Escovitch Fish

Authentic Jamaican Escovitch Fish — a delicious seafood dish with 17 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

330

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Escovitch Fish

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 Pounds Red Snapper
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil
  • 1 clove peeled crushed Garlic
  • 1 tsp Ginger
  • 2 sprigs Thyme
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • ½ Red Pepper
  • ½ Yellow Pepper
  • 1 sliced Onion
  • 1 chopped Carrots
  • 1 tbs Sugar
  • 1 tsp Allspice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 Scotch Bonnet
  • 1 Lime
  • 3 cup Malt Vinegar
  • pinch Pepper

Instructions

5 steps · ~60 minutes total

  1. 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.

    25 minutes
    Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
  2. 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

    10 minutes
    Save some of the cooking liquid — it can be used to adjust sauce consistency.
  3. Step 3

    Add, bay leave, garlic and ginger, stir-fry for about a minute making sure the garlic does not burn

    8 minutes
    Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.
  4. Step 4

    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.

    15 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  5. Step 5

    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.

    2 minutes
    Warm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Jamaican recipe for Escovitch Fish is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Jamaican cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 1 day in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 1 month — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving seafood as it can become rubbery.

What to Serve With

Complete your jamaican meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Escovitch Fish is a beloved dish from Jamaican cuisine, originating in Jamaica. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Known for its bold seasonings, jerk-style cooking, and tropical ingredients.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 17 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best fish for Escovitch Fish is usually snapper, but you can also use other firm white fish like grunts or tilapia.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories330kcal
Total Fat15g
Sodium722mg
Total Carbohydrates36g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein40g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineJamaican
CategorySeafood
CountryJamaica