How do I know when my fried red snapper is done?

The fish is ready when the flesh is no longer translucent inside the slits and has an off-white color. It should easily flake when you insert a fork. The internal temperature should reach 140 to 145°F.

Should I dredge the fish in flour before frying?

It's a matter of preference. Some people dredge in flour for a lightly crisped skin, while others skip this step. Both methods can result in delicious crispy fried snapper filets.

How long should I fry red snapper?

Typically, you should fry the fish for about 4 minutes on each side, totaling 8 minutes. However, cooking time may vary depending on the size of the fish and oil temperature.

What's the best oil temperature for frying red snapper?

Aim for an oil temperature of 350°F for the best results when frying whole red snapper.

How to Perfectly Cook Fried Red Snapper Fish Recipes

Description

A whole fried red snapper recipe that emphasizes proper preparation through scoring and marination. The fish is simply seasoned, dredged in seasoned flour, and deep-fried until golden and crispy, finished with a bright splash of lemon juice.

Ingredients

To create delicious fried red snapper fish recipes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Red snapper filets or whole fish (1½-1¾ pounds each)
All-purpose flour or rice flour for dredging
Eggs (for egg wash)
Panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
Sea salt and black pepper
Garlic powder and onion powder
Dried oregano
Paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Lime or lemon juice
Light olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil for frying

For a Caribbean-inspired twist, you can add:

Goya adobo seasoning
Allspice
Ground ginger
Ground mustard

Remember, the key to a crispy fried snapper filet is in the seasoning and coating. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. Don’t forget to have some lemon wedges and homemade tartar sauce or remoulade on hand for serving with your fried whole red snapper.

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Instructions

Step 1: Pat the red snapper dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Make 3-4 diagonal slits on both sides of the fish to allow seasoning to penetrate.

Step 3: Season the fish, including the cavity, with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 4: Let the seasoned fish marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Heat 5 cups of vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet to 350°F.

Step 6: Dredge the fish in seasoned flour for a crispy exterior.

Step 7: Carefully place the fish in the hot oil and fry for 4 minutes on each side.

Step 8: Use tongs to submerge the tail end while cooking.

Step 9: Remove the fried whole red snapper and place it on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 10: Check for doneness by ensuring the flesh is no longer translucent and easily flakes.

Step 11: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the crispy fried snapper filet before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Fried

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

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