Belizean Conch Fritters
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these conch fritters are a popular appetizer or snack, featuring fresh conch meat blended with aromatic vegetables and spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Conch meat(cleaned and minced or finely chopped)
- 1.25 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 medium Sweet pepper(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 stalk Celery stalk(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 5 leaves Fresh herbs (cilantro, culantro, or parsley)(chopped)
- 0.25 small Habanero chili pepper(finely minced (optional, for heat))
- 1.5 cup Water(or as needed for batter consistency)
- Vegetable oil(for deep frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the minced conch meat, chopped sweet pepper, onion, celery, garlic, herbs, and optional habanero pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure all vegetables are finely chopped for even distribution. - 2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients can help prevent lumps. - 3
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the conch mixture, stirring until just combined. Slowly add water until a thick batter forms, similar to cake batter consistency.
💡 Tip: Do not overmix; overmixing can result in tough fritters. - 4
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until shimmering (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C).
💡 Tip: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for optimal frying. - 5
Carefully drop rounded tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- 6
Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Turn only when the edges are golden brown.
- 7
Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining batter.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce or a spicy aioli.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother batter, you can pulse the conch and vegetables in a food processor before combining with dry ingredients.
- ✓Ensure the conch is very finely minced or processed to avoid chewy pieces.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired batter consistency.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of lime juice to the batter for a brighter flavor.
- Serve with a side of Marie Sharp's hot sauce for an extra kick.