Escabeche Recipe (Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce)

A sweet and sour twist on a classic sauce used for freshly fried fish. This simple, quick-to-make, and basic escabeche recipe is best paired with rice. Try this easy escabeche recipe today and elevate your fried fish dishes to a whole new level!

Escabeche Recipe (Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce)
Stew Fish Sweet Fried Quick and Easy Savory
Dinner Breakfast Entrees Lunch

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy a Delicious and Flavorful Meal with Escabeche

Escabeche is a delightful dish that combines the tangy flavors of vinegar and the sweetness of sugar to create a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements fried fish. This dish is not only easy to make but also versatile, making it a favorite for many occasions. Whether you are preparing a meal for a family gathering or simply looking for a new recipe to try, escabeche is sure to impress.

What is Escabeche?

Escabeche is a traditional dish that involves marinating fried fish or meat in a sweet and sour sauce. The sauce is typically made with vinegar, soy sauce, onions, garlic, carrots, ginger, and bell peppers. This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and aromatic dish that is both satisfying and delicious.

Origin of Escabeche

Escabeche is a dish originating in the countries of Spain, France, and the Philippines. It consists of meat or fish, fried and dredged over a sauce made of vinegar, soy sauce, onions, garlic, carrots, ginger, and bell peppers. The word “escabeche” comes from the Persian word, it was brought to Spain by the Arabs during the Moorish conquests. The word derives from al-sikbaj, the name of a popular meat dish cooked in a sweet and sour sauce.

This recipe is for the sweet and sour sauce. The fish used are already fried. This sauce will definitely add extra flavor to the dish.

When is Escabeche Typically Served?

Escabeche is a popular dish among most Filipinos because of its delicious sweet and sour sauce. This dish is always present during Fiestas, birthdays, and even Christmas. It is typically eaten as the main dish; however, it is also cooked during a typical meal, especially during lunch or dinner. This dish is best paired with hot rice and your favorite drink.

Kitchen Utensils You Need

In cooking escabeche, make sure to prepare the following kitchen utensils:

  • Cutting board
  • Knife to cut spices and other ingredients
  • Plate
  • Frying pan for fish
  • Cooking pan for sauce
  • Spatula for mixing
  • Serving platter
  • Grater to grate the ginger (or you may dice the ginger using a knife and cutting board)

Escabeche’s Primary Ingredients – Fish, Vinegar, and Sugar

Escabeche’s primary ingredient is fish, specifically a whole Tilapia. Tilapias are mainly freshwater fish mostly found in shallow streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes. You can buy this in most supermarkets and malls. Tilapia are, in fact, very low in mercury levels because they are fast-growing, lean, and short-lived with a primarily vegetarian diet. Tilapia are low in calories, carbohydrates, sodium, and a good source of protein. In addition to the fish, vinegar and sugar are also the other main ingredients that make up this delicious escabeche.

Interesting Facts

  • Global Variations: Escabeche has various similar names from different countries like North Africa (scabetche), Jamaica (escovitch), France, Belgium, Italy (escabecio or scavece), and South America.
  • Farm-Raised Fish: Tilapia is the second most farm-raised fish in the world, second to carp (a greenish-brown fish commonly found in Eurasia).
  • Environmental Impact: Tilapia are actually banned in the country of Australia due to it belonging to an invasive fish category, which poses a threat to the country's native biodiversity. An invasive fish means it can outcompete or defeat other fish species in resources like food, water, or habitat. Banning tilapia is the country's way to maintain its ecosystem balance.

Tips and Tricks When Cooking Escabeche

  • Thickening the Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce for fish escabeche, you can add a thickening agent like corn starch.
  • Adding Sweetness: Banana ketchup can also be added in cooking escabeche to give it a sweet taste, aside from sugar.
  • Alternative Fish Options: You can also use other fish for escabeche like red snapper (Maya-maya) or grouper (Lapu-Lapu).
  • Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of vinegar and sugar to suit your taste preferences. Some people prefer a more tangy sauce, while others like it sweeter.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and spices to enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.

Escabeche is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its unique combination of sweet and sour flavors makes it a favorite among many. By following this easy escabeche recipe, you can create a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you are cooking for a special event or just looking for a new dish to try, escabeche is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this traditional dish and make it a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients

  • Deep-fried fish of your choice
  • 1 carrot
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 small onions or 1 medium onion
  • 2 tablespoon of oil
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved and mixed with 4 tablespoon of water
  • 2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cups of water
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Prepare all ingredients.

    Escabeche Recipe (Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce)

  2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the garlic and onion.

  3. After 3 minutes, add the ginger, bell pepper and the sliced carrot to your sauté. Stir until carrot is cooked.

  4. Let it simmer within 5 minutes. (Tip: You can determine that the sauce is ready once it's thick enough)

  5. Put the cornstarch and 4 tablespoons of water in a cup and stir using fork until it's well mixed.

  6. Add the water followed by the brown sugar, vinegar, and the cornstarch mixture.

  7. In a plate, put your fried fish and add your sauce on top of it.

    Enjoy!

    Escabeche Recipe (Fish in Sweet and Sour Sauce)

Escabeche is very popular at family gatherings. Its sweet and sour sauce is the main attraction, bringing a delightful taste to the dish. There are many variations of escabeche, and you can even create your own. This is a great way to impress your loved ones and make a lasting impression. Don't forget to serve this dish with hot rice to satisfy your loved ones' cravings and hunger.