Pescado con Coco [Video+Recipe] Fish in Coconut Milk Sauce

Bring the beauty of the Samana Bay to your kitchen, and learn how to make Pescado con coco recipe, an exotic dish of fresh fish in coconut milk sauce.

📝 Ingredients

• 6 snapper fish (tilapia, or red grouper, ½ lb [0.45 kg] each (see notes above recipe))
• 5 cloves garlic (mashed)
• 1½ teaspoon salt ((more may be needed))
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil ((corn, canola or peanut))
• 1 teaspoon bija (annato, achiote) powder ((optional))
• 2 bell pepper ((whichever color) cut into strips)
• 1 onion ( cut into strips)
• 4 cup coconut milk ((or canned))
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (plus extra sprigs to garnish)
• 1 lime (cut into wedges to garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- 1. Clean the fish. ---
2. 2Clean the fish. Score diagonal cuts on the fish about 1.5 inches [4 cm] from each other.Mix the garlic and salt. Rub the fish with the mixture, making sure it penetrates into the cuts. Set aside to rest in the fridge for half an hour.
3. 3--- 2. Brown fish ---
4. 4Heat oil in a large skillet (12" [30 cm]) over high heat.Cook the fish lightly on one side (until it turns a light golden color), rotate, and cook the other side equally. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside.
5. 5--- 3. Sauteing vegetables ---
6. 6Cook: Add bija (annatto) to the oil.Add the bell pepper and onion, and cook and stir until the onions become translucent.
7. 7--- 3. Make sauce ---
8. 8Add the coconut milk and set heat to medium. Simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. Place the fish in the pan. Cook and rotate the fish regularly, but be careful that it stays whole.Sprinkle with the minced cilantro. Taste the sauce and season with salt to taste.
9. 9--- 4. Serve ---
10. 10Remove from the heat. Garnish with lime wedges (optional) and serve. See some serving suggestions above the recipe.