5 Jamaican Red Snapper Recipes That Will Transport You To The Caribbean

As you delve into the vibrant and aromatic world of Jamaican cuisine, few dishes can encapsulate its essence quite like Jamaican Red Snapper. This fish, revered for its delicate flavor and firm, white flesh, is not just a staple in Jamaica but a culinary jewel waiting to be discovered by global palates. In this post, we'll explore five tantalizing Jamaican Red Snapper recipes that will bring the flavors of the Caribbean right to your kitchen.

🏖️ Traditional Jamaican Escovitch Red Snapper

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Jamaican Escovitch Red Snapper" alt="Jamaican Escovitch Red Snapper"> </div>

The Escovitch technique is a signature Jamaican cooking style, where the fish is fried and then topped with a spicy, tangy pickling sauce.

Ingredients:

• Red Snapper (whole or fillets)
• Salt, pepper, and all-purpose seasoning
• All-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying
• For the Escovitch sauce:
  • Onions, bell peppers, carrots, scotch bonnet pepper, vinegar, sugar, water, pimento berries

Method:

1. Prepare the Snapper: Clean, dry, and season the snapper. Dust with flour.

2. Fry: Heat oil and fry until golden brown.

3. Make the Sauce: In another pan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and pimento. Add sliced vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Combine: Pour the hot Escovitch sauce over the fried snapper.

<p class="pro-note">🌶 Note: Be careful with scotch bonnet peppers; they're extremely hot!</p>

🌿 Jerk Grilled Red Snapper with Mango Salsa

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Jerk spice paired with fresh mango brings a sweet-spicy balance that's quintessentially Caribbean.

Ingredients:

• Red Snapper fillets
• Jerk marinade (scotch bonnet, allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, etc.)
• Mango Salsa: diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper

Method:

1. Marinate: Coat snapper fillets with jerk marinade for at least an hour.

2. Grill: Grill until opaque and flaky.

3. Prepare Salsa: Combine salsa ingredients just before serving.

🌱 Coconut Curry Red Snapper

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A rich, creamy curry with hints of coconut, ideal for those who adore a creamy, mildly spiced dish.

Ingredients:

• Red Snapper (fillets or whole)
• Curry powder, allspice, thyme
• Coconut milk, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, bell peppers
• Cooking oil

Method:

1. Season: Season snapper with curry powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

2. Sauté: In a pot, cook onions, garlic, and ginger. Add vegetables and spices.

3. Cook: Add snapper, cover with coconut milk, and cook gently until done.

🔥 Pan-Seared Red Snapper with Spiced Rum Sauce

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An elegant dish that features the rich flavors of Jamaican spiced rum.

Ingredients:

• Red Snapper fillets
• Salt, pepper, all-purpose seasoning
• Dark rum, brown sugar, butter, garlic, thyme
• Lime zest

Method:

1. Sear: Pan-sear the seasoned snapper fillets.

2. Make Sauce: Deglaze the pan with rum, add sugar, butter, and thyme; cook until thickened.

🌼 Steamed Red Snapper with Bammy

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A traditional Jamaican dish where the simplicity of steaming allows the fish's flavors to shine, served alongside bammy, a flatbread made from cassava.

Ingredients:

• Whole Red Snapper or fillets
• Pimento (allspice), thyme, scallions, onions, garlic
• Lime juice, salt, pepper
• Bammy or another type of flatbread

Method:

1. Prep: Clean the snapper, make slits, and stuff with herbs and spices.

2. Steam: Steam until tender.

3. Serve: Serve with bammy, which can be soaked in coconut milk and fried or grilled.

The world of Jamaican cuisine is vast, and Red Snapper recipes like these offer a glimpse into its heart. Each dish brings a unique taste of the island, from the fiery zest of Escovitch to the creamy comfort of Coconut Curry. You can now bring the vibrancy and warmth of Jamaica to your table, whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just a casual weeknight dinner. These recipes are not just about eating food; they're about experiencing the culture, rhythm, and soul of Jamaica. Let these flavors transport you, evoke memories, or create new ones, all while you savor the distinct tastes of the Caribbean.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the origin of Escovitch?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Escovitch, also spelled escoveitch or escovietch, is a Jamaican dish whose origins can be traced back to Spanish and British influences, specifically the Spanish pickling technique of "Escabeche," which was adapted over time by Jamaicans to suit local tastes and ingredients.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use a different fish for these recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, while Red Snapper is traditional, you can substitute with other firm white fish like Grouper, Sea Bass, or Tilapia, keeping in mind the cooking time adjustments might be necessary due to different fish textures.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is Jerk seasoning?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Jerk seasoning is a flavorful blend of spices including allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, thyme, cinnamon, garlic, and more, used to marinate and flavor meats, poultry, and fish in Jamaican cuisine.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>