Snapper Escovitch

Name: Snapper Escovitch
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Sea salt; Pepper; Four 1-pound whole red or yellowtail snappers, cleaned; Canola oil, for frying; 2 Scotch Bonnet or habanero chiles—1 halved lengthwise and 1 stemmed, seeded and minced; 3 red and yellow bell peppers—stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips; 1 large white onion, halved and thinly sliced; 1 carrot, cut into julienne; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 5 allspice berries; 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds; 1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar; Cilantro leaves, for garnish

5.0

(3)

3 Reviews

F&W Best New Chef 2017 Nina Compton, of Compère Lapin in New Orleans, makes the most delicious version of Jamaican escovitch, combining the classic crispy pan-fried fish with a sweet and spicy pepper sauce.

By

Nina Compton

Updated on July 1, 2017

Total Time:

50 mins

Yield:

4

Ingredients

2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Sea salt
Pepper
Four 1-pound whole red or yellowtail snappers, cleaned
Canola oil, for frying
2 Scotch Bonnet or habanero chiles—1 halved lengthwise and 1 stemmed, seeded and minced
3 red and yellow bell peppers—stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 large white onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 carrot, cut into julienne
1 garlic clove, crushed
5 allspice berries
1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
Cilantro leaves, for garnish

Directions

In a small bowl, mix the paprika with the cumin, 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of pepper. Using a small, sharp knife, make 3 to 4 shallow slashes on both sides of each fish. Season the fish inside the cavity and all over the outside with the spice mixture, rubbing it into the slashes.
Line a large baking sheet with paper towels. In a very large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of oil until shimmering. Add half of the halved chile and 2 of the fish to the skillet. Cook over moderately high heat until browned and crisp on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes. Using a large, thin spatula, carefully flip the fish and cook until browned and crisp on the other side, 4 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the remaining halved chile and fish.
Pour off all but 1/2 cup of the oil from the skillet; discard the chile. Add the bell peppers, onion, carrot, garlic, allspice, celery seeds, the minced chile and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until just softened, 5 minutes. Add the vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 5 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer half of the pepper mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Spread the puree on a platter and arrange the fish on top. Spoon the remaining pepper mixture over the fish, garnish with cilantro and serve right away.