Authentic Jamaican Escovitch Fish

Jamaican cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage, and one dish that perfectly captures this essence is Escovitch Fish. This classic Jamaican dish features crispy fried fish topped with a tangy, spicy pickled vegetable sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to try something new, our step-by-step recipe will guide you through creating this delicious and authentic Jamaican meal.

Ingredients for Jamaican Escovitch Fish

• 2 pounds of fresh fish (snapper, kingfish, or parrotfish)
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper 
• 1 cup of flour (for coating) 
• Vegetable oil (for frying) 

For the Escovitch Sauce:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 
• 1 large carrot, julienned 
• 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced 
• 3 cloves of garlic, sliced 
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, sliced (optional, for heat) or  Buy Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce on Amazon
• 1 cup of white vinegar 
• 1 cup of water
• 10 pimento (allspice) berries Buy Pimento Berries on Amazon
• 1 teaspoon of sugar 
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Instructions for Making Jamaican Escovitch Fish:

1. Prepare the Fish:
   • Clean and wash the fish with lime or lemon juice and water.
   • Pat the fish dry with paper towels.
   • Season the fish with salt and black pepper.
   • Lightly coat the fish in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Fry the Fish:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the fish until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
   • Remove the fish from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Prepare the Escovitch Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, add the vinegar, water, pimento berries, sugar, and salt.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
   • Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper.
   • Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Place the fried fish on a serving platter.
   • Pour the hot escovitch sauce over the fish.
   • Let the fish sit for at least an hour to absorb the flavors, or refrigerate overnight for a more intense flavor.
5. Enjoy!
   • Serve your Jamaican Escovitch Fish with traditional sides like bammy, fried dumplings, or festival, and a refreshing drink.

Taste the Tradition: Jamaican Escovitch Fish

There’s nothing quite like the burst of flavors in a well-prepared Jamaican Escovitch Fish. This dish is a beloved staple in Jamaican households, and now you can bring a taste of Jamaica to your own kitchen with this authentic recipe.

Imagine sitting on a pristine Jamaican beach, the sun setting in the background, and the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore. As the salty breeze fills the air, you savor each bite of crispy, tangy, and spicy Escovitch Fish, perfectly paired with traditional sides and a refreshing drink. This is the true essence of Jamaican dining.

Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting a dinner party, Escovitch Fish is sure to impress. The combination of crispy fish and tangy, spicy pickled vegetables creates a delightful harmony of textures and flavors.

Suggested Pairings:

• Bammy: A traditional Jamaican cassava flatbread that complements the fish’s flavors perfectly. Buy Bammy on Amazon
• Fried Dumplings: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these dumplings are a delicious side for Escovitch Fish. Buy Fried Dumplings Mix on Amazon
• Festival: A slightly sweet fried dough that balances the tangy escovitch sauce. Buy Festival Mix on Amazon
• Rice and Peas: A staple in Jamaican cuisine, this hearty side dish pairs wonderfully with the fish.
• Refreshing Drink: A glass of cold Jamaican ginger beer or a tropical fruit punch to wash it all down.

We invite you to try this recipe and share your culinary creations with us! Take a photo of your Escovitch Fish and tag us @thewestmorelite on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our page. We love seeing how you bring a piece of Jamaica into your home!

Let’s celebrate our rich heritage together through the flavors that make Jamaica unique. Happy cooking!

For more authentic recipes, cultural insights, and community stories, explore our website and join our vibrant community of Jamaican enthusiasts.

Shop some of the hard to find Ingredients:

• Buy Scotch Bonnet Pepper on Amazon
• Buy Pimento Berries on Amazon

Thank you for visiting The Westmorelite, where we celebrate Jamaican heritage and inspire generations.