20-Min Lemon Snoek Braai
Whole snoek seasoned simply and seared skin-side down until crispy, finished with charred lemon and a drizzle of chili oil. South African beach-house dinner in 20 minutes.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 48g
Ingredients
- 2 fillets or 1 whole fish, 1.5–2 lbs whole snoek (cleaned, gutted)
- 1.5 whole lemon
- 2 tbsp chili oil or hot oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or dill, chopped)
Instructions
- 1
Pat snoek dry with paper towels. Season generously inside and out with salt and black pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high until it shimmers, about 90 seconds.
- 3
Lay snoek skin-side down in the skillet. Don't move it. Sear for 6–8 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.
- 4
Flip the fish. Add minced garlic around the pan and cook 2–3 minutes more until flesh is opaque and flakes easily.
- 5
Cut lemon into wedges. Char them cut-side down in the skillet for 60 seconds until caramelized.
- 6
Slide snoek onto a plate. Drizzle with chili oil, scatter herbs and charred lemon wedges on top. Serve immediately.
Tools you’ll need
- 12-inch cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan
- paper towels
- cutting board
- knife
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