Cape Malay Pickled Fish

Name: Cape Malay Pickled Fish
Ingredients: 0.5 cup vegetable oil for frying; 3 pounds cod fillets, cut into 2 to 3 ounce portions; salt to taste; 2 large onions, peeled and sliced into rings; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 red chile pepper, seeded and sliced lengthwise; 3 large bay leaves; 8 whole black peppercorns; 4 whole allspice berries; 2 cups red wine vinegar; 0.5 cup water; 0.5 cup packed brown sugar, or to taste; 2 tablespoons curry powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric