While I don’t eat fried food often, I always make an exception for delicious fried red snapper. The meaty, tender texture with a nice crunch is irresistible. And the natural sweetness pairs nicely with the salty crunch from frying. Enjoying this dish on my first Caribbean vacation was divine. Snapper is common there, and the locals have been making this tasty meal for generations. After the first bite, I knew I would be recreating this in my own kitchen.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Fried Red Snapper
Make the Seasoning – Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, celery seeds, black pepper, paprika, allspice, ground ginger, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a bowl or jar. Stir or shake it until the seasonings are well combined. (Photo 1)Prepare the Fish – Rinse the fish with cold water, checking to remove any missed scales. Use a paper towel to thoroughly pat the fish’s exterior and interior dry. (Photo 2)Season – Season with salt, then rub the fish seasoning all over the fish and dredge with flour. Set aside in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. (Photos 3-4)Fry – Heat oil over medium heat until hot in a large skillet. Carefully add the fish and cook on each side for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside. (Photos 5-8)
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
To save time and give your fish more time to absorb the flavors, you can rinse and season it the night before. Then when it’s time to make dinner, you can toss the fish in flour and fry it.
Serving and Storage Instructions
This dish is best served hot and crispy right off the stove. Letting the fish rest for a couple of minutes after frying helps the juiciness reabsorb into the fish, but don’t wait too long to enjoy this delicacy. Store leftover snapper in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 days. Or you can also wrap it tightly in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for three months. You can use the oven to reheat leftover fried red snapper. Preheat the oven to 350℉/177℃ and bake it for 5-10 minutes. You can also re-fry your pan-fried fish by heating your oil on medium-high and frying the fish for 2-3 minutes.
What to Serve With Fried Red Snapper
This dish gives me island vibes, so I always try to pair it with something Caribbean. If you want the same vibes, try serving this with fried plantains. Cucumber and onion salad is ideal for a lighter side that balances fried fish.
More Soul-Satisfying Fish Recipes to Try
Conclusion
Fried Red Snapper is a beautiful and delicious dish you can easily make in a skillet in just a few minutes. What is your favorite fish seasoning mix? Tell me in the comments!😍
Watch How to Make It
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