| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 382 | 21g | 4g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 29g | 1.8g |
Why I Love Colombian Fried Snapper
As I sat down to write about this delightful recipe, memories of creating this sumptuous dish flooded my mind. The recipe I am referring to is Fried Snapper, a fabulous Colombian delicacy that straightforwardly bursts with flavors. This dish holds a special place not only in my kitchen but also in my heart as it symbolizes my passion for exploring various global cuisines and infusing them with a dash of my Indian-American zest.
The Story Behind My Affinity For The Colombian Fried Snapper
Growing up in California instilled in me a fondness for fresh, vibrant ingredients, which led seamless blending of this into a sumptuous recipe. On a quest to create something new and exciting for my family’s dinner, I was inspired by the renowned chef Gaston Acurio, who is known for his exquisite interplay between different culinary cultures. His complex, innovative dishes weave countless flavors into a beautiful, unified whole, much like this Fried Snapper.
The comfort of a warm, hearty meal akin to the Fried Snapper lies not only in its satisfying consumption but also in the meditative process of its creation. The way the red snapper delicately sways in the sizzling oil before being harmonised with lime wedges, onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes, is nothing short of a flavorful symphony. The earthiness of the garlic, the heat of cayenne pepper, and the freshness of cilantro all complement each other in a way that’s truly magical.
Dishes That Compliment The Colombian Fried Snapper
When it comes to pairings, the Colombian Fried Snapper would sit perfectly alongside a bed of Quinoa Veggie Stir-fry or if you’d like something more decadent, a portion of Roasted Potatoes with Smoked Aioli would be a great addition. Given the snapper’s robust flavor profile, it also pairs well with lighter sides such as a simple green salad or grilled asparagus. The potential combinations are truly endless!
The Colombian Fried Snapper continues to be a family favorite in my home. Its colorful, vibrant appearance and tantalizing flavors please everyone from my two sons to my husband Faisal. Much like every recipe I create, it carries a piece of my Californian background and echoes with the vibrancy of my harmony with culture and cooking. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a piece of me served on a plate.
What You’ll Need
- 1½ pounds whole red snapper, cleaned and scaled
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1½ cups vegetable oil for frying
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Method
Step One
Make sure your whole red snapper is cleaned and scaled. Set it aside for later use.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Mix these ingredients until they are well combined.
Step Three
Now dredge the entire snapper in the flour mixture. Make sure it is fully coated on all sides.
Step Four
Take a large frying pan and pour in the 1½ cups of vegetable oil. Heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the snapper. Fry it until it is golden brown. This should take about 7-10 minutes on each side.
Step Five
While the snapper is frying, prepare the other ingredients. Cut the 2 limes into wedges, thinly slice the medium red onion and green bell pepper, and slice the 2 medium tomatoes. Set these aside.
Step Six
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, 1 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon crushed garlic, and 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro. Mix these together well.
Step Seven
When the snapper is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the pan and put it on a serving platter. Pour the onion and pepper mixture over the cooked snapper. This should serve as a refreshing and tangy garnish.
Step Eight
Finally, serve your Fried Snapper with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy this dish hot and fresh from the pan!
