Cajun Fried Snapper with Spicy Dipping Sauce June 23, 2026
This Cajun fried snapper delivers serious Southern flavor with a crispy, spiced crust and an even spicier dipping sauce. Bold, flaky, and done in under 30 minutes. Check out the original recipe here.
Ingredients
- 700–900g fresh snapper fillets, patted dry
- 125g plain flour
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
Spicy Dipping Sauce
- 250g mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) hot sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a shallow bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, hot sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to make the dipping sauce.
- Pat the snapper fillets dry with paper towels.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan to 175–190°C.
- Coat each fillet evenly in the Cajun flour mixture.
- Fry the fillets for 3–4 minutes on the first side until deep golden brown.
- Turn and cook for a further 2–3 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and lightly sprinkle with salt and lemon juice.
- Serve hot with the spicy dipping sauce.
Categories: Recipes