Escovitch Fish
Escovitch Fish from Jamaica.
Cook and rest are read from the method. Prep is estimated when the listing left it out. Optional overnight waits and leftover storage are not counted.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 11 min
- Rest
- None
- Total
- 21 min
- Difficulty
- A bit of work
- Spice
- Hot
- Cost
- Weeknight budget$8–16 USD · indicative, not a store price

About
Rinse fish; rub with lemon or lime, seasoned with salt and pepper or use your favorite seasoning. I used creole seasoning. Set aside or place in the oven to keep it warm until sauce is ready. In large skillet heat oil over medium heat, until hot, add the fish, cook each side- for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and crispy on both sides. Remove fish and set aside. Drain oil and leave about 2-3 tablespoons of oil Add, bay leave, garlic and ginger, stir-fry for about a minute making sure the garlic does not burn Then add onion, bell peppers, thyme, scotch bonnet, sugar, all spice-continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes. Add vinegar, mix an adjust salt and pepper according to preference. Let it simmer for about 2 more minutes.
What you'll need
17 ingredients. Tap each one once it's out on the bench.
Ingredients
- Firm white fish907 g
- Neutral oil118 ml
- Garlic1 clove
- Ginger2½ ml
- Sugar15 ml
- Allspice2½ ml
- Worcestershire sauce4.9 ml
- Lime1
- Vinegar177 ml
- Black pepperto taste
Scaling multiplies the written quantities. Baking still prefers a scale.
Steps
Step 1
Rinse fish; rub with lemon or lime, seasoned with salt and pepper or use your favorite seasoning. I used creole seasoning. Set aside or place in the oven to keep it warm until sauce is ready.
Step 2
In large skillet heat oil over medium heat, until hot, add the fish, cook each side- for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and crispy on both sides. Remove fish and set aside. Drain oil and leave about 2-3 tablespoons of oil Add, bay leave, garlic and ginger, stir-fry for about a minute making sure the garlic does not burn Then add onion, bell peppers, thyme, scotch bonnet, sugar, all spice-continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes. Add vinegar, mix an adjust salt and pepper according to preference. Let it simmer for about 2 more minutes.
11 min
Step 3
Discard bay leave, thyme spring and serve over fish with a side of this bammy. You may make the sauce about 2 days in advance.
Nutrition
Per serving · estimate
- Calories
- 601 kcal
- Protein
- 49.5 g
- Carbs
- 31.1 g
- Fat
- 33.1 g
- Saturated fat
- 4.1 g
- Fibre
- 10.3 g
- Sugar
- 6.4 g
- Sodium
- 194 mg
Calculated from canonical ingredient data (USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables). Estimates only.
Allergens
Informational only. Not a medical guarantee. Cross-contamination happens in real kitchens.
- Fish
- Pescatarian
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
Adapt this recipe
The original recipe stays as it is. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are simple maths.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 13 November.
Substitutions
garlic (garlic powder or a pinch of onion) → garlic powder or a pinch of onion
1 clove ≈ ¼ tsp garlic powder. The fresh bite will be missing.
onion → shallot
Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have.
lime → lemon
Works in most savoury cooking. Desserts may notice.
Tips
- Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
History & culture
Inspired by the original
Provenance: Imported. Not developed or tested in our kitchen, so quantities and timings can be approximate. Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Questions about this recipe
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Escovitch Fish take?
21 min all in — 10 min prep, 11 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
A bit of work.
How spicy is it?
Hot.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Fish. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Pescatarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free.
8 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Oven, Frying pan, Saucepan, Mixing bowl.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list a salt amount. We will not invent one.
How much sugar?
1 tbsp of Sugar.
How much vinegar?
¾ cup of Vinegar.
What can I use instead?
garlic (garlic powder or a pinch of onion) → garlic powder or a pinch of onion. 1 clove ≈ ¼ tsp garlic powder. The fresh bite will be missing. onion → shallot. Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have. lime → lemon. Works in most savoury cooking. Desserts may notice.
Any tips from this recipe?
Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.


