Experience the vibrant flavors of Trinidad and Tobago with this iconic street food delight: Bake and Shark. Crispy fried dough envelops tender, seasoned shark meat, creating a mouthwatering culinary adventure. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to recreate this beloved Caribbean favorite in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Bake (Fried Dough):
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Shark Filling:
1 pound fresh shark fillets, skin removed and diced into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt, to taste
Juice of 1 lime
For Serving:
Shredded lettuce or cabbage
Sliced tomatoes
Thinly sliced onions
Tamarind sauce or your favorite hot sauce
Lime wedges
Instructions:
Prepare the Shark:
In a bowl, combine the diced shark fillets with minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, and lime juice. Toss to coat the shark evenly with the seasonings. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Make the Bake Dough:
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Adjust the amount of water as needed to achieve the right consistency.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
Fry the Bake:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
Divide the rested dough into small balls, then flatten each ball into a disk, about 4-6 inches in diameter.
Carefully add the dough disks to the hot oil, frying until golden brown and puffed up, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
Cook the Shark:
In a separate skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shark pieces and cook until they are opaque and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Assemble the Bake and Shark:
To serve, place a piece of fried bake on a plate. Fill it with the cooked shark pieces and top with shredded lettuce or cabbage, sliced tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions.
Drizzle with tamarind sauce or your favorite hot sauce.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Bake and Shark, a delicious taste of Trinidadian street food culture!
[Optional: Add a personal touch by sharing any memories or experiences you've had enjoying this dish in Trinidad and Tobago, or any tips for variations or accompaniments.]
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