There’s nothing quite like the crispy, flavorful goodness of Haitian-style fried red snapper. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking for an easy way to bring restaurant-quality fish to your table, this recipe will walk you through every step—from choosing the perfect fish to achieving that golden, crunchy skin.
Hailing from the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, red snapper is a rosy-skinned fish that is not only healthy but incredibly easy to cook and prepare. Its subtle taste pairs well with almost any seasoning.
Red snapper fish is always an excellent choice for a speedy supper, and our fried red snapper recipe will be on the table in minutes, making it a perfect addition to your midweek dinner repertoire.
Key Ingredients Used In This Recipe
Red snapper is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a fantastic choice for any meal, date night, or Sunday family dinner.
To make this recipe with ease, I’ll share my go-to seasoning, frying techniques, and the best ways to serve this classic dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering homemade Haitian-style fried red snapper!
Red Snapper: I always recommend you get fresh fish. However, sometimes it may be difficult to shop for fresh fish due to your location, region, and availability.
When shopping for red snapper, consider asking your fishmonger when was caught, and how long has it been sitting at the store. These questions will help you understand the freshness and quality of the fish. fish that are not too fresh, will have a slight discoloration. The eyes may appear to be gray instead of glossy. The pink-reddish color may not be as vibrant, and it will have an order that’s not too pleasant- it will have a “fishy” smell.
Jacmel Haitian Seasoning: This is our beloved seasoning next to the wet Haitian Epis. It allows you the ability to add more salt if needed, as well as it plays well with other spices.
Mild Acidic flavor: When preparing fish, Haitian style, lemon or lime juice is very important. It not only adds an acidic flavor, but it also helps to further enhance the flavor of the fish and other spices that are used. In addition, in some recipes, vinegar is also used (moderately).
The full recipe with the exact ingredients is listed below in the recipe card.
Why Does This Recipe Work
- If you’re new to Haitian food or already adore it, this step-by-step instruction will help you fry this delicious fish.
- Red snapper is a delicate fish. It can also be served as a weeknight meal, it can be prepared for a date night, and it can also be served at large gatherings.
- It’s a great fish due to its firm texture, and mild sweetness. It absorbs seasonings well.
- This recipe is flavorful and it’s packed with bold seasonings and it is perfect for any seafood lover!
How To Prepare Fried Red Snapper
Even those who aren’t that keen on fish might be pleasantly surprised by red snapper, as it has a very mild, slightly sweet flavor. This also makes it a great choice for introducing fish to your kids.
As well as a delicious taste, red snapper fish offers a range of health benefits. It is a great source of lean protein and is high in both vitamin B12 and omega-3s. It does, however, contain a fairly high level of mercury, so should only be consumed once a week.
Prepare the fish: Start by cleaning the fish thoroughly. Remove the scale even if the fishmonger has already done so. it’s important to further descale the fish as some areas may have been missed. Remove the gills and fins. Wash the fish with lemon or lime. Rinse with cold water (to avoid accidentally cooking the fish), and pat dry.
Make diagonal cuts on the fish to help with even cooking.
Season inside and outside of the fish. This will help the fish to soak in all the flavors.
To prepare the seasoning and season the fish: In a small bowl, add the minced garlic, 1 Tablespoon Jacmel Haitian Seasoning, 2 Tablespoons Haitian Epis, 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar, and juice from 1 lime (or lemon).
Mix well then apply the mixture to the fish inside and out, as well as in between the slits. Set the fish aside and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours but best overnight.
To prepare the flour mixture: In a large bowl suitable to fit the fish, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Next, add 4 Tablespoons plain bread crumbs, 1 Tablespoon Turmeric (to give it a beautiful golden color), and ½ Tablespoon cayenne pepper.
Mix well and set aside.
To fry the fish: In a large heavy bottom pan, heat about 8-10 cups of oil. Allow it to come to a temperature between 350 – 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is best for frying because it helps achieve that crispy outer layer and your fish will cook evenly on the inside. it’s a safe zone when it comes to reducing the risk of burning the outer layer of the fish.
When ready to fry, carefully place the fish in the hot oil. Best to fry one or two fish at a time to prevent splashing and splatter.
Fry for about 5-6 minutes on each side, flip gently, and fry the other side for an additional 5-6 minutes for an even golden crust. Be mindful that larger fish take longer to cook/fry.
Cook’s Pro Tip & Notes:
Ingredients like bread crumbs and turmeric are not traditionally used when preparing fried red snapper, Haitian-style. However, it does help to obtain that crispy golden outer layer crust.
