Bahamian Conch Fritters
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Bahamian conch fritters are a beloved appetizer or snack. Made with fresh conch meat, vegetables, and a blend of spices, they are typically served with a zesty dipping sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 pound Conch meat(tenderized and finely chopped)
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 0.75 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.25 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 medium Scotch bonnet pepper(seeded and finely minced (or habanero))
- 0.5 cup Spanish onion(minced)
- 1 stalk Celery stalk(chopped)
- 0.5 medium Green bell pepper(seeded and minced)
- 0.5 medium Red bell pepper(seeded and minced)
- 2 count Large eggs
- 0.5 cup Club soda
- 0.5 cup Light beer((or other light beer))
- 1 quart Peanut oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the conch: If using fresh conch, tenderize it by pounding with a meat mallet to about 1/4 inch thickness. Finely mince the conch meat to about 1/4 inch dice. Alternatively, pulse in a food processor a few times to break it down further.
- 2
In a food processor, combine the minced conch, scotch bonnet pepper, minced onion, chopped celery, minced green bell pepper, and minced red bell pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
- 3
In a medium bowl, combine the conch and vegetable mixture with the eggs and fresh thyme. Stir to combine.
- 4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- 5
Add the dry ingredients to the conch and vegetable mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
- 6
Stir in the club soda and beer until you have a thick, unctuous batter.
- 7
Heat the peanut oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°-375°F (175°-190°C).
- 8
Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, carefully drop portions of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
- 9
Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- 10
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Conch meat can be tough if not properly tenderized. Pounding and mincing are key steps.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓If conch is unavailable, other seafood like lobster or imitation crab can be substituted.
🔄 Variations
- Serve with a dipping sauce made from ketchup, lime juice, mayonnaise, and hot sauce.
- Add a pinch of curry powder to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of flavor.