Whole Fried Snapper with Prune XO Sauce
Enjoy this fried snapper served with rice, Thai basil, and an XO sauce made with California Prunes created by Chef Mikel Anthony. This creative recipe uses California Prunes to replace the sugar in XO sauce, a spicy seafood sauce with the depth of umami.
What is XO Sauce?
XO Sauce is a condiment made with dried seafood, shallots, garlic, chile and oil that imparts a distinctive umami to any dish. It’s smoky, salty and subtly sweet. In this recipe, Chef Mikel used prunes to add a natural sweetness to this iconic sauce.
Why we love this fried snapper recipe
This dish is relatively simple to prepare and full of big flavors. Frying the fish whole results in a deliciously crispy exterior that seals in juices and flavors.
Whole Fried Snapper with Prune XO Sauce
Chef Mikel AnthonyIngredients
For the XO Sauce
- ½ lbs CA Prunes
- 6-8 ounces Dried scallops
- 6-8 ounces Dried Shrimp
- 4-6 ounces Prosciutto
- 6-10 ea. Thai chilies
- 8-10 ea. Garlic cloves
- 3 ea. Shallots whole
- ½ cup Soy sauce
- 1 cup Vegetable oil
For the Fried Snapper
- 1 whole Snapper
- Tapioca starch
Instructions
To make the XO Sauce
- Place dried scallop and shrimp in separate containers and cover with boiling hot water. When soft, set aside liquid and chop or grind in a mortar and pestle. Slice prosciutto into like-sized pieces. Set everything aside.
- Mince garlic, chile, and slice prunes and shallots thin.
- Saute garlic, chile, and shallots, add rest of ½ cup (120 ml) oil. Add scallops, shrimp, prosciutto and prunes. Saute/shallow fry for 3-4 minutes. Add the liquid from reconstituting the shrimp and scallops. Add more oil if the ingredients aren’t covered. Cook down on a simmer 45 min-1 hr, low and slow. This sauce is meant to be oily. Don’t be afraid. It’s like a chunky umami chile oil.
To make the Fried Snapper
- Slice into the fish slightly at an angle. Season the outside of the fish with salt and dredge with tapioca starch. Fry at 350 F (180C) until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with Thai basil and white rice.
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