Fish Escabeche is a traditional Peruvian dish featuring fish marinated and cooked in a tangy, spicy sauce made with vinegar, onions, and peppers. Known for its bold flavors, it is often served as a hearty and satisfying meal.

Pickled Fish recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
50min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)
  • large croaker, cleaned and scaled
    large croaker, cleaned and scaled
    1
  • habanero peppers
    habanero peppers
    2
  • medium onions, sliced into rings
    medium onions, sliced into rings
    3
  • curry
    curry
    1tbsp
  • juice of  lemons
    juice of lemons
    2
  • cloves of garlic
    cloves of garlic
    2
  • mixed white and corn flour
    mixed white and corn flour
    1/2cup
  • white vinegar
    white vinegar
    1/2cup
  • Freshly ground black pepper
    Freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt
    Salt
  • water
    water
    1/2cup
  • Oil
    Oil

How to make Pickled Fish

  1. Step 1

    Cut the cleaned and scaled croaker into medium pieces.

  2. Step 2

    Place the fish in a bowl and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon juice, and curry powder.

  3. Step 3

    Let it marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

  4. Step 4

    Remove the fish from the marinade and coat each piece with the flour mixture.

  5. Step 5

    Heat oil in a pan and fry the coated fish until golden and cooked through.

  6. Step 6

    Transfer the fish to a plate lined with absorbent paper to remove excess oil.

  7. Step 7

    In another pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the onion rings, crushed garlic, and finely chopped habanero peppers over low heat for 2 minutes.

  8. Step 8

    Add the leftover marinade liquid and continue cooking briefly.

  9. Step 9

    Arrange the fried fish in a glass dish. In a bowl, mix the white vinegar with water, then combine with the sautéed onion, garlic, and chili mixture.

  10. Step 10

    Pour this mixture over the fish.

  11. Step 11

    Cover and refrigerate the dish for 3 hours before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

52.3kcal (2.61%)

Protein

1.0g (1.96%)

Carbs

11.4g (4.13%)

Sugars

0.2g (0.44%)

Healthy Fat

0.2g

Unhealthy Fat

0.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For more flavor, marinate the fish in the vinegar mixture for up to 2 hours before frying.

  2. Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of fish?

    Yes, you can substitute with any firm white fish like tilapia or sea bass.

  2. How can I make this dish less spicy?

    Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to make the dish less spicy.

  3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and fry the fish just before serving.

  4. What can I serve with Fish Escabeche?

    Serve it over steamed rice or boiled potatoes to absorb the tangy sauce.

  5. How should I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

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