Escabeche

For the fish
500g (1lb 2oz) white fish fillets, for example coley, tilapia or sea bass, pinboned and skinned
2 tbsp flour sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the marinade
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, sliced
1 tsp paprika
1 bay leaf
2 strips of organic orange peel
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp dried oregano
6 peppercorns
150ml (5fl oz) white wine vinegar
200ml (7fl oz) medium white wine

To serve
1 handful of rocket leaves
3 tomatoes, thickly sliced
1 red onion, cut in half and finely sliced
12 black olives, pitted

  1. Cut the fish into 5–6cm (2–2½in) pieces. Put the flour on a plate and season well. Dredge the fish in the seasoned flour and shake off the excess.
  2. Heat half of the oil in a frying pan, add half the fish and cook for 2–3 minutes each side, or until golden brown. Lift out and transfer to a deep dish. Repeat with the remaining fish.
  3. For the marinade, put 2 tablespoons of oil into the pan, add the garlic and paprika, and fry for 1 minute. Add the remaining ingredients with 150ml (5fl oz) of water – take care, as the pan will sizzle when the liquid hits. Bring to the boil and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
  4. Pour the marinade over the fish and refrigerate for 12 hours, preferably overnight. Trim the hard stalks of the rocket. Lift the fish from the marinade and arrange on a platter, with the rocket, tomatoes, onion, and olives.

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