Pescado en achiote, also known as Mexican fish in annatto sauce, is a traditional Mexican dish that combines the vibrant flavors of annatto, achiote paste, and a variety of aromatic spices. Originating from the Yucatán Peninsula, this delectable recipe showcases the richness of Mexican cuisine and offers a delightful culinary experience. The vibrant orange hue of the annatto sauce, made from the annatto seeds, adds an eye-catching element to the dish, while the unique blend of spices creates a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire or a novice seeking an authentic Mexican adventure, this article will guide you through the steps of creating the perfect pescado en achiote, ensuring a delicious and memorable meal that captures the essence of Mexican culinary traditions.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PESCADO EN ACHIOTE (MEXICAN FISH IN ANNATTO SAUCE)
White fish fillets and shrimp are marinated with achiote, orange juice, lemon, and spices, baked in the oven, and served with habanero sauce and red onion. You can use any white fish fillets. These are typical flavors of Southeast Mexico.
Provided by Chef Gaby Cervello
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Combine 3/4 cup water, achiote paste, onion, juice of 2 limes, juice of 1 orange, vinegar, garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt, and pepper in a blender; blend until smooth.
- Season both sides of the fish fillets with salt and pepper, then brush the top with melted butter. Arrange fish fillets in a baking dish. Add shrimp on top and cover with achiote sauce. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 30 minutes.
- Place red onion and habanero peppers in a glass bowl. Add 1 cup water, juice of 1/2 orange, and juice of 1 lime; stir well and season with salt, peppercorns, and Mexican oregano.
- Serve fish and shrimp with achiote sauce and top with habanero sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 412.9 calories, Carbohydrate 10.9 g, Cholesterol 210 mg, Fat 24.2 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 37 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 757.3 mg, Sugar 6.7 g
ANNATTO MARINADE FOR FISH
Provided by Food Network
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Grind annatto seeds, peppercorns, allspice berries and cumin with mortar and pestle. Transfer to large bowl. Mix in oregano, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves. Add orange juice, vinegar and vegetable oil and whisk until well blended. Open fish (as for book) and arrange in large glass baking dish. Pour marinade over. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Remove fish from marinade; reserve marinade. Season fish with salt and pepper. Bake fish until cooked through, basting occasionally with marinade, about 45 minutes. Transfer fish to plates. Garnish with lime and red onion.
YUCATáN FISH
Yucatecan fare differs from other Mexican food. It is a cuisine rooted in the cooking of the native Maya people, crossed with that of the many conquerors who passed through. The ingredients there are rather particular; among them is achiote, also called annatto, a hard seed that imparts a delicious musky flavor and bright color to many marinades. Achiote is at its best in the company of garlic and hot chiles, along with an assortment of pungent spices, ground to a paste. The thick red sauce is diluted with the juice of sour oranges and tiny limes. The Yucatecan custom is to coat fish, tikin xic, with the spice mixture and wrap it in banana leaves with pickled onions before cooking. Fish prepared this way is always wonderfully moist, and the banana leaves, aside from making the ideal parcel for grilling or pit roasting, add a subtle aroma and taste.
Provided by David Tanis
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Make the pickled onions: Put onion in a bowl and season generously with salt and pepper. Add serrano, 3 tablespoons orange juice and 2 tablespoons lime juice, then mix well. Set aside for at least 15 minutes. Combine and reserve remaining citrus juice for marinade.
- Make the marinade: Put achiote, cinnamon, oregano and chipotle in a small stainless steel or glass bowl. In a small dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast cumin, cloves and allspice until fragrant, 1 minute or less. Grind toasted spices to a powder in a spice mill or mortar, then add to other spices. Add garlic, 1 large pinch salt and remaining citrus juice and stir to make a paste. If very thick, add more lime juice. (Note: achiote may stain surfaces or clothing.)
- Season fish on both sides with salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, score skin at thickest parts, if desired. Paint fish on both sides with marinade. Squeeze a little lime juice over fish. Chill for 45 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
- Bring fish to room temperature and heat oven to 425 degrees. Cut banana leaves crosswise into footlong lengths and soften by passing them briefly over a stovetop burner. Rinse leaves and pat dry. Lay a double thickness of leaves on a baking sheet and lay fish on it, skin-side down. Top fish with a large handful of pickled onions. Arrange tomato wedges over onions. Sprinkle with salt and a little more lime juice. Lay more leaves on top, then wrap like a package, tying with string or strips of leaf. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove and let package rest, unopened, for 15 minutes. Serve with remaining pickled onions.
Tips:
- Choose the right fish: White fish such as tilapia, cod, or halibut are great options for this recipe, as they have a mild flavor that will absorb the annatto sauce well.
- Make sure the annatto paste is fresh: Fresh annatto paste will give the sauce a vibrant color and rich flavor. If you can't find fresh annatto paste, you can use ground annatto seeds instead.
- Don't overcook the fish: Fish cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Otherwise, it will become dry and tough.
- Serve immediately: Pescado en Achiote is best served immediately after it is cooked. This will ensure that the fish is hot and flaky, and the sauce is flavorful.
Conclusion:
Pescado en Achiote is a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The annatto sauce gives the fish a vibrant color and a rich, slightly tangy flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or tortillas, and enjoy a taste of Mexico in your own home.
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