
Caribbean Baked Cod with Cassava Crust and Warm Pineapple Chili Herb Sauce
An original Caribbean-inspired recipe featuring cod fillets baked under a crisp cassava and coconut crust, served with a warm pineapple, pepper, chili, and fresh herb sauce. It brings together sweet, citrusy, and spiced flavors with a golden, light texture.
Ingredients
- 680 g cod fillets (skinless, en 4 porciones)
- 180 g grated cassava (fresh and escurrida)
- 35 g unsweetened shredded coconut (for the crust)
- 80 g red onion (finely chopped, divided)
- 12 g garlic (chopped, divided)
- 16 g fresh cilantro (chopped, divided)
- 30 g scallions (chopped)
- 240 g fresh pineapple (en cubitos small)
- 100 g red bell pepper (en cubitos small)
- 8 g habanero chili (without semillas and finely chopped)
- 60 ml lime (juice fresh)
- 30 ml coconut oil (derretido, divided)
- 15 ml olive oil (for the sauce)
- 15 ml honey (for equilibrar the sauce)
- 2 g fresh thyme (solo the leaves)
- 2 g ground allspice (divided)
- 1 g ground cumin (for the crust)
- 8 g sea salt (or to taste, divided)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground, divided)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Lightly grease a baking tray or baking dish with 1 teaspoon of the coconut oil.
- 2
2. In a bowl, mix the grated cassava, shredded coconut, half of the red onion, half of the garlic, half of the cilantro, the cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of the allspice, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the melted coconut oil. Stir until the mixture is moist and holds together.
- 3
3. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season them with the remaining salt, the remaining black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the lime juice. Place them on the prepared tray.
- 4
4. Divide the cassava mixture over the top of each cod fillet and press gently to form an even crust.
- 5
5. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, or until the fish is cooked through, flakes easily, and the crust is golden around the edges.
- 6
6. While the fish bakes, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining red onion, the remaining garlic, the red bell pepper, and the habanero chili. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the onion softens.
- 7
7. Add the pineapple, scallions, thyme, the remaining allspice, the honey, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat until the pineapple is hot and juicy but still holds its shape.
- 8
8. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining cilantro. Taste the warm sauce and adjust salt if needed.
- 9
9. Let the cod rest for 2 minutes out of the oven. Serve each portion with plenty of the warm pineapple, chili, and herb sauce spooned over or alongside.
- 10
10. For a deeper golden finish, broil the fish for 1 to 2 minutes at the end at the same oven setting of 220 °C / 425 °F, watching closely so the crust does not burn.
Chef tips
Drain the grated cassava well so the crust turns crisp. If the pineapple is very sweet, add a few extra drops of lime juice to balance the flavor. Adjust the habanero to your preferred heat level.
Substitutions
You can substitute the cod with grouper, pollock, or snapper. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup. If you do not have scallions, use a little more red onion. Cilantro can be partially replaced with fresh parsley, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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