Kenyan Grilled Red Snapper, Swahili Spice

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Stone Town

📍 Where this dish comes from: Zanzibar, Tanzania · Stone Town
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Kenyan Grilled Red Snapper, Swahili Spice, plated and ready to serve

Whole grilled fish, simply seasoned and cooked hot and fast over charcoal, is a constant along Kenya’s Swahili coast. This version uses a quick spice paste built on the coast’s signature warm spices, letting the char and smoke carry as much of the flavor as the marinade does.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Kenyan Grilled Red Snapper, Swahili Spice

Kenyan Grilled Red Snapper, Swahili Spice

Whole red snapper marinated in a Swahili spice paste and grilled simply over charcoal — coastal Kenyan cooking at its most direct.
Print Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: East African
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 280kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 whole red snapper (about 1.5 lb each) cleaned and scaled
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil melted
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Score each fish 2–3 times on both sides with a sharp knife.
  • Whisk coconut oil, curry powder, turmeric, garlic, and lemon juice into a paste.
  • Rub the paste generously over and inside each fish, including into the scored cuts.
  • Marinate at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Grill over medium-high heat, 6–7 minutes per side, until the flesh flakes easily and the skin is charred.
  • Season with salt, top with cilantro, and serve hot with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 280kcal | Protein: 31g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g
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Cooking Kenyan Grilled Red Snapper, Swahili Spice in the kitchen

Health Benefits

  • Red snapper is a lean source of complete protein along with selenium and vitamin B6.
  • Turmeric’s curcumin content has been studied for anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Lemon juice adds vitamin C to round out the dish’s nutrient profile.

Pairs Well With

  • Kenyan Kachumbari (Tomato & Onion Salad)
  • Kenyan Roasted Root Vegetables, Rift Valley Style
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