Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsFlying FishSnapper Veracruz Recipe

Snapper Veracruz Recipe

Inspired by Flying Fish
Time1h
Serves4

Whole snapper, deep fried and Served with grilled zucchini, grilled squash, white rice and lime. Comes with a side of our House-made Veracruz sauce.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

Grilled Vegetables

White Rice

Veracruz Sauce

Garnish

Method

Preparing the Snapper

  1. 1

    Clean the Snapper

    Rinse the whole snapper under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure to remove any scales and innards.

  2. 2

    Season the Snapper

    Rub the entire fish with salt and black pepper. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

  3. 3

    Deep Fry the Snapper

    In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the snapper and fry for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Grilling the Vegetables

  1. 4

    Prepare the Zucchini and Squash

    Cut the zucchini and yellow squash into thick slices. In a bowl, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

  2. 5

    Grill the Vegetables

    Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the zucchini and squash slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until tender and slightly charred. Remove from heat.

Cooking the White Rice

  1. 6

    Rinse the Rice

    Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

  2. 7

    Cook the Rice

    In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.

Making the Veracruz Sauce

  1. 8

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

  2. 9

    Add Tomatoes and Other Ingredients

    Chop the tomatoes and add them to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir in green olives, capers, lime juice, and salt. Let simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving.

Serving

  1. 10

    Plate the Dish

    On a serving plate, place a portion of white rice, grilled zucchini, and squash. Top with the deep-fried snapper and drizzle with Veracruz sauce. Garnish with lime wedges.

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