Caribbean Style Fried Fish

Dive into the vibrant, tropical flavors of the Caribbean with this irresistible Caribbean-Style Fried Fish recipe. Featuring whole fish like snapper, sea bass, or tilapia, this dish is infused with bold spices and fresh aromatics, including scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, thyme, and green onion. The fish is marinated for ultimate flavor, lightly dredged in a seasoned flour mix with hints of paprika and allspice, then perfectly fried to golden, crispy perfection. Whether paired with classic sides like rice and peas, fried plantains, or a refreshing salad, this dish showcases the essence of Caribbean cuisine. Perfect for seafood enthusiasts seeking a flavorful, authentic experience at home!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized whole fish (snapper, sea bass, or tilapia)
• 1 lime
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 stalks green onion (scallion)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooking oil
• 3 tablespoons water

Directions

Step 1

Clean the fish by rinsing it under cold water and scrubbing with lime. Remove any scales, entrails, and gills as needed, then pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Score each fish on both sides with shallow diagonal cuts, about 1-inch apart. This will help the seasoning penetrate the flesh better.

Step 3

Mince the garlic and scotch bonnet pepper. Chop the green onions finely.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix the chopped green onions, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning mixture.

Step 5

Rub the seasoning mixture generously over the fish, inside the cavity, and into the scored cuts. Let the fish marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour if time allows).

Step 6

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, ground allspice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

Step 7

Dredge the seasoned fish lightly in the flour mixture, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 8

In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until shimmering.

Step 9

Carefully place the fish into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan if frying more than one fish (fry in batches if necessary).

Step 10

Fry the fish for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Handle gently when flipping to avoid breaking the fish.

Step 11

Remove the fish from the oil and let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 12

Serve the Caribbean-style fried fish immediately, garnished with lime wedges and additional fresh thyme. Enjoy with rice and peas, fried plantains, or fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1133.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3176.9

Total Fat 251.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 300mg	0%
Sodium 2734.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 108.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.9g	0%
Total Sugars 3.0g
Protein 135.6g	0%

Vitamin D 1200IU	0%
Calcium 160.6mg	0%
Iron 10.7mg	0%
Potassium 2225.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 69.8%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 13.5%