Pescado Frito

Name: Pescado Frito
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Dominican
Ingredients: 2 whole red snappers, cleaned and scored; Juice of 4 limes; 6 cloves garlic, mashed into paste; 1 cup flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper; Vegetable oil for deep frying

Pescado Frito (pes-KAH-do FREE-to)

Dominican Fried Whole Fish

⏱ Prep Time 45 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 378 kcal

Whole red snapper marinated in lime and garlic, dredged in seasoned flour, and deep-fried until the skin is shatteringly crispy while the flesh stays moist.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 34.0g

Carbs 20.0g

Fat 18.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish ⚠ gluten

Equipment Needed

large deep skillet sharp knife paper towels

Presentation Guide

Vessel: oval platter

Garnishes: lime wedges, sliced onion rings

Accompaniments: tostones, ensalada verde

Ingredients

2 whole red snappers, cleaned and scored
Juice of 4 limes
6 cloves garlic, mashed into paste
1 cup flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions

1
Clean fish and make deep diagonal cuts on both sides. Rub inside and out with lime juice and garlic paste. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2
Marinate fish for twenty minutes to let the lime and garlic penetrate the scores.
3
Mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge fish thoroughly in seasoned flour.
4
Heat oil in a large deep skillet to 180C. Carefully lower fish into hot oil using tongs.
5
Fry six to eight minutes per side until skin is deep golden and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 63C.
6
Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately on a platter with tostones and a fresh salad.

💡

Did You Know?

On Sundays, Dominican families flock to beach towns like Boca Chica where rows of beachside shacks compete for who serves the best pescado frito.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large deep skillet
sharp knife
paper towels

Garnishing

lime wedges, sliced onion rings

Accompaniments

tostones, ensalada verde

The Story Behind Pescado Frito

Pescado frito is the soul food of the Dominican coast, a dish inseparable from Sunday beach outings and seaside culture. The country is surrounded by waters rich with snapper, grouper, and other reef fish, and the tradition of frying whole fish dates back centuries. The simple preparation lets the quality of the fresh catch speak for itself, with the lime and garlic marinade providing just enough flavor to complement without overpowering the natural sweetness of the fish.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch at beachside restaurants 📜 Origins: Coastal Dominican tradition

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