Fried Fish In Spain

A gastronomic specialty of Spain which takes advantage of the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet is its fabulous fried fish dishes. The most popular dishes are those of Cadiz, Seville and Málaga, where pescado frito (fried fish) is  the true speciality of these cities.

In Cadiz, in the south of Spain, one of the foods you can try is the “pescaíto frito” (assorted fried fish). You can order your food to go and it will be served in a paper cone which absorbs any excess oil and allows you to easily eat your food.

Fish served in this manner is known as cartuchos de pescado. You can also try cazon en adobo (marinated dogfish) or you can try “tortillitas de camarones” (tiny crustaceans mixed with a dough of wheat and then fried). Normally a few slices of lemon are served with these dishes, which is a custom particular to Cadiz.

The fried fish found in Seville is mainly wedge sole, plaice, cuttlefish, hake and dogfish. It could be served in paper bags which, like the paper cones of Cadiz, absorb excess oil and make it easy to eat and enjoy your food.

The pescaito frito (assorted fried fish) is typically prepared by turning the fish over in flour repeatedly until it is well covered and then frying the fish in fresh olive oil. There is even a tapas dish called a fritadura modesto, tempura-style fried strips of onions, green and red peppers, topped with plump, breaded fried prawns. Do not forget to try the pavías de pescado, marinaded fish fried in olive-oil.

Of all the Spanish cities, Malaga is acknowledged to have the best fried fish in Spain. The star of the fried fish assortments in Malaga is the anchovy but prawns, puntillitas (small squid) and small red mullet are also quite popular.

Another well known speciality is boquerones victorianos, small anchovies joined in fives by the tail, imitating the fingers of a wide-open hand and concentrating the unmistakable taste of Mediterranean cuisine. And you must also try the espetos de sardinas, sardines cooked on a spit using virgin olive oil.

While these cities have some differences in what types of seafood they cook or how they cook the seafood, their common characteristic is that their fried fish must always be prepared using only the  freshest fish and extra virgin olive oil which is changed frequently to avoid mixing the flavors of the fish.

The bottom line is that Spain has some of the best and healthiest fried food in Europe, so take a trip to Spain and enjoy a gustatory experience which is also healthy for you.