Freetown Fried Snapper with Spicy Onion-Pepper Gravy & Attiéké/Rice – Authentic Sierra Leone Recipe
Lumley Beach favorite pairing crispy ocean snapper with sweet-heat bell pepper and onion sauce.
- Country of Origin
- 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone (West Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Crisp turmeric-and-lime marinated snapper fillets, Caramelized onion, Bell pepper, Fresh lime, Garlic
Ingredients for Freetown Fried Snapper with Spicy Onion-Pepper Gravy & Attiéké/Rice (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) crisp turmeric-and-lime marinated snapper fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups caramelized onion, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup bell pepper
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh lime
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Sierra Leone seasoning (garlic, thyme, habanero pepper)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and fresh lime for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add crisp turmeric-and-lime marinated snapper fillets and caramelized onion along with garlic, thyme, habanero pepper, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with bell pepper and serve straight from the skillet.