Belizean Stuffed Red Snapper Recipe

In Belize, it is common to see a young boy carrying a large fish down the lane. These days fisherfolk catch fresh fish by hand line and spearfishing. The local fish markets on Saturday morning will typically have beautiful fresh fish like red snapper. This recipe also works with other Belizean fish like grouper, and hogfish. Traditionally, the biggest fish are the ones selected for stuffing. The larger cavity allows for more stuffing and of course, fish means whole fish, including the head. Growing up in Belize this dish was reserved for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Easter.

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serves: 4

Belizean Stuffed Red Snapper Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 whole red snapper (6 to 7 lbs), cleaned and scaled
• 5 slices of bacon
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 1 large cup of bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons of margarine
• 1/4 cup each of finely chopped onion, celery, and green peppers

Instructions:

1. Preparation of the Fish: Begin by prepping your red snapper. After scaling and cleaning, rinse the fish with fresh lime juice. Lightly coat the outside with salad oil, and season the inside cavity with salt and pepper for added flavor.
2. Making the Dressing: In a skillet, melt the margarine over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, celery, and green pepper until they are tender and aromatic. Combine this mixture with the bread crumbs, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful dressing for the snapper.
3. Stuffing the Snapper: Carefully stuff the red snapper with your freshly prepared dressing. To secure the stuffing, either sew the opening or use poultry skewers.
4. Baking the Snapper: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish lined with foil, lay four slices of bacon and a layer of onion rings. Place the stuffed snapper on top. Garnish it with tomato slices, onion, and the remaining bacon slice.
5. Cooking to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for about 15 minutes. For a perfectly browned top, remove the foil towards the end of baking and broil briefly.
6. Serving: Serve your Belizean Stuffed Red Snapper hot, accompanied by fresh lime wedges. This dish pairs wonderfully with a potato salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutritional Information per Serving

• Calories: 823
• Fat: 16.8 g
• Protein: 517 g

Enjoy the authentic flavors of Belize with this Stuffed Red Snapper recipe, a true testament to the rich and vibrant culinary heritage of Belizean cuisine. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.