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Fried Jack Fish with Provisions

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 2 (about 400 g each) (2 (about 14 oz each)) whole jack fish, cleaned and scaled
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) lime juice
  • 3 (3) garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp (1 tbsp) fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 (1) scallion, chopped
  • To taste (to taste) salt and black pepper
  • 80 g (2/3 cup) all-purpose flour (for dusting)
  • 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 300 g (10.5 oz) dasheen (taro), peeled and cut
  • 2 (2) green banana, peeled
  • 300 g (10.5 oz) yam, peeled and cut

Method

  1. Rub fish with lime juice, rinse and pat dry.
  2. Score the skin diagonally, then rub with garlic, thyme, scallion, salt and pepper; let marinate 20 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, boil dasheen, green banana and yam together in salted water 20–25 minutes until fork-tender; drain.
  4. Dust marinated fish lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
  5. Heat oil to 180°C (350°F) in a frying pan; fry fish 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  6. Drain fish on paper towels and serve hot alongside the boiled provisions.

Introduction: Whole fried jack fish, seasoned with local herbs and served with boiled 'provisions' (starchy root vegetables), is a common sight at Grenadian fish fry stalls, especially in fishing villages along the coast.

Cultural Background: Whole fried jack fish, seasoned with local herbs and served with boiled 'provisions' (starchy root vegetables), is a common sight at Grenadian fish fry stalls, especially in fishing villages along the coast.

Tips: Scoring the fish skin helps it cook evenly and allows seasoning to penetrate deeper. Maintain steady oil temperature; too cool and the fish will absorb oil and turn soggy.

Variations: Substitute red snapper or king fish if jack fish is unavailable. Serve with a side of stewed bakes or fried plantain instead of provisions.

Storage: Best eaten fresh; refrigerate leftovers up to 1 day.

Reheating: Reheat fish in a 190°C (375°F) oven for 8–10 minutes to help restore crispness; reheat provisions in a covered pot with a little water.

Nutrition: Approx. 460 kcal, 34 g protein, 20 g fat, 36 g carbohydrate per serving.

FAQs:

Q: What are 'provisions'?

A: A Caribbean term for boiled starchy root vegetables and green bananas served as a hearty side.

Q: Can I bake the fish instead of frying?

A: Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20–25 minutes, though the texture will be less crisp.

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