Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Jamaica with our Escovitch Fish, a culinary masterpiece featuring perfectly fried fish fillets adorned with a zesty vinegar-based dressing. This delectable dish is elevated with a medley of vibrant carrots, onions, and peppers, delivering a symphony of spicy and tangy sensations that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. Savor the rich heritage and bold flavors of Jamaica with every bite of this exquisite culinary creation.
Here's a recipe for Jamaican Escovitch Fish:
Ingredients:
For the Fried Fish:
- 4 fish fillets (such as snapper, tilapia, or red snapper)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Escovitch Dressing:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), thinly sliced
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or habanero peppers), thinly sliced (adjust according to desired spiciness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- Vegetable oil for sautéing
Instructions:
Prepare the Fish:
1- Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
2- Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper.
3- Place the flour in a shallow dish or plate. Dredge each fish fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Fry the Fish:
1- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2- Carefully place the fish fillets in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
3- Fry the fish until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the fillets. Once done, transfer the fried fish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Escovitch Dressing:
1- In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, allspice berries, black peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
2- Reduce the heat and simmer the vinegar mixture for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3- In another skillet or frying pan, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the julienned carrots, sliced onions, sliced bell pepper, sliced Scotch bonnet peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are slightly softened but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
4- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Let the Escovitch dressing cool slightly.
Assemble:
1- Arrange the fried fish fillets on a serving platter.
2- Spoon the Escovitch dressing over the fried fish, covering them evenly with the spicy vinegar-based mixture.
Serve:
1- Serve the Jamaican Escovitch Fish immediately, garnished with additional slices of bell pepper and Scotch bonnet pepper for extra color and heat if desired.
2- Enjoy this delicious dish with steamed rice, fried plantains, or your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy your flavorful Jamaican Escovitch Fish!
Nutritional Values:
Providing precise nutritional values for the ingredients can vary depending on factors such as the type of fish used, the specific brands of ingredients, and the method of preparation. However, I can offer approximate nutritional information for common ingredients typically used in Jamaican Escovitch Fish:
4 Fish Fillets (Such as Snapper, Tilapia, or Red Snapper):
- Calories: 400-600 kcal (for 4 fillets, depending on type and size)
- Fat: 12-20 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 80-100 g
Benefits:
- High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (especially in fish like snapper and red snapper), which are beneficial for heart health.
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and selenium.
1 Cup All-Purpose Flour:
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 95 g
- Protein: 13 g
Benefits:
- Provides carbohydrates for energy.
- Adds a crispy coating to the fish when fried.
Salt and Pepper to Taste:
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Benefits:
- Enhances flavor.
- Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance and supporting nerve and muscle function.
Vegetable Oil for Frying:
- Calories: 240 kcal per tablespoon
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Benefits:
- Adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Provides healthy fats (if using vegetable oil) or other types of oils.
1 Cup White Vinegar:
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
Benefits:
- Adds acidity and tanginess to the dressing.
- Low in calories.
1/4 Cup Water:
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Benefits:Helps dilute the vinegar and balance flavors.
2 Tablespoons Sugar:
- Calories: ~96 kcal
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~25 g
- Protein: 0 g
Benefits:
- Adds sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates.
1 Teaspoon Salt:
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Benefits:
- Enhances flavor.
- Essential for maintaining fluid balance and supporting nerve and muscle function.
1 Large Carrot, Julienned:
- Calories: 30 kcal
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
Benefits:
- High in vitamin A, supporting vision and immune health.
- Provides dietary fiber and antioxidants.
1 Onion, Thinly Sliced:
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 1 g
Benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
1 Bell Pepper (Red or Green), Thinly Sliced:
- Calories: 30 kcal
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 1 g
Benefits:
- Rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.
- Adds color and crunch.
2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers (Or Habanero Peppers), Thinly Sliced (Optional):
- Calories: 12 kcal
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
Benefits:
- Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Adds heat and enhances flavor.
3 Cloves Garlic, Minced:
- Calories: 9 kcal
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
Benefits:
- Contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Enhances flavor and may support immune health.
1 Teaspoon Whole Allspice Berries:
- Calories: 6 kcal
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.4 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
Benefits:
- Contains antioxidants and may support overall health.
- Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
1 Teaspoon Black Peppercorns:
- Calories: 6 kcal
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
Benefits:
- Adds a pungent flavor and contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.
- Provides antioxidants.
1 Bay Leaf:
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
Benefits:
- Adds flavor and has digestive benefits.
- Contains antioxidants and essential oils.
Vegetable Oil for Sautéing:
- Calories: 240 kcal per tablespoon
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
Benefits:
- Adds flavor and helps cook the vegetables.
- Provides healthy fats (if using vegetable oil) or other types of oils.
Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on various factors. Adjustments may need to be made based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe.
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