Caribbean Fried Red Snapper
Fried Red Snapper crisped to perfection and infused with Caribbean spices and flavors.
By: Belqui Ortiz-Millili | @belquistwist
Infused with the flavors and spices typical of the Caribbean islands, frying a whole Caribbean fish is a vibrant culinary experience. While there are numerous species of fish found in the Caribbean, popular options to cook with are usually snapper, grouper, and tilapia.
I personally grew up eating Fried Red Snapper so it’s the one I prefer, and the one my mom does too. We like to fry the whole fish because it reminds us of how it is sold at local beaches in the Dominican Republic. Growing up, I remember it being the highlight of our day whenever we went to the beach. Lunchtime couldn’t come quickly enough and honestly, it was one of the main reasons I never said no to a beach trip.

When preparing my Fried Red Snapper, I always pair it with fried green plantains, but you can also serve it with rice, beans, and shredded cabbage salad for a more complete dinner. Some people dredge in flour, and some don’t. I always dredge mine because I like lightly crisped skin. But no matter which way you choose, you can’t go wrong, because the Dominican-style seasoning is the hero here.
I am so excited and proud to share this recipe with you. Check it out below!
Caribbean Fried Red Snapper
Belqui Ortiz-Millili | @belquistwist
2
4 hours
10-20 minutes
Caribbean
Dinner
Fried Red Snapper crisped to perfection and infused with Caribbean spices and flavors, perfect to pair with your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
5 limes (3 for washing; 2 for seasoning)
2 small Red Snappers or 1 large Red Snapper, gutted and cleaned out
2 tsp ready minced garlic
2 tbsp Loisa Organic Adobo
1 tbsp Loisa Organic Sazón
½ tsp Loisa Organic Oregano
Corn oil or high-heat frying oil of your choice
2 cups of flour
Directions
In a large bowl, squeeze the juice of 3 limes all over the fish in order to wash it. Wash well in all crevices and place in a large bowl.
On a cutting board, cut vertical slits down each side of the fish in order to allow for the seasoning to seep in and create better flavor.
Season fish with remaining lime juice, minced garlic, Adobo, Sazón, and Oregano. Make sure to rub well into the fish including slits and cavity.
Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to marinate.
Once ready to fry, heat 2 inches of corn oil or your favorite frying oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
While oil is heating, prep the fish. Add flour to a large plate and dredge your fish thoroughly, including the cavity.
Once oil is hot, add the fish to the skillet and fry until golden on one side. Turn and repeat on the other side. Keep turning until the fish is fully cooked through, about 10-20 minutes.
Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
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View AllCaribbean Fried Red Snapper
Belqui Ortiz-Millili | @belquistwist
2
4 hours
10-20 minutes
Caribbean
Dinner
Fried Red Snapper crisped to perfection and infused with Caribbean spices and flavors, perfect to pair with your favorite side dishes.
Ingredients
5 limes (3 for washing; 2 for seasoning)
2 small Red Snappers or 1 large Red Snapper, gutted and cleaned out
2 tsp ready minced garlic
2 tbsp Loisa Organic Adobo
1 tbsp Loisa Organic Sazón
½ tsp Loisa Organic Oregano
Corn oil or high-heat frying oil of your choice
2 cups of flour
Directions
In a large bowl, squeeze the juice of 3 limes all over the fish in order to wash it. Wash well in all crevices and place in a large bowl.
On a cutting board, cut vertical slits down each side of the fish in order to allow for the seasoning to seep in and create better flavor.
Season fish with remaining lime juice, minced garlic, Adobo, Sazón, and Oregano. Make sure to rub well into the fish including slits and cavity.
Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to marinate.
Once ready to fry, heat 2 inches of corn oil or your favorite frying oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
While oil is heating, prep the fish. Add flour to a large plate and dredge your fish thoroughly, including the cavity.
Once oil is hot, add the fish to the skillet and fry until golden on one side. Turn and repeat on the other side. Keep turning until the fish is fully cooked through, about 10-20 minutes.
Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!