← All recipes · Species guide: Blue Runner
Portugal · Blue Runner

Lisbon-Style Fried Jacks

Carapaus Fritos com Arroz de Tomate

In the old tascas of Lisbon, small jacks fried crisp in olive oil and served with a pot of loose, soupy tomato rice is one of the most loved lunches in the city.

  • Prep 15 min + 30 min salting
  • Cook 20 min
  • Serves 4
  • Level Easy
Photo: tak.wing · CC BY-SA 2.0
Served with: Portuguese Tomato Rice ↓En Español

Ingredients

Tap each item as you gather it.

For the fish

To serve

Method

Step by step, the way it is done on the island.

  1. Salt the fish. Cut 2 small slashes on each side. Rub the fish with the coarse salt, garlic and lemon juice and refrigerate 30 minutes.
  2. Dry and flour. Pat the fish completely dry and dredge them in flour, shaking off the extra.
  3. Fry. Heat ¾ inch (2 cm) of oil to 350 °F (175 °C). Fry 3–4 fish at a time, 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Serve. Sprinkle with parsley and serve right away with lemon wedges and a bowl of arroz de tomate.

On the side

The side dish that belongs with it, full recipe included.

Portugal

Portuguese Tomato Rice

Arroz de Tomate

Loose, saucy tomato rice the Portuguese call malandrinho. It is the classic partner for grilled or roasted fish.

  • Prep 10 min
  • Cook 25 min
  • Serves 4
  • Level Easy

You need

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 ripe tomatoes, grated (or 1 cup crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup medium-grain rice
  • 3 cups hot water or fish stock
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro

How to make it

  1. Soften. Cook the onion in the olive oil over medium heat for 6 minutes. Add the garlic for 1 minute.
  2. Tomato base. Add the tomatoes and bay leaf and cook 5 minutes until thick and darker red.
  3. Cook the rice. Stir in the rice, hot water and salt. Simmer uncovered, stirring now and then, for 15–17 minutes.
  4. Keep it loose. It should stay a little soupy. Add a splash of hot water if needed, stir in the herbs and serve right away.

Photo: Bosc d'Anjou from New York, NY, USA · CC BY 2.0

More ways to cook Blue Runner

Same fish, a different corner of the sea.

Naguabo, Puerto RicoCrispy Fried Blue Runner, Fishing-Village Style
Huelva, Andalusia, SpainAndalusian Paprika Escabeche
Chimbote, PeruPeruvian Jack Sudado