Belizean Fried Snapper

Bright, colorful Snappers are one of the most delicious fish from our Belizean waters.

We recently went fishing off the shore of San Pedro, catching a few snapper and barracuda.  As Belize’s waters are becoming over-fished, it becomes even more important to cling to the traditional ways of eating fish, mainly, enjoying the entire fish…and eating the entire fish we did!

This recipe will work on a traditional stove top, but we were lucky enough to use a traditional outdoor kitchen complete with a fogon, to cook the fish over.

Belizean Fried Red Snapper Recipe – A Classic Coastal Dish

Introduction:

Belize is a coastal country with a rich seafood culture, and one of the most popular fish dishes is fried red snapper. This dish is seasoned with local spices and fried until crispy and is typically served with sides like coconut rice and beans or plantains. This recipe shows you how to make Belizean Fried Red Snapper from scratch, including tips on selecting the freshest fish and the best frying techniques.

Belizean Fried Red Snapper Recipe Ingredients:

• 2 pounds whole red snapper, cleaned and scaled
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

Step 1: Season the Fish

1. Rinse the red snapper under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Cut 3-4 slits on both sides of the fish to help it cook evenly.
3. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the fish, making sure to get inside the slits as well.
5. Let the fish marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 2: Prepare the Red Snapper for Frying

1. In a shallow dish, add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
2. Dredge the fish in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to reach a depth of 1 inch. Heat the oil to 375°F.
4. Carefully place the fish in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil or use a wire rack over a baking pan.
2. Serve the fried red snapper with sides of coconut rice and beans, plantains, or a salad.
3. Squeeze lime juice over the fish for a refreshing citrus flavor.
4. Enjoy!

Notes:

• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornmeal instead of all-purpose flour.
• For a vegan option, use a firm tofu block instead of fish, and season and fry according to the recipe.
• To store leftovers, wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
• Share your experience and let us know how you enjoyed this Belizean classic dish!
• This recipe is similar to our Barracuda Steaks Recipe.

This recipe for traditional Belize style fried snapper is a perfect dish for any day but is a classic Easter in Belize dish served with a freshly baked hot cross bun.

Shop This Recipe