Cazón en Adobo


 Cuisine: Spanish  Type: Entree

Cazón en Adobo : Entree in Spanish cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Cazon
1 pound (454)
Garlic
4 cloves (12)
Vinegar
1 cup (240)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (2.8)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (2.8)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5.7)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (2.8)
Flour
1 cup (120)
Vegetable Oil
2 cups (480)
 Totals
47 oz (1,320 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Cazón (Dogfish)
Garlic Cloves
Vinegar
Paprika
Ground Cumin
Dried Oregano
Salt
Flour
Olive Oil
 Totals
0 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Rinse and pat dry the cazón (small shark) fillets.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine vinegar, garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the adobo marinade.

Step 3: Place the cazón fillets in the adobo marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 4: In a deep pan or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt together.

Step 6: Remove the cazón fillets from the marinade and dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 7: Carefully place the coated cazón fillets into the hot oil, frying them until they turn golden brown on both sides. This may take about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 8: Once cooked, transfer the cazón fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 9: Serve the Cazón en Adobo hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish.

Step 10: Enjoy your delicious homemade Cazón en Adobo as a tapa or a main course. Buen provecho!

 Substitutions 


- Cazón en Adobo is a traditional Spanish dish made with dogfish (cazón) marinated in adobo sauce. If you don't have cazón, you can substitute it with other firm white fish such as cod, haddock, or halibut. Use the same quantity of the substitute fish as indicated in the original recipe.

- Adobo sauce typically consists of vinegar, garlic, paprika, oregano, and olive oil. If you don't have paprika, you can use smoked paprika or chili powder as a substitute. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference.

- If you don't have oregano, you can replace it with dried thyme or dried marjoram. Use the same amount as mentioned in the recipe.

- In case you don't have dogfish or any white fish available, you can try using chicken or pork as a substitute. However, note that the cooking time and preparation method will significantly differ for these alternatives. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

- If you are looking for a vegetarian alternative, you can use firm tofu or tempeh instead of the fish. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the adobo sauce for a similar flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

- Additionally, if you don't have garlic, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic as a substitute. Use half the amount of the original recipe if using powdered garlic.

Remember to adjust the cooking time and method based on the substitute ingredient you choose, as different ingredients require different cooking techniques.

 Pairings 


- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Garlic aioli
- Crusty bread
- Green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted red peppers
- Sautéed spinach
- Pickled onions
- Ice-cold beer
- Dry white wine
- Sparkling water with a twist of lime

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or parsley on top.
- Serve on a bed of vibrant mixed greens for added color.
- Drizzle a swirl of colorful sauce (e.g., beet puree or saffron-infused aioli) on the plate for an artistic touch.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the fish in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices for a few hours before frying to enhance the flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the adobo marinade for a smoky kick.
- Incorporate a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity and add a subtle sweetness to the dish.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality, sustainably sourced fish like fresh grouper or halibut instead of traditional shark.
- Substitute regular vinegar with sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a more complex flavor.
- Top the dish with a dollop of caviar or a sprinkle of edible gold flakes for a luxurious touch.

 Diet Restrictions 


- For individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, replace regular flour with gluten-free flour when coating the fish.
- To reduce the overall fat content, use a leaner fish option such as cod or haddock instead of the traditional shark meat (cazón).
- If you're following a low-sodium diet, reduce the amount of salt used in the adobo marinade or opt for a low-sodium soy sauce alternative.
- For those watching their calorie intake, consider baking or grilling the fish instead of deep frying it.
- To accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets, replace the fish with firm tofu or tempeh and adjust the marinade ingredients accordingly.
- If you have a garlic allergy or intolerance, omit or reduce the amount of garlic used in the adobo marinade and consider adding alternative spices for flavor.
- For individuals with diabetes or those aiming to control blood sugar levels, limit the use of sugar in the marinade or substitute with a sugar alternative.
- To cater to lactose intolerance or dairy-free diets, avoid using milk or yogurt in the marinade and opt for alternative marinade bases like citrus juices or vegetable broth.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use lean white fish such as cod or haddock instead of the traditional shark meat (cazón).
- Opt for whole wheat flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for the adobo coating.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for frying by using a non-stick pan or oven-baking the fish.
- Add a variety of herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cumin to enhance flavor without adding extra salt.
- Serve the cazón en adobo with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
- Consider marinating the fish in a mixture of lemon juice and vinegar before coating it to add tanginess and reduce the need for excessive salt.
- For a healthier alternative to frying, grill the fish on a barbecue or use an air fryer.
- Use low-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt as a dipping sauce instead of mayonnaise or aioli.
- Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic, to add depth of flavor to the dish.
- Lastly, enjoy cazón en adobo in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use pre-cut fish fillets: Save time by purchasing pre-cut fish fillets instead of whole fish. This eliminates the need for cleaning and cutting the fish, reducing preparation time.
2. Opt for frozen fish: Consider using frozen fish instead of fresh, as it is often more affordable and readily available. Thaw the fish prior to marinating for the adobo.
3. Marinate for a shorter time: While traditional recipes call for marinating the fish for several hours, you can still achieve good flavor by marinating for a shorter period, such as 30 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Skip the homemade adobo sauce: To save time, use a store-bought adobo sauce instead of making it from scratch. Look for authentic Spanish brands for a flavorful and convenient option.
5. Use a deep fryer: Speed up the cooking process by using a deep fryer instead of a pan. This allows for quicker and more even frying, reducing overall cooking time.
6. Serve with simple sides: Instead of elaborate side dishes, opt for simple accompaniments like rice, salad, or bread. These are cost-effective and require less preparation time.
7. Buy in bulk: Purchase ingredients like spices, vinegar, and oil in bulk to save money in the long run. These staples are commonly used in Spanish cuisine and can be stored for future use.
8. Opt for a smaller portion size: Adjust the recipe to make a smaller portion, reducing the amount of fish and ingredients needed. This helps save money and reduces cooking time.
9. Use a food processor: Speed up the preparation process by using a food processor to blend the adobo ingredients together. This eliminates the need for manual chopping and mixing.
10. Plan ahead and batch cook: Prepare a larger batch of Cazón en Adobo and freeze individual portions for future meals. This saves time by having ready-made portions that can be quickly reheated.