Conch fritters Recipe – American Special
Conch fritters are a beloved dish from the Caribbean, especially popular in the Bahamas and other island nations. These tasty bites are crafted from tender conch meat, which is blended into a spiced batter and deep-fried to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time30 min
Conch fritters Ingredients:
- 1 lb conch meat (fresh or frozen, cleaned and chopped)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 small bell pepper (finely chopped, any color)
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
How to make Conch fritters:
Prepare the Conch: If using fresh conch, clean it thoroughly and chop it into small pieces. If using frozen, thaw it and then chop.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the beaten egg and milk into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Add Vegetables: Fold in the finely chopped onion, bell pepper, and parsley.
Incorporate the Conch: Gently fold the chopped conch meat into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 350°F or 175°C).
Fry the Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve: Serve the conch fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a tangy tartar sauce or a spicy ketchup.
Recipe Notes :
Texture: The batter should be thick but still spoonable. Adjust the flour or milk if needed to reach the right consistency.
Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.
Variations: Feel free to add other seasonings or ingredients to customize the flavor to your liking.
