Caribbean Red Snapper in Passion Fruit and Smoky Pepper Sauce with Golden Yuca

Name: Caribbean Red Snapper in Passion Fruit and Smoky Pepper Sauce with Golden Yuca
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Comida Caribeña
Ingredients: 24 oz red snapper fillets; 1.5 lb peeled yuca; 2/3 cup passion fruit pulp; 1 cup roasted red bell pepper; 1 cup red onion; 1 tbsp garlic; 3 tbsp lime juice; 3 tbsp coconut oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp fresh thyme; 1 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp fresh hot chili; 2 tsp brown sugar; 1/2 cup fish stock or water; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro; 4 wedges lime wedges

An original Caribbean dish featuring pan-seared red snapper fillets with a bright passion fruit and smoky pepper sauce, served with yuca that is crisp outside and tender inside. It balances acidity, fruity sweetness, and warm spice, making it a vibrant tropical main course.

20 minPrep

35 minCook

55 minTotal

4Servings

Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

680 g red snapper fillets (4 filetes, skinless if preferred)
700 g peeled yuca (cut en bastones gruesos)
160 ml passion fruit pulp (with or without semillas)
150 g roasted red bell pepper (in strips)
120 g red onion (en pluma fina)
18 g garlic (chopped fino)
45 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
45 ml coconut oil (divided)
28 g butter (for enriquecer the sauce)
4 g fresh thyme (solo the leaves)
2 g ground cumin
4 g smoked paprika
10 g fresh hot chili (chopped, optional)
8 g brown sugar
120 ml fish stock or water
8 g salt (or to taste)
2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
12 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
4 unit lime wedges (for servir)

Nutrition facts

per serving

480 kcal

Calories

34 g

Protein

35 g

Carbs

22 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

31 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

DairyFish

Instructions

1
Place the yuca in a pot with enough water to cover and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, until tender but not falling apart. Drain, remove the fibrous core if needed, and set aside.
2
While the yuca cooks, pat the red snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Season them with 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon lime juice.
3
Heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, fresh hot chili, and remaining smoked paprika; cook 1 minute more.
4
Add the roasted red bell pepper, passion fruit pulp, fish stock or water, brown sugar, fresh thyme, and 1 more tablespoon lime juice. Cook over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, until the sauce reduces slightly.
5
Lower the heat and stir in the butter until melted and the sauce turns glossy. Taste and adjust with a little more salt if needed. Keep the sauce warm over very low heat.
6
In another large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil over medium-high heat. Brown the cooked yuca for 6 to 8 minutes, turning it, until golden on the outside. Season with a pinch of salt and keep warm.
7
If you prefer to finish the fish in the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with any residual coconut oil from the pan. Cook the red snapper for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until browned.
8
Flip the red snapper fillets and cook 2 to 3 minutes more over medium heat, or transfer the skillet to the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 4 minutes, until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily.
9
Serve a portion of golden yuca on each plate. Set a red snapper fillet on top or alongside, spoon over the passion fruit and smoky pepper sauce, finish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the dish.

Chef tips

For a smoother sauce, you can blend the roasted pepper with the passion fruit pulp and stock before cooking. Do not overcook the red snapper so it stays juicy.

Substitutions

You can substitute the red snapper with grouper, sea bass, or firm tilapia. The yuca can be replaced with roasted ripe plantain, though the result will be sweeter. If you do not want heat, omit the fresh chili.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
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Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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