Nayarit, a state blessed by its geographical location and exceptional climate, is a true gastronomic paradise in the heart of Mexico. Its fertile soils and abundant rains in summer give life to a wide variety of fruits and flowers, making its products unique in flavor and quality.
From the Magical Town of Jala, with its astonishing 70-centimeter cobs, to the sea waters that generously offer treasures such as sharks, shrimp and oysters, the gastronomy of Nayarit is a rich fusion of authentic flavors and ancient traditions.
Among the most representative delicacies of the region, the Pescado Zarandeado stands out, a typical dish whose origin dates back to the Island of Mexcaltitán. The snapper, a fish with little fat in its skin, is smoked with mangrove wood, imbuing it with a unique and exquisite flavor. Served in plates with slices of onion, tomato and cucumber, and accompanied by freshly made tortillas, this Nahuatl delicacy is a delight for the senses.
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Another culinary specialty that cannot go unnoticed is Ixtlán del Río-style Chicken, a dish that combines traditional flavors with a unique cooking technique. The cooked chicken is fried in butter and served with potatoes cooked and fried in the same oil, zucchini with vinaigrette and chopped lettuce, bathed with a tomato sauce and plenty of ground oregano. A true explosion of flavors that highlights the richness of Nayarit cuisine.
For lovers of intense and authentic flavors, Aguachile is an essential option. Originally from the Pacific coast, this dish consists of raw shrimp paired with fresh or dried chili peppers, lemon and water. The combination of ingredients results in a spicy and refreshing flavor that will delight the most adventurous palates.
These are just some examples of the exquisite and varied gastronomic offer of Nayarit. From sopes and oyster enchiladas in San Blas to traditional shrimp tamales, each dish is a sample of the culinary richness of this region.
Nayarit cuisine, with its tropical flavors and ancestral techniques, is a true banquet for the senses, and an invitation to explore the diversity and passion that are reflected in each bite.
Zarandeado Fish Recipe: A Feast of Tropical Flavors
Pescado Zarandeado is a typical culinary delight from Nayarit that combines the flavor of the sea with the smoky notes of mangrove firewood. This dish, originally from the Island of Mexcaltitán, is a Nahuatl delicacy that conquers the most demanding palates with its exquisite flavor and texture. Below, we present a recipe to prepare this delicious fish in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole fish (snapper or similar) of approximately 1.5 kg
- 2 lemons (juice)
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 dried chiles (can be guajillo chiles or pasilla chiles)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Olive oil
For Accompaniment:
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 sliced tomatoes
- 1 cucumber sliced
- Freshly made tortillas
Instructions:
- Clean the fish: Wash the fish under cold water and remove the scales by scraping it with a knife. Open the fish at the belly and remove the viscera. Wash again with cold water and dry with absorbent paper.
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix the lemon juice and soy sauce. Using a cooking brush, brush the fish on both sides with this mixture. Reserve some of the marinade for later.
- Prepare the chili sauce: In a hot skillet, toast the dried chilies until lightly browned and fragrant. Then soak them in hot water for a few minutes until they soften. In the glass of a blender, place the drained chiles, garlic cloves, oregano, salt and the reserved marinade. Blend everything until you obtain a homogeneous sauce.
- Smoke the fish: Prepare a grill or broiler over medium-high heat. You can use charcoal or mangrove wood to give the shaken fish its characteristic flavor. Place the fish on the grill and brush generously with the chili sauce on both sides. Cook for about 10 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and comes off easily with a fork.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the fish from the heat and place it on a platter. Decorate with slices of red onion, tomato and cucumber. Serve with freshly made tortillas and enjoy this wonder of Nayarit cuisine.
Pescado Zarandeado is a culinary experience that will transport you directly to the coasts of Nayarit, with its tropical and smoky flavors.
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