kiribatiansalad
Kiribati Raw Fish Salad with Lime and Chilli
Fresh raw fish tossed with lime juice, chilli, cucumber, and coconut — a light, vibrant Kiribatian salad.
Prep
20 min
Cook
0 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.7(530 ratings)#raw fish#lime#chilli#salad#pacific#gluten-free#no-cook
About This Recipe
Across Kiribati, raw fish prepared with citrus and fresh aromatics is an everyday dish. Unlike ika mata which is bathed in coconut cream, this version keeps the dressing light — lime juice, fresh chilli, and just a little coconut cream — letting the quality of the fish take centre stage. Cucumber and green onion add crunch and freshness.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 400 gsashimi-grade tuna or white fish, diced 2 cm
- 80 mlfresh lime juice
- 1small red chilli, seeds removed, finely sliced
- 1 smallcucumber, diced
- 3spring onions, sliced
- 3 tbspcoconut cream
Instructions
- 1
Cure fish
Toss diced fish with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until the surface turns opaque.
- 2
Drain
Drain off most of the lime juice, leaving just a tablespoon in the bowl.
- 3
Combine
Add chilli, cucumber, spring onion, and coconut cream. Toss gently to combine.
- 4
Serve
Serve immediately in chilled bowls.
Pro Tips
- →
Keep everything well chilled until the moment of serving.
- →
A pinch of toasted coconut flakes on top adds a lovely contrast.
Variations
- •
Add diced mango or papaya for a sweeter, fruitier version.
- •
Use coconut milk instead of cream for a lighter dressing.
Storage
Eat immediately. Do not store once assembled.
History & Origin
Raw fish with citrus is the culinary default across Micronesia. In Kiribati the dish evolved from traditional preservation practices — citrus juice was used both for flavour and to safely denature proteins in the absence of refrigeration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as ceviche?
The technique is similar but the flavour profile is distinctly Pacific — less onion, more coconut, lighter acid. The dish developed independently in the Pacific long before contact with Latin America.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (180g / 6.3 oz) · 4 servings total
Calories175kcal
Protein24g
Carbohydrates5g
Fat6g
Fiber1g
Protein24g
Carbs5g
Fat6g
Time Summary
Prep time20 min
Cook time0 min
Total time20 min
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