Guamanian Style Fried Crappie

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we incorporate Guamanian flavors and spices to transform the traditional Southern Fried Crappie into a unique Guamanian delight. The original recipe is enhanced with local ingredients such as annatto seeds, soy sauce, and coconut vinegar, which add a distinct island flair to the dish. The cooking technique remains the same, ensuring that the crappie fillets are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. We alse have the original recipe for Southern Fried Crappie, so you can check it out.

• 4 crappie fillets 4 crappie fillets
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon annatto seeds, ground 1/2 teaspoon annatto seeds, ground
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) coconut vinegar
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 0g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and ground annatto seeds.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and coconut vinegar.
3. 3.
   Dip each crappie fillet into the soy sauce mixture, then coat it evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the coated crappie fillets into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Remove the fried crappie fillets from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. 7.
   Serve hot and enjoy the Guamanian Style Fried Crappie with your favorite side dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Annatto seeds — Ground annatto seeds can be found in specialty spice stores or online. If unavailable, you can substitute with a pinch of turmeric for a similar color.
• Coconut vinegar — If coconut vinegar is not accessible, you can replace it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy crust, refrigerate the coated crappie fillets for 15 minutes before frying.
• Serve the Guamanian Style Fried Crappie with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the crappie fillets in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Guamanian Style Fried Crappie as a main dish alongside steamed white rice and a refreshing tropical salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy crappie fillets on a platter, drizzle with a homemade aioli sauce, and garnish with colorful edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation.