Are you craving a vibrant, flavourful dish that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Then look no further! This Jamaican Escovitch Fish recipe is your ticket to a taste of the Caribbean, right in your own kitchen. This quick dinner idea is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, offering a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, showcasing the beautiful simplicity of fresh ingredients. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this stunning and healthy meal!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough for 2-3 servings. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs.
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For the Fish:
- 1 lb firm white fish fillets (snapper, cod, or tilapia work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped (or less, to taste – remove seeds for less heat!)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Begin by preparing your marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, brown sugar, scotch bonnet peppers, onion, garlic, allspice, thyme, and ginger. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want more vinegar for extra tang or more sugar for sweetness.
Prepare the fish:
- Season the fish fillets generously with salt and pepper.
Marinate and cook:
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Place the fish fillets in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the tastier it will be!
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully remove the fish from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place the fillets in the skillet.
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Cook the fish for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook; this will make the fish dry.
Finish and serve:
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Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
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Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
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Return the cooked fish to the skillet and coat it with the Escovitch sauce.
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Garnish with the chopped scallions and serve immediately with rice and peas or your favorite side dish. This delicious and easy recipe is best enjoyed fresh!
Tips and Variations:
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet peppers to your preference. For a milder dish, use less or remove the seeds and membranes. Alternatively, you could substitute with milder peppers like habaneros.
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Fish Choices: Experiment with different types of firm white fish. Red snapper, mahi-mahi, or even firm tofu would make excellent substitutions.
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Make it Ahead: You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and develop further.
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Serving Suggestions: This Escovitch fish is fantastic served with rice and peas, fried plantains, or a simple green salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Enjoy this simple yet delicious Jamaican Escovitch Fish recipe! It's a healthy and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. Let us know in the comments how your culinary adventure turns out!