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Plantain Crusted Snapper Recipe

Plantain Crusted Snapper with Sauce Encocado


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  • Author: Chef Freddy Vargas
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 min
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Inspired by the flavors of his Ecuadorian heritage, Chef Freddy Vargas of Aitana in New York City shares the recipe for his Plantain-Crusted Snapper

Ingredients

Units Scale

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

  1. Rinse the fish bones and head under cold water.
  2. Salt them and let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse again.
  3. Place the bones and head in a pot with garlic, ginger, onion, bay leaf, cilantro, and thyme.
  4. Cover with water and ice by 1 inch.
  5. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, skimming off any foam.
  6. Simmer for 45 minutes, then strain through a chinois. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Encocado

  1. Heat the achiote oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro, and sweat for 25-30 minutes without browning.
  3. Add white wine and reduce until almost dry.
  4. Add tomatoes and cook until they deepen in color, deglazing with water if needed.
  5. Stir in coriander, cumin, coconut water, coconut milk, fish stock, and vinegar.
  6. Simmer until reduced by half, skimming often.
  7. Strain through a chinois and reduce to a sauce consistency.

Step 3: Make the Salsa Curtido

  1. Salt the sliced red onion and soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain.
  2. Combine the onions with lime juice, cherry tomatoes, salt, and cilantro shortly before serving.

Step 4: Prepare the Plantain Crusted Snapper

  1. Brush the skinless side of the fish fillets with egg white powder.
  2. Lay plantain slices over the brushed side, overlapping to cover.
  3. Heat canola oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  4. Place the fish, plantain side down, and cook until golden and crispy.
  5. Add butter, garlic, and thyme, basting the fish until cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Bok Choy

  1. Blanch the bok choy in salted boiling water for 1 minute.
  2. Shock in an ice water bath, then drain.
  3. Before serving, toss with olive oil, chives, and cilantro.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

  1. Spread salsa curtido on a round plate.
  2. Place the cooked fish on top.
  3. Arrange the bok choy next to the fish.
  4. 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