driven by the fish. For instance, a 3-ounce serving of sole contains just over 70 calories. The lime juice, onions, and herbs contribute very few additional calories while providing a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants.

Factors That Affect the Calorie Count

While the basic recipe is low in calories, the final number can be influenced by several key factors:

Type of Fish

The choice of seafood is a primary factor. While lean white fish keeps the calorie count low, using oilier fish like salmon or tuna will increase the fat and calorie content. Similarly, mixed ceviches (ceviche mixto) containing shrimp, squid, or scallops can change the overall nutritional profile.

The Role of Accompaniments

In Peru, ceviche is traditionally served with calorie-dense side dishes that are essential to the experience. These can significantly impact the total calorie count. Common additions include:

Sweet Potato (Camote): Often served in slices, one medium sweet potato can add over 100 calories but also provides fiber and Vitamin A.
Corn (Choclo): The large, Andean corn kernels offer carbohydrates and fiber. An ear of corn can add roughly 58 calories.
Cancha (Toasted Corn): This crunchy, salty snack is another popular addition, adding more carbohydrates and calories.

Modern Variations and High-Calorie Add-ons

Beyond the traditional recipe, many modern preparations and restaurant versions introduce ingredients that elevate the calorie count. These can include:

Avocado: A creamy, fatty addition that adds approximately 110–120 calories per half.
Fried Tortilla Chips: A common accompaniment outside of Peru, adding 140–150 calories per serving.
Creamy Sauces: Some chefs or home cooks might add a creamy element, such as mayo or a rich aioli, which can add nearly 100 calories per tablespoon.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Modern Ceviche

To illustrate the impact of different ingredients, here is a comparison of the approximate calorie counts for a standard one-cup serving of various ceviche types:


Ceviche Type	Primary Ingredients	Estimated Calories (per cup)	Key Calorie Sources
Classic Peruvian	Lean white fish, lime juice, red onion, chili	150–200	Lean protein
With Sweet Potato & Corn	Classic ceviche plus camote and choclo	250–350	Carbohydrates
Shrimp Ceviche	Shrimp, lime juice, onion, tomato	170–220	Lean protein
Ceviche with Avocado	Classic ceviche plus ½ small avocado	260–320	Healthy fats
Ceviche with Tortilla Chips	Classic ceviche plus 12-15 chips	290–350	Fried fats, carbs

Health Benefits Beyond Calories

Even with varying calorie counts, Peruvian ceviche remains a highly nutritious dish. It provides numerous health benefits, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet:

Rich in Lean Protein: The fish provides a high-quality, lean protein source, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Certain fish varieties, like sea bass, provide beneficial omega-3s that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Abundant Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients like lime juice, onions, and chilies are rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, supporting immune function and skin health.

How to Keep Your Ceviche Low-Calorie

If you are aiming to manage your calorie intake, you can still enjoy Peruvian ceviche with some mindful choices:

Choose Lean Seafood: Stick to lean white fish like sea bass, tilapia, or halibut over oilier or mixed options.
Moderate Side Dishes: Limit or control your portions of sweet potato and corn, or opt for a simple lettuce leaf base.
Skip High-Fat Additions: Avoid creamy sauces, avocado, and fried chips. Instead, enjoy the clean, fresh flavor of the citrus-marinated fish.
Control Marinade: Make your marinade from scratch using fresh ingredients to avoid excess sodium from bottled juices.

Conclusion: A Nutritious and Refreshing Choice

Ultimately, the number of calories in Peruvian ceviche is a versatile figure, with its base being a lean, nutritious, and low-calorie meal. Its healthfulness is tied to the freshness of its components and the choices made regarding accompaniments. By understanding the contribution of each element, from the type of fish to the inclusion of traditional sides like sweet potato and corn, you can tailor your ceviche to fit your dietary goals. Whether served simply or as part of a more substantial meal, Peruvian ceviche offers a refreshing and satisfying way to enjoy a nutrient-packed seafood dish. For more authentic Peruvian recipes, consider exploring resources dedicated to the cuisine, like those found on Eat Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

A restaurant serving of Peruvian ceviche, including traditional accompaniments like sweet potato and corn, can range from 250 to over 400 calories, depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used.

Generally, shrimp ceviche has a similar calorie range to lean white fish ceviche, typically around 170–220 calories per cup for a basic preparation. The specific calorie count depends on portion size and other added ingredients.

Yes, Peruvian ceviche can be excellent for weight loss. Its base of lean protein and low-calorie vegetables makes it a filling and nutritious meal. For best results, limit high-fat accompaniments like avocado or fried items.

Adding half a small avocado to your ceviche will increase the calorie count by approximately 110–120 calories, adding healthy fats but also boosting the total intake.

Calorie differences are driven by ingredients. Traditional Peruvian ceviche is often leaner than versions with creamy sauces or heavy bases. Mexican-style ceviche with pico de gallo and avocado might have a different calorie profile due to its specific vegetable and garnish mix.

No, the fresh lime juice used to marinate and 'cook' the fish contributes a negligible number of calories, with one cup containing only about 17 calories.

To reduce calories, you can serve ceviche with a bed of lettuce or with baked, not fried, tostadas instead of sweet potato, corn, or fried chips.

The marination time does not significantly affect the calorie count of the final dish. The citrus acid denatures the fish's proteins but does not alter the nutritional value in a meaningful way.