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Pescado Tikin Xic - A Taste of Yucatán in Every Bite

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    ChefPandas
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🌮 About This Dish

Pescado Tikin Xic is a traditional dish hailing from the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, where Mayan culinary traditions blend with Spanish influences. This dish showcases the vibrant flavors of the region and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Yucatán.

🌶️ Ingredients Overview

  • Fish : Pescado (Red Snapper or Grouper)
  • Achiote Paste : Pasta de Achiote
  • Citrus Juices : Jugo de Naranja (Orange Juice), Jugo de Limón (Lime Juice)
  • Garlic : Ajo
  • Onion : Cebolla
  • Tomato : Tomate
  • Habanero Pepper : Chile Habanero
  • Epazote : Epazote
  • Banana Leaves : Hojas de Plátano

✨ What Makes It Special

Pescado Tikin Xic stands out for its use of achiote paste, a signature ingredient in Yucatecan cuisine that imparts a distinct earthy flavor and vibrant color to the dish. The marinade, typically made with citrus juices and achiote, infuses the fish with a tangy and aromatic essence, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

📝 Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Red Snapper or Grouper fillets
  • 1/4 cup Achiote paste
  • 1/2 cup Orange juice
  • 1/4 cup Lime juice
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Onion, sliced
  • 1 Tomato, sliced
  • 1-2 Habanero peppers, sliced
  • 1 sprig of Epazote
  • Salt to taste
  • Banana leaves for wrapping

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. In a bowl, mix the achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and salt to create the marinade.
  2. Marinate the fish fillets in this mixture for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  4. Lay out a large piece of banana leaf and place a portion of the marinated fish in the center.
  5. Top the fish with onion, tomato, habanero slices, and a sprig of epazote.
  6. Fold the banana leaf to create a secure packet and place it on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
  8. Serve hot, allowing diners to unwrap the fragrant package themselves.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Marination: 1 hour
  • Cooking: 20-25 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pescado Tikin Xic is traditionally served with a side of fluffy white rice, refried black beans, and fresh corn tortillas. Garnish with extra slices of habanero for those who appreciate an extra kick of heat.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • To achieve the authentic taste of Pescado Tikin Xic, source fresh and high-quality achiote paste, as it is the soul of this dish.
  • Adjust the amount of habanero pepper to suit your spice tolerance, as it can vary in heat intensity.

📦 Storage

Store any leftover Pescado Tikin Xic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave to preserve the flavors.

Enjoy this flavorful dish that encapsulates the essence of Yucatecan cuisine and the warmth of Mexican hospitality.