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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
20-Min Lemon Snoek Braai
casualfreshsouth-africanfishcrispytenderjuicyweeknight

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Pat snoek dry with paper towels. Season generously inside and out with salt and black pepper.

  2. Step 2

    Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high until it shimmers, about 90 seconds.

  3. Step 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. Step 4

    Flip the fish. Add minced garlic around the pan and cook 2–3 minutes more until flesh is opaque and flakes easily.

  5. Step 5

    Cut lemon into wedges. Char them cut-side down in the skillet for 60 seconds until caramelized.

  6. Step 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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