Bake and Shark

Introduction

Bake and Shark is a popular street food delicacy originating from Trinidad and Tobago, often found in the vibrant market stalls along the beaches, particularly Maracas Beach. This delightful sandwich marries perfectly baked "bake" - a type of fried bread - with expertly seasoned and fried shark meat, layered with myriad toppings and sauces that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the Caribbean.

Ingredients

For the Bake:

• All-purpose flour - 4 cups
• Baking powder - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Butter - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 1 and 1/2 cups
• Oil for frying - As needed

For the Shark:

• Shark fillets - 2 pounds
• Lemon juice - 1/4 cup
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Thyme - 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper - 1 teaspoon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• All-purpose flour - for coating
• Oil for frying - As needed

Toppings and Sauces:

• Coleslaw - to taste
• Lettuce - shredded
• Tomato - sliced
• Pineapple slices - optional
• Cucumber - sliced
• Cilantro sauce - to taste
• Hot sauce - to taste

Preparation

1. Preparing the Bake:

Start by mixing the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the water, mixing to form a soft dough. Knead gently for a couple of minutes, cover, and let rest for 15-20 minutes.

2. Preparing the Shark:

While the dough rests, prepare the shark fillets. Rinse and pat dry, then marinate with lemon juice, garlic, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking Process

1. Cooking the Bake:

Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Divide the dough into smaller balls and roll out into flat discs. Fry each disc until golden brown on both sides, then set aside on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

2. Frying the Shark:

Heat oil in a separate pan. Coat the marinated shark fillets with flour and fry until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Assembling the Bake and Shark

Slice each cooked bake open horizontally like a sandwich. Place the fried shark inside and layer with coleslaw, shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, and cucumber. Add pineapple slices if desired. Top with cilantro sauce and hot sauce to taste.

Enjoying Your Bake and Shark

This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, often with the roar of the ocean nearby and the sounds of calypso music filling the air. The spicy and tangy flavors make it a perfect accompaniment to cold drinks and sunny weather.