RecipesCubaPescado en Salsa Verde

Pescado en Salsa Verde

A flavorful Cuban-style fish dish where white fish fillets are simmered in a vibrant green sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of white wine. It's a lighter, yet still rich, preparation that highlights the freshness of the seafood.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyMedium
Pescado en Salsa Verde - Cuba traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb White fish fillets (e.g., snapper, cod, or sea bass)
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 medium Yellow onion(thinly sliced)
  • 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 cup Fresh parsley(packed)
  • 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro(packed)
  • 0.5 medium Green bell pepper(chopped)
  • 1 cup Dry white wine
  • 0.5 cup Fish broth or water
  • 0.5 cup Stuffed green olives(chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Capers(drained and chopped)
  • 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp Butter

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat the fish fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the minced garlic and chopped green bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

  4. 4

    In a blender or food processor, combine the parsley, cilantro, white wine, fish broth (or water), chopped olives, capers, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Blend until a relatively smooth green sauce forms.

  5. 5

    Pour the green sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer.

  6. 6

    Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets into the simmering green sauce. Ensure the fish is mostly submerged. Cover the skillet and let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

  7. 7

    Once the fish is cooked, carefully remove the fillets to a serving platter and keep warm. Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high and bring the sauce to a boil.

  8. 8

    Whisk in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

  9. 9

    Spoon the thickened green sauce generously over the fish fillets. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use a firm white fish that holds its shape well during simmering.
  • Adjust the amount of herbs to your preference. More parsley can make the sauce greener.
  • For a smoother sauce, you can strain it after blending, but a slightly textured sauce is also delicious.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
  • Substitute shrimp or scallops for some or all of the fish.
  • A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end can brighten the flavors.

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