Traditional Cape Malay pickled fish recipe Posted by Taylah Strauss on 14 April 2022 Easter is not complete without this quintessential Cape Malay dish. Pickled fish is one of the many traditional South African meals served at Easter. It’s particularly popular in the Western Cape. Next to hot cross buns, you can’t go wrong with the true taste of the Cape tradition. Have a look at this easy recipe to make your Easter Sunday complete. NOTE In this recipe, there is a simple batter to coat the fish. This part can be omitted – you can simply bake the fish or coat it in seasoned flour and pan-fry it, but it’s nice to have the batter as it keeps the fish in one piece, particularly if you are not using a firm fish. Snoek is still the best fish to pickle. Salt the fish an hour before you start, and when ready to begin rinse it and pat dry before you bake or shallow-fry it. Pickled fish is best marinated in the fridge for at least two days, and even better on the third day if you can restrain yourself from eating it sooner. A great tradition in the Cape among people of all cultures, it is best enjoyed with fresh bread and butter. Add a green salad if you must, and if you like it spicy, add an extra chilli. INGREDIENTS 30ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil 3 large onions, sliced 15ml (1 tbsp) fresh ginger, grated 4 garlic cloves, chopped 3 – 4 whole dried chilies 8 whole black peppercorns 3 cloves 3 allspice berries 3 bay leaves 10ml (2 tsp) coriander seeds, crushed 10m (2 tsp) yellow mustard seeds 10ml (2 tsp) ground cumin 10ml (2 tsp) ground turmeric 15ml (1 tbsp) masala powder 100g (½ cup) brown sugar 250ml (1 cup) grape or cider vinegar 125ml (½ cup) water 5ml (1 tsp) cornflour, optional salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 500g firm sustainable fish, such as snoek or yellowtail oil, for deep-frying 100g seasoned cake flour 3 – 4 large eggs, beaten INSTRUCTIONS – For the sauce, heat the oil and sauté the onions, ginger, garlic, and chillies for about 2 minutes, making sure the garlic does not burn. The onions should still have a slight crunch. – Add all the spices and continue cooking for a few minutes. Stir in the sugar and allow to dissolve and lightly caramelise. You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce. – Add the vinegar and water and simmer until the sauce thickens. Adjust the ratio of water to vinegar according to personal taste. If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, dissolve the cornflour in a little water and add to the simmering sauce. Once the sauce is a pleasing consistency, remove from the heat. Season, set aside, and keep warm. – Cut the fish into thick strips about the length of a finger. – Heat the oil in a large pot and lay paper towel out for draining. Place the seasoned flour in a shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in a separate bowl. Dip the first batch of fish into the flour, coating well and shaking off the excess. – Dip the fish into the egg. – Place the fish carefully into the hot oil in batches. – Deep-fry the fish until golden, then remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Repeat for the remaining fish. – Place the fried fish in a container and pour over the warm sauce. Picture: Woman and Home Source: Food&Home ALSO READ Chocolate-coated marshmallow Easter eggs recipe Related Posts Artichoke, pea and chevin risotto 1 June 2023 This comforting winter recipe is by the executive chef of Tryn Restaurant and Bistro Sixteen82,... read more brodetto di pesce: an easy chunky fish soup recipe 19 May 2023 Swedish meatballs with homemade flatbreads and roasted aubergine 8 May 2023 Allesverloren is celebrating its 150-year milestone with a new wine - The Fanie Malan Fine... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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