Jamaican Escoveitched Fish Recipes

JAMAICAN STYLE ESCOVITCH OF FISH WITH PICKLED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• In a medium nonreactive saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of the salt, pickling spice, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and skim any foam that rises to the top. Simmer vegetables for 2 minutes; remove from heat and set aside until warm before serving. (Pickled vegetables may be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated in a nonreactive container until ready to serve. May be served warm or cold.)
• When you are ready to cook the fish, place the fillets on a nonreactive plate or platter and squeeze the lime juice over the fillets. Let sit for several minutes then pat fillets dry. Season well on both sides with salt and freshly ground white pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, Essence, remaining 2 teaspoons of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and white pepper and stir to combine. Dredge the fillets in the seasoned flour mixture and shake to release any excess.
• Heat the oil in a large saute pan and, when hot, add the fish and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. (This will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets you are using.) Transfer fillets to a platter and spoon some of the pickled vegetables with pickling liquid over the fish. Serve immediately.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch
• Published by William Morrow, 1993.

ESCOVITCHED FISH

Steps:

• Rinse the fish with a mixture of water and lime juice, pat dry, and then score the fish on both sides with a sharp knife. Salt and pepper the fish inside and out. Lightly dust the fish with flour. Heat 1/2-inch of oil in a skillet. Fry the fish in a single layer until golden and crisp. When all the fish are done, set aside. Pour off some of the oil leaving just enough to saute the onions until softened. Then add the Scotch Bonnet and red peppers, saute 1 minute more. Pour the onion mixture over the fish. In the same skillet bring water, vinegar, and sugar to a boil. Immediately pour over the fish. Let cool and refrigerate.

ESCOVEITCHED FISH

Steps:

• FISH:.
• Rinse the Tilapia filets with water and sprinkle generously with lime juice.
• Let sit for 20 minutes.
• Pat dry and sprinkle each piece generously with seasoned salt and black pepper.
• Pour the flour into a shallow bowl and dredge each piece lightly, shaking off excess.
• Set aside.
• Heat about 1/2 inch of peanut oil in a frying pan until hot (but not smoking) and fry fish until light golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
• Remove fish and drain on paper towels, then arrange in a single layer in glass dish.
• MARINADE:.
• In a non-reactive saucepan, combine all remaining ingredients, from vinegar to black peppercorns, and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about five minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
• Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm, about 20 minutes, then pour 3/4 marinade over the fish. (If you add it while still very hot, it will cook the fish more and turn it to mush.).
• Arrange fish so all pieces are evenly covered with mixture.
• Allow to marinate for at least eight hours or overnight in refrigerator, but serve at room temperature.
• When serving fish, serve the remaining marinade on the side.