Bokotoro Recipe (Fresh Water Turtle)

While the preparation of traditional dishes is an important aspect of our culinary heritage, it’s crucial to approach recipes involving protected or endangered species with sensitivity and awareness. The Bokotoro, or freshwater turtle, may be subject to conservation efforts and legal protections that limit or prohibit their use in cooking in many places due to declining populations and the threat of extinction.

In Belize, the freshwater turtle Hicatee, Dermatemys mawii, Central American river turtle, or Tortuga Blanca is critically endangered. Adult hicatee grow 14 to 25 inches. Do not buy turtle meat or curios made with turtle shells.

Ingredients:

• 1 Medium Sized Bokotoro
• 1 Tbsp Black Pepper
• Vinegar or Lime Juice for cleaning
• 1 Large Onion, finely chopped
• 1 Ball of Red Recado (Annatto), dissolved in a bit of water or vinegar to make a paste
• 1 Tbsp Thyme, fresh if available
• 1 Tbsp Culantro, finely chopped (or Cilantro as a substitute)
• 1 Tsp Oregano, dried
• 3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Coconut Oil, for frying
• A dash of Coconut Cream, to keep the meat moist

Bokotoro Recipe Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Carefully remove the turtle’s head and with a sharp knife cut around the hard shell. Pry the shell apart from the meat.
   • Fillet the meat from the shell with precision, ensuring to retain as much meat as possible.
2. Cleaning:
   • Soak the turtle meat in a solution of vinegar (or lime juice) and water to clean. This also helps in tenderizing the meat.
3. Skinning:
   • In a large pot heat water until scalding but not boiling. Blanch the turtle meat in hot water to facilitate the removal of the skin.
4. Marinating:
   • Cut the cleaned meat into bite-sized pieces. Season well with black pepper, dissolved red recado, thyme, culantro, oregano, and minced garlic. Add salt according to taste.
   • Allow the turtle meat to marinate for at least 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
5. Cooking:
   • In a cast-iron skillet, heat a generous amount of coconut oil over medium heat.
   • Add the marinated turtle meat to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, to ensure even browning.
   • As the meat cooks, add a dash of coconut cream to prevent it from drying out. The coconut cream will also add a rich flavor and tenderize the meat further.
   • Continue cooking for approximately 40 to 50 minutes, or until the meat is tender and well-cooked. Adjust the seasoning as needed during cooking, adding more spice to taste.
6. Serving:
   • Serve the Belizean Bokotoro hot, accompanied by rice, beans, or handmade tortillas for a complete meal.

Editor’s Note:

This recipe is intended for archival and cultural preservation purposes. It’s important to ensure that any use of wildlife in cooking complies with local and international conservation laws and ethical standards. In the United States turtles are harvested for meat (Amazon).

While exploring traditional recipes and the rich culinary heritage of Belize, it’s crucial to acknowledge the environmental and conservation challenges faced by native species such as the Hicatee turtle. Originally thriving in river habitats of southern Mexico, northern Guatemala, and coastal lowland Belize, the Hicatee turtle populations are now under severe threat. Despite formal protections, these creatures have vanished from neighboring countries and are in decline within Belize due to overhunting and habitat loss.

We all have a role to play in reversing this trend and ensuring the survival of the Hicatee. Here’s how you can help:

• Do not buy turtle meat, as this contributes to the demand that drives overhunting.
• Refrain from buying jewelry made from turtle shells, another factor that endangers turtle populations.
• Protect turtle nests and nesting sites by not disturbing them; these are crucial for the continuation of their species.
• Safely move turtles off roads if you see them in harm’s way, helping to prevent road fatalities.
• Remember that Hicatees are protected by law, and respecting these regulations is essential for their conservation.
• Support conservation efforts by getting involved with or donating to organizations like the National Hicatee Conservation and Monitoring Network, which works to protect these invaluable creatures and their habitats.

By taking these actions, you contribute to the preservation of the Hicatee and the biodiversity of Belize. Together, we can make a difference for future generations to enjoy the natural and cultural treasures of our world.