This Dominican Fried Red Snapper is the best fish I have ever had in my entire life. And believe me I have had a lot of fish. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Because we create some slits before seasoning, all that flavor will seep right in and boy is it going to be tasty!
When you buy the fish, make sure it is cleaned for you. I usually go to my local Asian market because they have a great selection and the fish are super fresh. They also clean the fish for me and cut it up if I want that. Many people eat the fish whole, like I do and others prefer the head cut off. That is something you can ask to be cut as well.
You must be careful while eating it because there are small bones and those can be easily missed. I actually love using my hands to eat it because I can feel the bones before putting the fish in my mouth.
And of course, we always eat a whole fish per person, especially if you buy smaller size snappers, which is also what I prefer. I love seeing the whole fish on my plate.
When it comes to sides, we tend to have this fried red snapper with tostones, Fried Green Plantains. I like to also serve it with Dominican Rice and Beans. either would be perfect!
Dominican Fried Red Snapper
Ingredients
- 4 red snappers I like them not too big and cleaned out at store
- 4 tbs lime juice
- 3 tbs minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tbs sea salt
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbs Goya adobo
- 2 cups flour
- Mazola Corn Oil about 1-1/2 inch depth of pan
Instructions
- Rinse snappers well with water.
- On a cutting board, create 3 deep slits on both sides of the snappers.
- Place snappers in a bowl as you go.
- When done, we are going to season.
- Pour lime juice, garlic, pepper, salt, oregano, onion powder and adobo over the fish and mix in well into the fish.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours but overnight would be preferred. I have even seasoned for 36 hours. The flavors get super into the fish. Yum!
- When ready to make, use the largest non-stick frying pan you have. Add enough oil to cover at least 1-1/2 inches of depth.
- Heat the skillet for a few minutes over medium heat. In the meantime, dredge the snapper.
- Dredge in flour and make sure to get flour into those crevices so they are also nice and crispy.
- Fry for a few minutes on the first side but do not turn until it is ready. Just check by lifting a little to make sure the snapper is golden. That is a sign, especially at medium heat that is is ready to be turned over.
- Once you turn over, dredge the cooked side with the oil a couple of times to make sure the top stays nice and hot.
- Total time should be no longer than 15 minutes for frying. But of course, not all stoves are the same so keep an eye on it the entire time.
- Serve with your favorite sides. We like to serve with tostones (fried green plantains), rice and beans. All these recipes are on my blog as well.
Video
Notes
You must be careful while eating it because there are small bones and those can be easily missed. I actually love using my hands to eat it because I can feel the bones before putting the fish in my mouth.
And of course, we always eat a whole fish per person, especially if you buy smaller size snappers, which is also what I prefer. I love seeing the whole fish on my plate.