Escovitch Fish is one of the most beloved dishes in Caribbean cuisine, especially in Jamaica. Known for its crispy fried fish topped with a tangy, spicy pickled sauce, this dish is a staple at family gatherings, celebrations, and Sunday dinners.
With its perfect balance of crunch, heat, and acidity, Escovitch Fish delivers a bold burst of authentic Caribbean flavor in every bite.
🍽️ Servings
Serves: 6
🛒 Ingredients
For the Fish
- 3 lbs snapper fish (about ½ lb each)
- 2 tbsp Tropical Spices Season to Di Bone
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- Oil for frying
For the Escovitch Sauce
- ½ lb carrots (julienned)
- ½ lb onions (thinly sliced)
- 4 Scotch bonnet peppers (sliced)
- 1/3 cup vinegar
- 1 tsp pimento (allspice) grains
- ½ cup water
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Clean and scale the fish thoroughly. Wash with a mixture of lime juice or vinegar and water to remove impurities. Pat dry using paper towels.
Make 1–2 shallow slashes on each side of the fish to allow seasoning to penetrate deeply.
Step 2: Season the Fish
In a bowl, mix:
- Tropical Spices Season to Di Bone
- Salt
- Black pepper
Rub the seasoning evenly over the fish, ensuring it gets into the cuts. Cover and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Step 3: Fry the Fish
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the fish into the pan and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Escovitch Sauce
In a saucepan, bring vinegar and water to a gentle boil.
Add:
- Carrots
- Onions
- Scotch bonnet peppers
- Pimento grains
Let simmer for 1–2 minutes — the vegetables should remain slightly crunchy.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Place the fried fish on a serving dish and generously spoon the escovitch sauce over the top.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Rice and peas
- Fried dumplings
- Festival
- Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad
The tangy, spicy sauce perfectly complements the crispy fish for a true Caribbean experience.
💡 Pro Tips
- Adjust Scotch bonnet peppers based on your spice tolerance 🌶️
- Prepare the escovitch sauce a day ahead for deeper flavor
- Add bell peppers or scallions for extra texture and color
🌴 Final Note
This dish is more than just a recipe — it’s a celebration of Caribbean heritage and bold island flavor. Pair it with Tropical Spices seasonings to bring authentic Jamaican taste straight to your kitchen.
