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Montego Bay (Jamaica)
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Fish & Seafood
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
450kcal
30gProtein
28gCarbs
22gFat
4gFibre
300 gServing
* Per serving · 300 g. May vary.
Allergens
🐟 Fish
Escovitch Fish
How to order / say it
Say it
Escovitch Fish — [Es-kuh-vitch Fish]
Order
I'll have the Escovitch Fish, please.
Locally
Mi a go have di Escovitch Fish, please.
Say locally
Fried fish topped with a tangy pepper sauce.
Why try it?
A staple on the Montego Bay coastline, Escovitch Fish offers a taste of the vibrant fishing culture. Its fresh, bold flavors are a celebration of the bounty of the sea, traditionally served during fish festivals and beach gatherings.
How it tastes
The fish is crispy with a spicy and tangy sauce of pickled bell peppers, carrots, and onions that adds a fresh zest. It's aromatic with hints of vinegar and spices.
Origin & History — first documented: 1550
Brought to Jamaica by Spanish settlers in the 1500s, escabeche evolved into Escovitch Fish with Jamaican peppers and seasonings. It became a favorite in Montego Bay, complementing local seafood richness.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🐟 500 g whole fish (snapper)
- 🥣 100 ml vinegar
- 🧄 1 large onion
- 🥕 2 bell peppers
- 🥕 1 carrot
- 🧂 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 🧂 1 tsp pimento seeds
- 🌾 100 g flour
- 🫒 200 ml oil
Method
- 1 Season and flour the fish, then fry until golden.
- 2 Simmer vinegar with peppers, onions, and pimento.
- 3 Pour sauce over fried fish and serve.
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