Island Snapper Pouches

A Taste of Caribbean Cuisine

The Island Snapper Pouch is a unique and flavorful dish that brings together the freshness of the Caribbean with an easy-to-prepare cooking method. This dish is inspired by traditional Caribbean cooking techniques, emphasizing fresh spices, herbs, and local fish such as the snapper. Cooking fish in pouches, or en papillote as the French call it, has been a favored method around the world for centuries. It's quick, keeps the fish moist by steaming, and enhances the flavors by capturing the aroma in a sealed environment. In the Caribbean, islanders have adapted this method with their local ingredients including fresh herbs and citrus, creating a dish that's both aromatic and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Snapper fillets
• Lime
• Fresh cilantro
• Thyme
• Scotch bonnet pepper
• Garlic cloves
• Ginger
• Olive oil
• Red onion
• Bell pepper
• Tomato
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Parchment paper

Preparation

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), or equivalent cooking time if using a convection oven. Rinse the snapper fillets under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels, and set aside. Slice the lime into thin rounds. Chop the cilantro, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, and peel and chop the ginger, red onion, and bell pepper. Dice the tomato into small cubes. Combine the herbs, spices, and aromatics in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of olive oil along with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir the mixture until well combined, creating a chunky marinade.

Cooking Process

For each fillet, cut a large piece of parchment paper that is at least twice the size of the fish. Place the fish in the center of the parchment, season lightly again with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Top each fillet with two or three slices of lime and an equal portion of the chopped herb mixture. Fold the parchment over the fish to make a pouch, crimping the edges tightly to seal in the steam. Place the pouches on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it's done.

How to Enjoy

Island Snapper Pouches are best enjoyed immediately after cooking. Carefully open the pouches to release the fragrant steam before serving. Pair each pouch with a side of steamed rice or quinoa and a light salad for a complete meal. The vibrant flavors from herbs and spicy scotch bonnet pepper combine to make each bite delightful. For a truly immersive experience, enjoy with a cold tropical drink such as a coconut water or a rum punch, and let the tastes transport you to the Bahamas!