Escovitch Shark
Escovitch Shark is a traditional Jamaican dish featuring fried shark fillets topped with a vibrant, tangy pickled vegetable medley. The fish is typically marinated in a blend of spices, then pan-fried or deep-fried until crispy, and finally smothered with a mixture of onions, carrots, Scotch bonnet peppers, and allspice berries pickled in vinegar. It's a beloved street food and a staple in Jamaican coastal communities.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a high-protein, low-carb meal, with the majority of its calories coming from the fried fish and the small amount of oil used in the pickled vegetables. It provides a good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals like selenium and phosphorus, with a rough calorie estimate of 350-450 kcal per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Selenium | 45 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 320 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Potassium | 410 mg |
| Omega-3 (EPA+DHA) | 0.5 g |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
Per 1 fillet with vegetables (about 200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The name 'Escovitch' is derived from the Spanish 'escabeche,' a method of preserving food in an acidic marinade, highlighting the historical Spanish influence on Jamaican cuisine. The pickling process not only adds a signature zesty flavor but also acts as a natural preservative, which was historically important in the Caribbean climate.
