Description
This recipe celebrates the heart of Afro-Caribbean cooking—especially Haitian cuisine—by spotlighting epis, a deeply aromatic seasoning blend that infuses food with unmistakable warmth and depth.
Ingredients
For the Epis Seasoning:
Here is how I make my epis seasoning.
For the Fish & Potatoes:
- 2 whole red snapper (cleaned and scaled, about 1.5–2 lbs)
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes (or Yukon gold), halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Lemon or lime slices for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Epis
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. If needed, add a splash of water. Store any extra in a jar—it’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week, and you’ll find endless uses for it.
Step 2: Marinate the Snapper
Pat the red snapper dry. Score the fish on both sides with diagonal cuts, allowing the seasoning to penetrate deeply. Rub salt first then epis generously all over the fish, including inside the cavity and in the slits. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but preferably a few hours.
Step 3: Prep the Potatoes
Toss the halved potatoes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a couple of tablespoons of epis if you want to carry the flavor through the whole dish. Spread them out on a roasting pan or sheet tray around your fish.
Step 4: Roast
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the snapper on top of the potatoes or on a separate tray lined with parchment paper and sliced lemon. Add fresh thyme sprigs and lemon slices on top of the fish for added fragrance with butter.
Roast everything for about 25–30 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the potatoes are golden and tender. If the fish is thicker, it may need a few more minutes. You can finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes if you want a bit of char and extra crispiness on top.
Notes
Make It Your Own
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some ideas to customize it:
- Swap the red snapper for another firm white fish like sea bass, grouper, or tilapia.
- Add bell peppers and onions to the roasting pan for extra vegetables.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of white ones for a slightly sweeter flavor contrast.
- Grill the fish instead of roasting it if you’re cooking outdoors.