
Slow-Cooked Snapper with Chili and Lime
- Makes4 to 6 servings
- Cook Time1 hour
- Active time plus cooling25 minutes active
- 3
Pescado zarandeado is a grilled fish dish popular on Mexico's Pacific coast, particularly in the states of Sinaloa and Nayarit. We first sampled it in the town of San Vicente at Restaurante Bar Fernando, a casual eatery known for its outstanding rendition of the regional specialty. Traditionally, a fragrant, deep-red paste of dried chilies, tomato and achiote coats the flesh of a butterflied snapper or snook. Held in place by a grill basket, the fish is cooked slowly over coals until only lightly charred so its finished texture is tender yet meaty. To adapt pescado zarandeado for year-round cooking and simplify it for an oven method, we opted for skin-on fillets rather than a butterflied whole fish. (We stuck with snapper, though we also loved the texture of fluke and haddock.) To replicate the flavor of the seasoning paste, often made with hard-to-find cola de rata chilies, we rely on a combination of mild, fruity guajillo and smoky, raisin-y ancho, as well as soy sauce—an ingredient commonly used in the region’s cuisine. As for the achiote, we like paste form, made of achiote (also called annatto) seeds, spices and seasonings, condensed into a small brick. Look for it in the international aisle of well-stocked supermarkets, in Latin American grocery stores or online. If achiote paste is not available, sweet paprika lends a similar red hue but with different flavor nuances. The recipe yields twice as much chili paste as needed, so refrigerate the extra in an airtight container for up to a week. We like to slather it on ears of corn as they cook and use it to baste chops on the grill. If feeding a crowd, simply double the fish quantity and utilize all the paste. We like to serve the fish with lime wedges, warm corn tortillas and thinly sliced cucumber and red onion to add color, crunch and freshness.
Step 1
Place the chilies in a small heatproof bowl and add enough boiling water to cover. Cover and let stand until soft and pliable, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 275°F with a rack in the upper-middle position. Set a wire rack in a broiler-safe rimmed baking sheet.
Step 2
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chilies and 2 tablespoons of the soaking water to a blender; discard the remaining liquid. To the blender, add the lime juice, soy sauce, tomato paste, oil, achiote, oregano and ¼ teaspoon salt. Blend on high until thick and smooth, scraping the blender jar as needed. Reserve ¼ cup of the paste for brushing onto the fish; save the remainder for another use.
Step 3
Place the fish skin side down on the prepared rack. Brush the reserved paste evenly onto the flesh side of the fillet(s). Bake until the flesh flakes easily or the thickest part reaches 125°F, about 30 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven; heat the oven to broil.
Step 4
Return the baking sheet to the oven and broil until the fish is brown and charred in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. Using a thin metal spatula, transfer the fillet(s) to a serving platter. Sprinkle with flaky salt (if using) and serve with the lime wedges, cucumber, onion and tortillas.




