Caribbean Style Snapper.
Years ago without the decent methods of refrigeration
people used to pickle foods to preserve them. Pickling
made a lot of sense especially in warmer climates where
food would spoil faster. The raw fish was pickled in
brine and vinegar for weeks and then served. All
different types of fish were pickled. In the Caribbean
Islands it was common to pickle fish known as Escabeche.
Although not pickled the dish we are presenting to you
is made with Vinegar.
Some time ago a Jamaican co-worker of mine, Claire,
used to bring in the most exotic Caribbean dishes. They
were rich in flavor and slightly spicy. There were a
variety of tasty dishes such as Ox Tail Stew, Curried
Goat, and Ackee and Swordfish. Each dish was
accompanied by either fried Plantains , crispy fried
Yuka or Peas with Rice. One of the most savory dishes
Claire used to cook was a Caribbean Style Red Snapper.
It is very simple to make. Although Americans usually
prepare fish already sliced as a filet, I urge you to
try using the whole Red Snapper Fish as it is
traditionally served this way.
As always be careful because fish does have tiny bones.
Your local supermarket will scale the fish and remove
the head for you if you like. All you have to do when
you get home is to rinse it and dry it.
This is a light meal. Each bite will have sweet carrot
and onion pieces. It wasn't until a recent trip to the
Bahamas that I realized how authentic Claire's recipes
were. Eating at a local restaurant I sampled every dish
that she had brought in for us to taste. It was as
though Claire was in the kitchen of that restaurant
creating her magic all over again.
Ingredients: Whole Red Snapper-1, scaled and cleaned.
Carrots-2, finely chopped.
Celery-2 stalks, finely chopped.
Onion-1 medium-finely chopped.
Whole Allspice-12 crushed.
Apple Cider Vinegar-1 tablespoon.
Sea Salt-1 teaspoon.
Black Pepper- 1/2 teaspoon or more to taste.
Flour- 1/4 cup for dredging.
Canola Oil-3 tablespoons.
Onion Powder-1/2 teaspoon.
Hot Red Pepper Sauce-1 teaspoon.
Instructions. Rinse
the fish and pat dry. Sprinkle with some sea salt and
pepper. Dredge in the flour. In a large non-stick
skillet add in the oil. Over a medium flame fry the
fish turning once until lightly golden on both sides.
On top and surrounding the fish add in all the other
ingredients. Toss the vegetables in the pan lightly.
Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid to create a
steamer. Allow the fish to cook for an additional 20
minutes. Occasionally check to make sure there is
enough liquid in the pan. You may need to add a few
tablespoons of water in at a time. Serve with Fried
Plantains, Fried Yuka and Rice with Baby Peas. Top the
fish off with some extra Hot Red Pepper Sauce for an
extra kick of flavor.
Submitted by Gary Solomon.
Gary is the chef for The
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