Central Provisions Baja Fish Sandwich

Year after year Central Provisions continues to make the list of top spots to eat in Portland and Maine, not to mention it was a James Beard finalist! Chris and Paige, the duo behind the restaurant, have shared this recipe for their Baja Fish Sandwiches. As part of our collaborative collection with Central Provisions, it uses the Baja Spice Blend to bring spice, smokey, and herbaceous flavors to a summer classic!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 8 slices high quality white bread
• 2 cups (or about 1/2 head) iceberg lettuce, sliced as thin as possible
• 1 cup pickled red onion (see recipe below)
• 3-4 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup avocado aioli (see recipe below)
• 4 tablespoons Baja Spice Blend
• 1 lb. hake fillet (or other flakey white fish)
• Salt, to taste
• Flakey sea salt, to taste

For Avocado Aioli (makes 1 pint)

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt, to taste
• Scoop out avocado into a small bow and add lime juice. Mash mixture together until smooth. Add mayonnaise and mix until fully combined. Season with salt to taste.
• To store, place into a container and press a small piece of plastic wrap lightly onto the top of the mixture then cover with lid (this helps prevent oxidization). Aioli can be made ahead and will last 4-5 days if properly stored.

For Pickled Red Onion (makes 1 pint)

• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• Heat water in a small pot then add sugar and vinegar, bring to a boil. Pour over the sliced red onion and allow to cool to room temp. These can be refrigerated and stored up to one week.

Directions:

1. Butter bread on one side and griddle over medium heat until golden brown, place bread on a wire rack to cool.
2. Portion fish evenly in to 4 oz. pieces.
3. Coat fish with Baja Spice Blend and salt on all sides (about 1 tablespoon of blend per piece)
4. Heat a large cast iron, or other thick bottom pan, to medium-high until hot and sear the fish on top and bottom until cooked through.
5. Remove from pan and place on resting rack. Season with sea salt.

To Build Sandwich:

1. Spread avocado aioli on the untoasted sides of the bread
2. Layer shredded lettuce, pickled red onion and then the blackened fish
3. Place the second piece of griddled bread on top and press the sandwich gently together. Enjoy!