Escovich: Jamaican-Style Fried Snapper

Ingredients:

Fish

• 1 whole snapper
• 2 tablespoons seafood seasoning, recipe below
• Fish batter, optional
• Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
• Dressing, for serving, see recipe below

Seafood seasoning

• 2 tbsp. ground allspice
• 1 tbsp adobo powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 0.5 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. ground white pepper
• 2 - 3 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

Escovič gas station

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 6-8 allspice peas
• Sea salt
• 30 g carrots, grated or cut into thin strips
• 30 g sweet white or red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 - 5 Caribbean red peppers (Scotch Bonnet), chopped
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme

Preparation:

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or cast iron skillet to 175°C.
2. Make slits on both sides of the fish. Rub inside and out with seafood seasoning. Dip in batter, if using (see Note).
3. Deep-fry the fish until the skin or batter is crispy, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve with the dressing.
   
   Seafood seasoningIn a food processor, combine the allspice, adobo, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Add the olive oil and process until the mixture turns a rich red color, about 45 seconds.

4. Escovič gas station

   
   Combine vinegar with 3 cups of water in a saucepan. Add sugar, allspice, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Add carrots, onions, peppers, and thyme. Remove from heat and let the vegetables steep in the hot liquid for a while (they should remain crisp).
   
   
   Note
   
   If you're using fish batter, you can add seasoning to it. If time permits, marinate whole fish for at least an hour, and fillets for slightly less (depending on size). Escoviç dressing is a staple in Caribbean homes. The recipe varies from region to region and even from family to family. It's typically bottled, stored in glass jars, or other containers and used as a dip or drizzled over fried, baked, or steamed seafood.