Cape Malay Pickled Fish with Turmeric Marinade

Name: Cape Malay Pickled Fish with Turmeric Marinade
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: White fish fillets; White vinegar; Water; Sugar; Ground turmeric; Curry powder; Cumin seeds; Coriander seeds; Onion, thinly sliced; Red bell pepper, sliced; Bay leaves; Allspice berries; Salt and pepper; All-purpose flour; Salt and pepper; Vegetable oil; Fresh coriander leaves; Lemon wedges

A South African Delicacy with a Flavorful Twist

This traditional Cape Malay dish combines fragrant spices and succulent fish in a tangy turmeric marinade, perfect for showcasing South African cuisine.

3 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Fish Marinade

White fish fillets

4 (e.g., hake or cod)

White vinegar

1 cup

Water

1/2 cup

Sugar

1 tablespoon

Ground turmeric

1 tablespoon

Curry powder

1 tablespoon

Cumin seeds

1 teaspoon

Coriander seeds

1 teaspoon

For the Vegetable Mix

Onion, thinly sliced

1 large

Red bell pepper, sliced

Bay leaves

Allspice berries

1 teaspoon

Salt and pepper

To taste

For Frying the Fish

All-purpose flour

1 cup

Salt and pepper

To taste

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons

For Garnishing

Fresh coriander leaves

Lemon wedges

Preparation

Marinating the Fish

Combine ingredients

In a large pot, combine vinegar, water, sugar, turmeric, curry powder, cumin and coriander seeds.

Simmer

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add fish

Add the fish fillets to the marinade and let them sit for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight in the refrigerator.

Allow the fish to marinate overnight for the best fusion of flavors.

Preparing the Vegetable Mix

Sauté vegetables

In a separate pan, heat some oil and sauté the onion and red bell pepper until soft.

Add spices

Add bay leaves and allspice berries, stirring to combine.

Season

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Process

Fry the Fish

Coat the marinated fish fillets in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, then fry in heated oil until golden brown on each side.

Simmer the Sauce

After frying, place the fish back in the marinade pot and simmer for 10 minutes.

Vegetable Integration

Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the fish and allow them to soak up the flavors for another 10 minutes.

Plating & Serving