Discover the vibrant flavors of Peru in this immersive cooking class. You’ll learn the art of crafting an authentic ceviche, a zesty seafood dish that’s a culinary staple in the Andes. Along the way, you’ll also master the iconic Pisco Sour cocktail, a refreshing blend of Peruvian brandy, citrus, and frothy egg white. With expert guidance, you’ll leave with the skills to recreate these beloved dishes and impress your guests back home.
Key Points
- Prepare fresh, high-quality white fish like sea bass or halibut, and submerge it in lime juice for 30-60 minutes to create the perfect ceviche texture.
- Complement the ceviche with finely chopped onions, fresh cilantro, sweet potatoes, and corn to balance the acidity and create a multi-dimensional flavor profile.
- Enhance the Peruvian experience by learning to mix the classic Pisco Sour cocktail, which features Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
- Participate in a 2-hour cooking class to master the techniques for making authentic Peruvian ceviche and Pisco Sour.
- Gain the skills to recreate the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine and mixology at home.
Peruvian Ceviche: A Culinary Delight
Ceviche is a beloved Peruvian dish that showcases the country’s diverse coastal cuisine. This fresh seafood delicacy features raw fish "cooked" in the citrusy tang of lime juice.
The fish is typically combined with onions, cilantro, sweet potatoes, and corn. Optional hot peppers add a zesty kick. Ceviche‘s bright flavors and textures make it a quintessential Peruvian experience.
During the cooking class, you will learn to prepare this iconic dish under the guidance of professional chefs. Mastering the art of ceviche is a rewarding way to explore Peru’s rich culinary heritage.
Looking for more options in Lima? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Marinating the Fish: The Key to Authentic Ceviche
At the heart of preparing authentic Peruvian ceviche lies the art of marinating the fish. This crucial step transforms the raw fish into a culinary delight.
The process involves:
-
Sourcing the freshest, high-quality white fish, such as sea bass or halibut.
-
Cutting the fish into bite-sized pieces and submerging them in freshly squeezed lime juice.
-
Allowing the fish to "cook" in the acidic lime juice for 30 to 60 minutes, transforming the texture and infusing it with tangy flavor.
-
Carefully monitoring the marinating time to ensure the fish is perfectly cooked yet still tender.
Complementary Flavors: Onions, Cilantro, and More
While the marinated fish is the star of the dish, a well-crafted ceviche also relies on a harmonious blend of complementary flavors.
Finely chopped onions add a crisp, crunchy texture and a subtly sweet note. Fresh cilantro lends its distinctive herbaceous aroma and flavor, balancing the tanginess of the lime.
Finely chopped onions lend a crisp, crunchy texture and subtle sweetness, while fresh cilantro balances the lime’s tanginess with its herbaceous aroma.
Sweet potatoes and corn provide starchier elements that help temper the acidity. The optional addition of hot peppers can introduce a spicy kick, amplifying the overall complexity.
These supporting ingredients work together to create a multi-dimensional ceviche that delights the senses.
Pisco Sour: A Quintessential Peruvian Cocktail
Alongside the aromatic and zesty ceviche, the Pisco Sour stands as a quintessential Peruvian cocktail that delights the palate.
This timeless cocktail is crafted with four key ingredients:
-
Pisco: A clear, high-proof grape brandy that serves as the spirit base.
-
Lime juice: Providing a tart and refreshing flavor.
-
Simple syrup: Balancing the tartness with a touch of sweetness.
-
Egg white: Lending a velvety texture and foamy head to the drink.
Shaken vigorously and served over ice, the Pisco Sour offers a harmonious blend of flavors that perfectly complements the bold and vibrant Peruvian ceviche.
More Great Tours NearbyCrafting the Perfect Pisco Sour
Three key steps ensure the perfect Pisco Sour.
First, use high-quality Pisco, the clear, grape-based spirit that’s the foundation of this cocktail.
Use high-quality Pisco, the clear, grape-based spirit that’s the foundation of this cocktail.
Second, balance the lemon juice and simple syrup to achieve the ideal sweet-sour profile.
Finally, vigorously shake the mixture with ice to create a frothy, creamy texture from the egg white.
The result is a refreshing, distinctive sip that captures the essence of Peruvian mixology.
With the right technique, you’ll master this iconic libation and impress your guests with an authentic taste of Peru.
