PICKLED FISH – CAPE TOWN SWEET-SOUR SPECIALTY

PICKLED FISH – CAPE TOWN SWEET-SOUR SPECIALTY

A Cape Town classic, pickled fish is a flavorful dish where fried fish is marinated in a tangy sweet-sour sauce. This South African classic is best enjoyed chilled and pairs beautifully with fresh bread or salads.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) white fish fillets (e.g., hake, snoek or kingklip), cut into portions
• 250 ml (1 cup) cake flour for coating
• 5 ml (1 tsp) salt
• 5 ml (1 tsp) black pepper
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil for frying

For the Pickling Sauce:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 250 ml (1 cup) white vinegar
• 250 ml (1 cup) water
• 125 ml (½ cup) sugar
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) curry powder
• 10 g (2 tsp) turmeric powder
• 5 g (1 tsp) ground coriander
• 5 g (1 tsp) ground cumin
• 2–3 bay leaves
• 2–3 whole cloves
• 2–3 fresh green chilies (optional, for heat)
• Salt to taste

STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour.
2. Heat oil in a pan and fry fish until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In a separate pot, combine vinegar, water, sugar, curry powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, bay leaves, and cloves. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add sliced onions and simmer for 10–15 minutes until onions are softened but still slightly firm.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and sugar for balance.
6. Layer fried fish in a deep dish and pour hot pickling sauce over it, ensuring fish is fully covered.
7. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to let flavors develop.
8. Serve chilled with fresh bread, rolls, or salads.

HELPFUL COOKING TIPS

• Use any fish like hake, snoek  or kingklip
• Always pour the sauce over fish while hot to ensure proper absorption.
• Allow at least 24 hours for marination—the longer it sits, the better the flavor.
• Adjust sweetness and sourness to taste by balancing sugar and vinegar.
• Store in a sealed container in the fridge; pickled fish can last up to a week.

PREP TIME

• 20 minutes

COOKING TIME

• 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME

• 50 minutes (plus 24 hours marinating)

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~25 g
• Protein: ~25 g
• Fat: ~10 g
• Fiber: ~3 g

DIETARY TAGS

• High-protein
• Dairy-free
• Nut-free

ALLERGEN INFORMATION

• Contains fish (major allergen).
• Free from gluten if flour is substituted with gluten-free alternative.
• Contains vinegar, which may not be suitable for individuals with sensitivity to acidic foods.