Cleaning fish can be time-consuming. I highly recommend you ask someone at the store to properly clean the fish prior to selling it to you.
Although the fish is “cleaned” at the store. When you reach home, you must carefully clean it again as it is not done as thoroughly at the store.
Red snapper contains a lot of bones, be sure to eat slowly when eating the fish.
Red snapper is super versatile and can also be baked or grilled, but for this recipe, we are frying red snapper to get that delicious crispy outside and soft, tender middle.
Frying red snapper fish generally cooks very quickly, and red snapper fillets will only need around 3 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on how thick they are and how many you’ve got in your pan.
It is also possible to fry a red snapper whole, which takes between 12 and 15 minutes.
To know if your red snapper is ready, take a look at the flesh. When cooked, the flesh turns from translucent to opaque, and it will also flake apart easily when poked with a fork.
Try to avoid overcooking your red snapper, as it will quickly transform from soft and flakey into a dry and chewy fish.
What To Serve The Fish With?
Red snapper is highly versatile and can be served alongside a wide range of dishes. For a light meal, a beautifully dressed salad or simply cooked vegetables can be a healthy option that’s easily adjusted to your tastes.
For a really quick and easy meal, you could even fry up some vegetables in the same pan as the fish to get all that delicious flavor.
If you are looking for something more substantial, you could serve your red snapper with some boiled or roasted potatoes, lemon rice or black beans.
Red Snapper Frequently Asked Questions:
When cleaned and cooked properly, red snapper fish can have a delicious flavor. It also absorbs well to any seasoning.
It is a great source of lean protein and is high in both vitamin B12 and omega-3s.
Other Fish Recipes To Try:
More Haitian Recipes To Try:
If you loved this Haitian Style Red Snapper, you should try these recipes next:
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How To Cook Haitian Style Red Snapper
Equipment
- Heavy Bottom Pan or Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
Red Snapper Seasoning
- Red Snapper Fish -2 ½ lbs. One or two fish, medium size.
- 2 Garlic Cloves; minced
- 2 Tbsp. Haitian Epis
- 1 Tbsp. Savory Thoughts Jacmel Seasoning Blend
- 1 Tbsp. White Wine Vinegar
How To Fry Haitian-Style Red Snapper
- 1.5 Quart Frying Oil; you can use Canola Oil, Peanut Oil, Vegetable Oil
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ Cup Plain Bread Crumbs
- 1 Tbsp. Turmeric
- ½ Tbsp. Cayenne Pepper Optional
Instructions
- Prepare the fish: Start by cleaning the fish thoroughly. Remove the scale even if the fishmonger has already done so. it’s important to further descale the fish as some areas may have been missed. Remove the gills and fins. Wash the fish with lemon or lime. Rinse with cold water (to avoid accidentally cooking the fish), and pat dry.Make diagonal cuts on the fish to help with even cooking. Make diagonal cuts on the fish to help with even cooking. Season inside and outside of the fish. This will help the fish to soak in all the flavors. To prepare the seasoning and season the fish: In a small bowl, add the minced garlic, 1 Tablespoon 1 Tbsp. Savory Thoughts Jacmel Seasoning Blend, 2 Tbsp. Haitian Epis, 1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar, and juice from 1 lime (or lemon). Mix well then apply the mixture to the fish inside and out, as well as in between the slits. Set the fish aside and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours but best overnight.
- To prepare the flour mixture: In a large bowl suitable to fit the fish, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Next, add 4 Tablespoons plain bread crumbs, 1 Tablespoon Turmeric (to give it a beautiful golden color), and ½ Tablespoon cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside. To fry the fish: In a large heavy bottom pan, heat about 8-10 cups of oil. Allow it to come to a temperature between 350 – 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is best for frying because it helps achieve that crispy outer layer and your fish will cook evenly on the inside. it's a safe zone when it comes to reducing the risk of burning the outer layer of the fish. When ready to fry, carefully place the fish in the hot oil. Best to fry one or two fish at a time to prevent splashing and splatter. Fry for about 5-6 minutes on each side, flip gently, and fry the other side for an additional 5-6 minutes for an even golden crust. Be mindful that larger fish take longer to cook/fry.
SL says
It turned out so well. I added a few pieces of clove to my oil. This was such a wholesome meal.
Mirlene says
Thank you very much!
Monica says
This fish is filled with so much flavor and is fried to perfection