Poisson Braisé avec Sauce Tomate Épicée
Whole fish, typically grilled or baked until tender and slightly smoky, served with a vibrant and spicy tomato-based sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole fish(e.g., tilapia, sea bream, cleaned and scaled)
- 1 large Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(fresh, ripe, chopped)
- 1 large Bell pepper(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1-2 Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (or to taste))
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 Bouillon cube(crushed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 Lemon(for seasoning fish)
- for garnish Fresh parsley(chopped)
👨‍🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or prepare your grill. Make several deep slashes on both sides of the cleaned fish. Season the fish inside and out with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- 2
In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens. Add the crushed bouillon cube and season with salt and pepper.
- 5
In a separate pan, heat the remaining 2 tbsp of vegetable oil. Fry the fish for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Alternatively, you can bake the seasoned fish directly without pre-frying.
- 6
Place the fried or unfried seasoned fish in a baking dish. Spoon the prepared spicy tomato sauce generously over and around the fish.
- 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or grill until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Basting the fish with the sauce during cooking is recommended.
- 8
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips
- âś“Ensure the fish is very fresh for the best flavor.
- âś“If you don't have scotch bonnet peppers, use habaneros or other hot peppers, adjusting the quantity for desired heat.
- âś“This dish pairs well with rice, fried plantains, or a simple green salad.
🔄 Variations
- Stuff the fish cavity with slices of onion, garlic, and herbs before baking.
- Add a splash of white wine to the tomato sauce for extra depth.