Escovitch Fish

Ingredients

• 2 lb of fish (2-4 whole fish, I used small snapper)
• 1/2 red bell pepper (sliced thinly)
• 1/2 orange bell pepper (sliced thinly)
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper (sliced thinly)
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• 1 large carrot (julienned)
• 10 pimento berries
• 1 cup of vinegar
• 1 tsp of coconut sugar
• 8 sprigs of thyme
• seafood seasoning (see post for recipe)
• scotch bonnet (optional)
• Coconut oil for frying
• 1 lime (halved)

Instructions

1. 1

   Use the lime pieces to rub the cavity and outside of each fish then rinse off and pat dry.

2. 2

   Use a knife and slash each fish (not too deep) both sides diagonally then use your hands to generously apply the seafood seasoning to the cavity and all over the outside of the fish. I used roughly just over 1 tbsp of seasoning and set aside.

3. 3

   Melt some coconut oil on medium heat in a large skillet then add the fish and proceed to fry the fish for 10-15 minutes per side (turning frequently) until crispy (larger fish will take longer to cook through, see post).

4. 4

   Remove the fish from the pan onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil

5. 5

   Prepare the escovitch sauce by adding the bell peppers, carrot and onion to the oil on medium heat (add more oil if needed to make 1/3 cup worth).

6. 6

   Saute the vegetables until translucent then stir in the vinegar, pimento, thyme and coconut sugar.

7. 7

   Increase the heat to high for one minute then reduce to low and over the pan with a lid before allowing the vegetables to steam for 5 minutes.

8. 8

   Serve by topping the fish with the pickled vegetables.