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Isca de Peixe

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer seafood, Appetizers

Isca de Peixe

Isca de Peixe, a beloved Brazilian snack, finds its roots along the sun-drenched coastlines where beach kiosks serve it fresh and hot. This home version captures that seaside spirit, bringing the communal joy of sharing small plates to your table. Seasoned by hand and fried with a generous touch of oil, it's a dish that invites easy conversation and relaxed gatherings, much like a day at the beach.

Golden and crisp on the outside, with a tender fish center, Isca de Peixe should taste like a summer afternoon. A squeeze of lime adds a tangy brightness, while the fine sea salt enhances its natural flavors. Enjoy it with friends, each piece a reminder of Brazil's vibrant coastal culture.

Ingredients

  • 600 gfish strips
  • 100 gflour
  • for fryingoil
  • lime — to serve
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by preparing all components for Isca de Peixe. Slice 600 g of fish into strips about 1 cm wide, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the fish strips, tossing them gently to coat. This step not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the fish.
  2. In a shallow dish, spread 100 g of flour evenly. Dredge each fish strip in the flour, ensuring all sides are lightly coated. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping during frying.
  3. Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to cover the bottom by about 1 cm. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it is hot enough for frying. You can test the oil's readiness by dropping a small pinch of flour into it; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
  4. Carefully place the floured fish strips into the hot oil, ensuring they are not crowded in the pan. Fry the fish in batches if necessary. Cook the fish strips for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
  5. Once cooked, remove the fish strips from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, keeping the fish crispy.
  6. Season the fried fish strips with fine sea salt to taste while they are still hot. The heat will help the salt adhere to the fish, enhancing its flavor.
  7. Serve the Isca de Peixe immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, with a crisp exterior and tender interior, perfect for sharing.
Cover of Authentic Brazilian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Brazilian Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Brazilian Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Brazilian volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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