Description
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Plantain Crusted Snapper:
- 2 snappers (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 1 plantain, peeled and thinly sliced lengthwise
- 1 tbsp egg white powder
- 2 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- Salt, to taste
For the Bok Choy:
- 4 baby bok choy, halved
- Salt, for blanching water
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped
For the Salsa Curtido:
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chiffonade
For the Sauce Encocado:
- 1 cup achiote oil
- 1 Spanish onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely minced
- 1/4 cup garlic, minced
- 1 bunch cilantro (preferably cilantro macho)
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds, coarsely ground
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 5 Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup coconut water (Copra brand recommended)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup fish stock (recipe below)
For the Fish Stock:
- Bones and head of the black snapper, gills removed
- 1 garlic bulb, halved
- 1 knob ginger, sliced
- 1 Spanish onion, halved
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 5 sprigs thyme
- Water to cover
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish Stock
- Rinse the fish bones and head under cold water.
- Salt them and let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse again.
- Place the bones and head in a pot with garlic, ginger, onion, bay leaf, cilantro, and thyme.
- Cover with water and ice by 1 inch.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, skimming off any foam.
- Simmer for 45 minutes, then strain through a chinois. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Encocado
- Heat the achiote oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro, and sweat for 25-30 minutes without browning.
- Add white wine and reduce until almost dry.
- Add tomatoes and cook until they deepen in color, deglazing with water if needed.
- Stir in coriander, cumin, coconut water, coconut milk, fish stock, and vinegar.
- Simmer until reduced by half, skimming often.
- Strain through a chinois and reduce to a sauce consistency.
Step 3: Make the Salsa Curtido
- Salt the sliced red onion and soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain.
- Combine the onions with lime juice, cherry tomatoes, salt, and cilantro shortly before serving.
Step 4: Prepare the Plantain Crusted Snapper
- Brush the skinless side of the fish fillets with egg white powder.
- Lay plantain slices over the brushed side, overlapping to cover.
- Heat canola oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Place the fish, plantain side down, and cook until golden and crispy.
- Add butter, garlic, and thyme, basting the fish until cooked through.
Step 5: Prepare the Bok Choy
- Blanch the bok choy in salted boiling water for 1 minute.
- Shock in an ice water bath, then drain.
- Before serving, toss with olive oil, chives, and cilantro.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
- Spread salsa curtido on a round plate.
- Place the cooked fish on top.
- Arrange the bok choy next to the fish.
- Pour the sauce encocado around the fish and serve.
Notes
Fish: Snapper is ideal, but cod or halibut works too. Ensure it’s fresh and boneless.
Plantains: Use semi-ripe ones for a balance of firmness and sweetness. Overlap slices for a sturdy crust.
Egg White Powder Substitute: Use a fresh egg white if needed.
Sauce: Reduce slowly for depth of flavor. Add a pinch of annatto or paprika if achiote oil isn’t available.
Fish Stock Shortcut: Store-bought fish stock is fine if you’re short on time.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 min
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 min
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Pan Fry and Simmer
- Cuisine: Latin America
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg