Pescado en Salsa de Piña
A delightful Costa Rican dish featuring pan-fried fish fillets bathed in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. This recipe balances the savory notes of the fish with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, creating a light yet flavorful meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large White fish fillets(e.g., tilapia, snapper, or mahi-mahi)
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour(for dredging)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Pineapple juice
- 1 cup Fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch(mixed with 2 tbsp water to form a slurry)
- 1 tsp Honey or sugar(optional, for added sweetness)
- 2 tbsp Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the fish ensures a better sear. - 2
Place the flour on a shallow plate. Dredge each fish fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess.
💡 Tip: This creates a light coating that helps the fish brown and thickens the sauce slightly. - 3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the floured fish fillets.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. - 4
Pan-fry the fish for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
⏱️ 6-8 minutes💡 Tip: Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. - 5
In the same skillet (pour off excess oil if needed), add the pineapple juice and fresh pineapple chunks. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce. - 6
Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and the optional honey or sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes💡 Tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. - 7
Return the fish fillets to the skillet and spoon the pineapple sauce over them. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately with rice, vegetables, or patacones.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cornstarch to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- ✓This dish pairs well with white rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate other tropical fruits like mango or papaya into the sauce.