Best 3 Cape Malay Pickled Fish Recipes

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In the vibrant culinary tapestry of Cape Malay cuisine, pickled fish holds a special place, tantalizing taste buds with its unique blend of flavors and textures. This traditional dish, also known as visvang, is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage, where diverse culinary influences have harmoniously intertwined.

This article presents a collection of three delectable Cape Malay pickled fish recipes, each offering a distinct taste experience. The classic vinegar-based pickled fish recipe forms the cornerstone of this culinary journey, introducing the basic techniques and ingredients that create the dish's signature tangy and savory profile. For those seeking a milder flavor, the mild pickled fish recipe offers a gentler approach, using a combination of vinegar, sugar, and spices to achieve a balanced and harmonious taste. And for those who love a bit of heat, the hot pickled fish recipe delivers a spicy kick, incorporating chili peppers and other fiery ingredients to create a tantalizingly fiery sensation.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CAPE MALAY PICKLED FISH



Cape Malay Pickled Fish image

This recipe is a traditional Easter time classic in Cape Town, South Africa. It is served mainly with hot cross buns or freshly baked bread.

Provided by NITSCKIE

Categories     100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes     Meat and Seafood     Seafood

Time P1DT1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

½ cup vegetable oil for frying
3 pounds cod fillets, cut into 2 to 3 ounce portions
salt to taste
2 large onions, peeled and sliced into rings
2 cloves garlic, chopped
8 whole black peppercorns
4 whole allspice berries
3 bay leaves
1 red chile pepper, seeded and sliced lengthwise
2 cups red wine vinegar
½ cup water
½ cup packed brown sugar, or to taste
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the fish with salt and place in the skillet. Fry on both sides until fish is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Fry the onions and garlic in the same skillet over medium heat until translucent. Add the peppercorns, allspice berries, bay leaves, and red chile pepper. Pour in the vinegar and water and bring to a boil. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Season with curry powder, turmeric, cumin and coriander. Taste and adjust the sweetness if desired.
  • Layer pieces of fish and the pickling mixture in a serving dish. Pour the liquid over until the top layer is covered. Allow to cool then cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.5 calories, Carbohydrate 32.7 g, Cholesterol 97.4 mg, Fat 4.1 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 41.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 150.2 mg, Sugar 20.4 g

CAPE MALAY PICKLED FISH



Cape Malay Pickled Fish image

A staple of South African cuisine, this fish picks up a world of flavor from a 48-hour soak in curried pickle brine. The recipe comes from Cape Town chef Reuben Riffel. Also try:Peri Peri Beef Salad

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 26

1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 large onions, halved and thickly sliced
3 tablespoons mild curry powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon whole allspice
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
1 tablespoon peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger
1 tablespoon finely chopped chiles, seeds removed
3 dried bay leaves, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 cups white-wine vinegar
4 1/4 pounds Arctic char fillets, bones removed and cut into 5-ounce pieces
3 fresh bay or lemon leaves
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup coarse salt
1 small head red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 red apples, julienned
2 ribs celery, trimmed and finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Pickle the fish: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, until soft and translucent, about 20 minutes. Add curry powder, turmeric, paprika, and coriander; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add allspice, turbinado sugar, ginger, chiles, dried bay leaves, and salt; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  • Carefully add vinegar and 1 cup water; increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook pickling mixture for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and pour some of the pickling mixture into a 12-inch glass dish. Add an even layer of fish and pour over a little more of the pickling mixture. Add another layer of fish and repeat process until all the fish and pickling mixture have been used. Top with fresh bay or lemon leaves; loosely cover and let cool completely. Cover tightly and transfer dish to refrigerator; refrigerate for 2 days.
  • Fry the fish: Remove fish from pickle, reserving onions, and pat dry. Place flour in a shallow dish and set aside. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge fish in flour, shaking off excess. Add fish to skillet and cook, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer fish to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
  • Serve: Meanwhile, place raisins in a small bowl and add enough water to cover; set aside. Fill a large bowl with 4 cups water; add salt and stir to combine. Add cabbage, apples, and celery; let stand 20 minutes.
  • Drain raisins and cabbage mixture and add both to a large bowl along with parsley, mint, and cilantro; toss to combine. Serve fish topped with reserved pickled onions and cabbage mixture; garnish with cilantro leaves.

CAPE MALAY PICKLED FISH



Cape Malay Pickled Fish image

This South African dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. The fish is cooked first, and then pickled. It's served cold with a green salad and crisp rolls. The source is Africhef.com. and it's slightly modified.

Provided by PanNan

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 lbs yellowtail fish fillets, scaled and fileted, skin left on
5 garlic cloves, chopped
2 large onions, sliced in rings
kosher salt
1 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
8 peppercorns
4 cloves
4 allspice berries
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon masala (curry powder)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
oil, as needed for frying

Steps:

  • Firm up the flesh of the fish by sprinkling salt on both sides of the filet and letting it stand in a glass bowl for 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Thoroughly rinse the salt off the filet under running water. Pat it dry with a paper towel. Cut the fish into serving portions leaving the skin attached.
  • Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until cooked through. (Do not coat the fish with flour or batter.).
  • Place the rest of the ingredients in a large pot, and bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and make sure it does not burn on the bottom of the pot. Simmer for approximately 8 minutes until the onions are cooked but still crisp.
  • Layer the pieces of fish and the sauce and onions alternately in a ceramic or glass serving-dish. The last layer of fish should be covered with sauce.
  • Refrigerate for up to a week. Best to make at least 6 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160.1, Fat 0.5, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 17.7, Carbohydrate 37, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 29.8, Protein 1.3

Tips for Making Cape Malay Pickled Fish:

  • Choose the Freshest Fish Possible: For the best results, use fresh, firm fish fillets or steaks. Avoid fish that is discolored or has an off odor.
  • Use a Variety of Spices: Cape Malay pickled fish is known for its complex blend of spices. Be sure to include a variety of whole and ground spices, such as coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder.
  • Marinate the Fish Thoroughly: The longer the fish marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Marinate the fish for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  • Use a Sterilized Jar: To prevent spoilage, use a sterilized jar to store the pickled fish. You can sterilize a jar by boiling it in water for 10 minutes.
  • Store the Pickled Fish Properly: Store the pickled fish in a cool, dark place. The fish will keep for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

Conclusion:

Cape Malay pickled fish is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover fish, and it is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. With its unique blend of spices and flavors, Cape Malay pickled fish is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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