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A round pan with Pescado Veracruzana in it on a marble table.
Kate Ramos

Pescado a la Veracruzana

Pescado a la Veracruzana is a special fish dish from the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Simple to prepare and perfectly seasoned, this classic meal always impresses a crowd. Make this recipe and serve with cilantro-lime rice for a special holiday dinner or any time you want something delicious and festive.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Course: fish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 422

Ingredients
  

Method
 

  1. Salt the fish fillets with 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt then transfer to the fridge while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large braiser or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Once onions start to soften, add the 3 cloves chopped garlic and cook until they just start to color. Add the 3 pounds chopped tomato, 2 tablespoons capers, 2 bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon chopped thyme.
  3. Once the tomatoes are nice and saucy, add the 1 cup tomato puree, the 3 pickled jalapeños, 3 chiles güeros and the 1/4 cup pickled jalapeno juice. Reduce heat to low and let simmer.
  4. Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a separate frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the baby potatoes and fry until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to the sauce to finish cooking.
  5. Once potatoes are knife tender, slide the fish into the simmering sauce to poach. You may have to do this in batches, depending on how large your pan is. Cook until just cooked through and firm, but not hard. How long this takes will depend on how thick your fish fillets are. Taste and add more salt if needed. Top with the 1 cup green olives and 1/2 cup chopped parsley.
  6. Gently remove the fish from the sauce, be careful not to break it, and place on a platter. Spoon sauce and potatoes over the fish and serve with limes for squeezing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 422kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 972mgFiber: 6gSugar: 19g

Video

Notes

  1. Chiles: The pickled jalapeños and chiles güeros are left whole but I like to cut a slit through the side to let their flavor soak into the sauce.
  2. Simmering: If the sauce is getting too thick, add a bit of water or cover the pan and cook the dish covered.
  3. Serving suggestions: This is a great dish all on its own with perhaps some nice crusty bread but I also like to serve it with my creamy Mexican white rice with corn.
  4. Tomatoes: In the summer, use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. In the winter when tomatoes aren't their best, substitute 1 (24-ounce) can diced tomatoes.

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