Belizean Fry Jacks Recipe

Fry Jacks are often found sharing a Belizean breakfast plate with beans and eggs. In my opinion, they are the star of the breakfast plate: warm, a little crispy, puffed and often topped with honey.

This recipe is easy, quick, and doesn’t require many ingredients… so have fun with it!

Belizean Fry Jacks Recipe Variations

There are a few variations for Fry Jacks depending on your region and personal preference: the shape they are cut into, and the liquid ingredient.  Some like their Fry Jacks in “triangles”: a dough circle is cut into quarters and then fried. Some like their Fry Jacks with a slit in the middle: the dough circle is cut in half and given a vertical slit. Some like the liquid ingredient to be water, some coconut milk, and others still substitute whole milk.  All versions of the Fry Jack are very delicious.

How do you like to make your fry jacks?  Leave us a comment, and let us know!

Prep Time 10 – 15 min

Cook Time 15 – 20 min

Yields about 21 fry jacks (if smaller) 

Fry Jack Ingredients

• 2 Cups (240g) – All-purpose Flour (or Gluten-free Flour for a gluten-free option)
• 3 Teaspoons (14g) – Baking Powder
• 1/4 Teaspoon (1.4g) – Salt
• 1 Tablespoon (15g) – Vegetable Shortening (or Coconut Oil for a vegan option)
• 1 Cup (240ml) – Water, Coconut Milk, or Whole Milk (use dairy-free milk for a vegan option)
• Oil for Frying (Vegetable Oil works well)

Belizean Fry Jacks Recipe

1. Pour approx. ½ of the oil into a skillet, and start heating it on the stovetop
2. Sift dry ingredients together: flour, salt, and baking powder
3. Add shortening
4. Add liquid (water, coconut milk, or milk) little by little mixing by hand.
5. The dough should be soft, and not sticky.
6. Knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth, and roll the dough into a sausage form.
7. Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes for the flufiest results
8. Pinch off handfuls. With this (small) batch, I pinch off 7 equal portions, this will make smaller Fry Jacks.
9. Using your fingertips on a lightly floured surface, work the dough into a round, flat pancake. Alternatively, many will grease a flat dinner plate and use that as a hard surface for this step.
10. Cut dough pancakes into quarters.
11. Test your oil, if it’s hot, you can start frying your first Fry Jack!

Make sure your oil is at the right temperature for frying!  Too hot, and it will start smoking, too cool, and your Fry Jacks will be soggy. When you drop them in the oil, they should make a sizzling noise, and bubbles should start to form and start racing up around them.

Fry Jack Serving Suggestions:

Serve with refried beans, scrambled eggs, or cheese for a delicious breakfast. Alternatively, enjoy them as a snack with a side of fresh fruit or honey. For a more savory twist, pair them with Belizean stewed chicken or stewed beef.

Tips and Tricks:

• Be sure to heat the oil to the right temperature for frying. Too hot, and it will start smoking, too cool, and your Fry Jacks will be soggy.
• Keep an eye on your Fry Jacks while frying, as they can brown quickly. Flip them to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• If your fry jacks are crunchy the reasons could be too much baking powder, or cooking oil not hot enough are the two most common reasons. Other reasons are insufficient kneading time, or too little resting time.

Variations:

Feel free to experiment with adding various herbs or spices to the dough for a unique flavor twist. You can also try stuffing the Fry Jacks with different toppings, such as beans, cheese, or even chocolate for a sweet treat.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

*Assuming 21 small Fry Jacks made from the original recipe, without variations or additional fillings, and using water instead of milk.

• Calories: 84 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 1.6g
• Fat: 3.2g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Sodium: 33mg
• Potassium: 80mg
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugar: 0.1g

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used, serving size, and cooking methods.

We’d love to hear about your experiences making Belizean Fry Jacks! Share your favorite fillings, tips, or modifications in the comments section below. If you enjoyed this recipe you may also enjoy our Belizean Flour tortillas recipe which is very similar (except for the frying).

Let’s build a community of Belize food lovers!