Fried Red Pepper-Rubbed Mackerel

By á-170456

Ingredients

• 1 whole mackerel - (2 to 3 lbs) cleaned with head
• and tail on, rinsed and patted dry
• 4 1/2 teaspoons Pimenta Moida (Portuguese red pepper paste)
• 4 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon Essence (see Bayou Blast recipe)
• 1 large yellow onion chopped
• 1 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup minced green onions
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Portuguese bread or cornbread accompaniment

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Place the fish on a baking sheet and cut 4 slits into each side. In a small bowl, combine the Pimenta Moida, garlic, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Wearing rubber gloves, rub the mixture evenly onto both sides of the fish. Let sit while assembling the remaining ingredients.

In a large pan, combine the flour, cornmeal, and Essence.

In a decorative bowl, combine the onions, parsley, green onions, olive oil, vinegar, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and crushed red pepper. Stir to mix well.

Preheat the oil in a large pot to 360 degrees. The oil should come halfway up the sides.

Dredge the fish in the cornmeal mixture, tossing to coat evenly. Add to the hot oil and fry, turning, until golden brown and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.

Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Place on a platter and serve hot, passing the onion sauce at the table. Serve with warm bread.

This recipe yields 4 servings.