Cooking Class Details: What to Expect
During the 2-hour cooking class, participants can expect to learn the techniques for preparing authentic Peruvian ceviche and the classic Pisco Sour cocktail.
The class will cover:
-
Preparing the fresh fish and marinating it in lime juice to "cook" the ceviche.
-
Chopping and combining the onions, cilantro, sweet potatoes, and corn to create the vibrant accompaniments.
-
Measuring the Pisco, lemon juice, egg white, and syrup to mix the perfect Pisco Sour.
-
Garnishing the dishes and cocktails for a professional presentation.
Participants will leave with the skills to recreate these Peruvian delights at home.
Booking and Reservation Information
How does one go about booking and reserving a spot for this authentic Peruvian cooking class? The class is priced at $61.04 per person, with the option to reserve now and pay later. No upfront payment is required, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Prices do increase by 50% on national holidays in Peru. The class includes a professional chef, English/Spanish-speaking guide, and all ingredients and cooking utensils. Participants can also opt for hotel pick-up and drop-off, though this incurs an additional fee.
| Booking Details | |
| — | — |
| Price | From $61.04 per person |
| Reservation | Reserve now & pay later |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours in advance |
| Holidays | Prices increase by 50% |
| Inclusions | Professional chef, guide, ingredients, and utensils |
| Optional | Hotel pick-up and drop-off (additional fee) |
Getting to the Cooking Class
To get to the cooking class, participants can meet at the designated location of Av. Larco 724, Miraflores. From there, the experience will commence.
The meeting point offers several options for transportation:
-
Walking: The class is located in the heart of Miraflores, a vibrant neighborhood, making it easily accessible on foot.
-
Taxi: Taxis are widely available in the area and can provide a quick and convenient ride to the class.
-
Uber/Rideshare: Using a rideshare service is another efficient way to reach the meeting point.
-
Public Transportation: The class is near bus stops and the Metropolitano, Lima’s efficient public transportation system.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Ingredients to the Cooking Class?
The cooking class is designed to provide all the necessary ingredients, so participants are not expected to bring their own. However, if there are any dietary restrictions, the chef may be able to accommodate special requests.
Are There Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?
The cooking class offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. Participants can substitute the fish with tofu or mushrooms for the ceviche, and the class can accommodate any dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Can I Purchase the Pisco Used in the Class?
Yes, participants can purchase the Pisco used in the class. The cooking experience includes all necessary ingredients, but you’re welcome to buy extra Pisco to take home and enjoy.
Will I Receive a Recipe Card to Take Home?
Yes, you will receive a recipe card to take home after the class. This allows them to recreate the authentic Peruvian ceviche and pisco sour they learned to make during the cooking experience.
Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Children?
The cooking class is suitable for children, though the Pisco Sour cocktail preparation may not be appropriate. The class focuses on hands-on cooking of the ceviche, which can be an engaging experience for younger participants.
The Sum Up
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Peru by mastering the art of ceviche and the iconic Pisco Sour. This hands-on cooking class will equip you with the skills to recreate these beloved dishes at home, impressing your friends and family with your newfound culinary prowess. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the secrets of Peruvian cuisine.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Lima
- Lima: Food Tour with History, Culture, and Local Cuisine
- Lima: guided tour of a nature reserve on the Rimac River
- Lima: Magical water and laser show
- From Lima: 16-DAY Tour of Peru and Bolivia With Accomodation
- Tour 9D: Lima – Machu Picchu – Lake Titicaca – Nazca – Ica
- From El Callao Port Lima: Tour to Machu Picchu
Still browsing? Here are more Lima experiences we've covered recently
- Lima: Food Tour with History, Culture, and Local Cuisine
- Lima: guided tour of a nature reserve on the Rimac River
- Lima: Magical water and laser show
- From Lima: 16-DAY Tour of Peru and Bolivia With Accomodation
- Tour 9D: Lima – Machu Picchu – Lake Titicaca – Nazca – Ica
- From El Callao Port Lima: Tour to Machu Picchu
- From Lima: 13-Day Tour to Machu Picchu and Uyuni Salt Flats
- From Lima: 10-Day Tour to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
- From Huaraz/Lima: Huayhuash Mountain 11-Day Circuit Trip
- From Lima: Ballestas Islands, Nazca Line and Ica Tour 1 Day
- 4-Day Tour: Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu Excursion by Train
- 4-Day Tour: Lima, Cusco and Tour to Machu Picchu by Train