Mexican Fish Veracruz Style – Easy, Delicious Recipe
Mexican Pescado a la Veracruzana
Today on the Takrecipe website, we’re diving into Pescado a la Veracruzana, a classic dish from the coastal region of Veracruz, Mexico. This recipe combines the freshness of fish with a zesty, slightly briny tomato-based sauce, enriched with olives, capers, and aromatic spices. The result? A deliciously balanced dish that’s both light and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- For the Fish:
- 4 white fish fillets (snapper, cod, halibut, or tilapia)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 lime (juiced)
- For the Veracruzana Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 ½ cups canned tomatoes)
- ½ cup green olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- ½ cup white wine or fish stock
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Prepare the Fish
Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and lime juice. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fish for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Veracruzana Sauce
In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften (about 5 minutes). Stir in tomato paste, white wine (or fish stock), bay leaf, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Mix in the green olives, capers, and jalapeño. Cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Simmer the Fish in the Sauce
Return the seared fish fillets to the skillet, gently nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve & Garnish
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Pair with steamed white rice, warm tortillas, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips:
Use Fresh Fish
🟢For the best flavor, choose fresh snapper, halibut, or cod. Avoid overly delicate fish that may fall apart while cooking.
Enhance the Sauce with Wine or Stock
🟢Using dry white wine adds depth, but fish or vegetable stock is a great substitute for an alcohol-free version.
Let the Sauce Develop Flavor
🟢Simmering the sauce for a few extra minutes before adding the fish enhances the rich, tangy taste.