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Jamaican Red Snapper with Escovitch

Jamaican Fried Red Snapper with Escovitch

Jamaican fried red snapper with escovitch is bursting with rich Caribbean flavors and fried to golden perfection. This deliciously crispy fish pairs perfectly with tangy, pickled vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lbs red snapper, whole cleaned and scaled
  • 3 enteros garlic crushed, optional
  • 1 quart aceite de canola other oil options: corn oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil

Dry rub

  • 1 tsp cebolla en polvo
  • 1 tsp ajo en polvo
  • 1 tsp sal
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground annatto
  • 1/4 tsp thyme
  • 1/4 tsp ground oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp green onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp pimienta negra
  • 1/8 tsp white pepper
  • 1/8 tsp ground scotch bonnet pepper opcional

Escovitch

  • 1/2 white onion thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot sliced into ribbons
  • 2 Scotch bonnet peppers sliced, seeded
  • 1/4 pimiento rojo thinly sliced
  • 1 taza vinegar
  • 1 taza water
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp sal
  • 1/4 tsp dry rub opcional

Instructions
 

Clean and prep fish

  • Clean and scale the fish. Slice 3 small slits on each side of the fish. Pat dry.

Season fish

  • Rub the fish with scotch bonnet peppers on both sides and then rub with crushed garlic all over.
  • Season generously with the dry rub. Set aside.

Make the escovitch

  • Thinly slice the onion and peppers. Use a vegetable peeler to make carrot ribbons.
  • In a small pot, add vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
  • Pour the mixture over the sliced vegetables. Soak for at least 1 hour.

Fry the fish

  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to deep fry the fish.
  • Fry the fish until browned and crisp, about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the size of the fish. Use tongs and a spatula or two spatulas to flip the fish carefully and prevent it from falling apart.
  • Remove fish and place on a paper towel-lined plate to soak excess oil.
  • Serve the fish topped with the escovitch. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Tips:

Use tongs and a spatula or two spatulas to flip the fish carefully and prevent it from falling apart.
Allow the vegetables to soak in the escovitch liquid for at least 1 hour. This will allow them to pickle and absorb the flavors of the spices.
Fry the fish in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan, for best results.
Keyword fish fry, fried fish, red snapper