Fish escabeche with ketchup is a delightful and flavorful dish that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds. The combination of tangy ketchup and succulent fish creates a harmonious explosion of flavors that will leave you craving for more. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this mouthwatering fish escabeche.
Escabeche, a culinary technique with Spanish origins, involves marinating and cooking food, typically fish or poultry, in a tangy and acidic sauce. The dish has variations across different countries and regions, with each adding its unique twist to the recipe. In this version, we’ll infuse the dish with ketchup, which adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following ingredients: fresh fish fillets (any firm white fish will work well), all-purpose flour for dredging, olive oil for frying, onion (thinly sliced), bell peppers (red, green, or both – sliced into strips), carrots (julienned), garlic cloves (minced), ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper (to taste), and fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish.
Prepare the Fish
Begin by preparing the fish fillets for cooking. Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the fillets with salt and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated. Dredge the fish in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour to prevent clumping during frying.
Fry the Fish
Once the fish is prepped, it’s time to fry them to golden perfection. In a skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the fish fillets in the hot oil, ensuring they don’t overlap. Fry the fish for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the fried fish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Adjust the salt and spices according to your taste preferences.
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Create the Escabeche Sauce
Now, let’s move on to the star of the dish, the tangy and sweet ketchup-based escabeche sauce. In the same skillet used for frying, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic, sliced onions, bell peppers, and julienned carrots until they become tender and aromatic.
Add the Ketchup and Vinegar
To give the dish its signature tangy flavor, it’s time to introduce the ketchup and white vinegar. Pour in the ketchup and white vinegar into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the flavors and give a subtle hint of sweetness to the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Simmer and Combine
Now that all the elements are in place, it’s time to bring everything together. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Carefully place the fried fish fillets into the skillet with the sauce. Gently coat the fish with the escabeche sauce, ensuring they are evenly covered.
Cooking Methods
Salmon fish can be prepared in various ways, giving you plenty of options to suit your preferences. Grilling or baking salmon with a simple marinade enhances its natural flavors, while poaching ensures a tender and moist result. Pan-searing provides a crispy exterior and moist interior, making it a popular choice among seafood enthusiasts.
Serve and Garnish
The fish escabeche with ketchup is almost ready to be served. Transfer the fish escabeche to a serving dish, arranging the fish fillets neatly. Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.
Fish escabeche with ketchup is a truly delightful dish that offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The crispy fried fish perfectly complements the rich and flavorful escabeche sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser on any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking to impress your loved ones, or simply treating yourself to a special homemade meal, this fish escabeche recipe is a must-try. Its versatility allows you to pair it with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh green salad, making it a wholesome and satisfying dining experience.
