A spiced batter littered with fresh conch meat is deep fried until golden. These conch fritters are a little taste of the islands that are downright addicting!

I’m proud to have partnered with Princess Cruises to bring you this recipe.

I think one of the best ways to see the Caribbean is to cruise the Caribbean!  There is so much to love about cruising, but one of the best things is to be able to tour several different islands or countries in one trip.

I was recently on a Caribbean Cruise on board the Caribbean Princess with Princess Cruises.  On board, you can enjoy world-class dining, first-rate spas, and relaxations spaces, the first and only Ocean Medallion, as well as luxurious accommodations.  Between the destinations and the onboard experiences, the Caribbean Princess will make your vacation dreams come true!

On our recent getaway, we had the privilege of touring San Juan Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos.  During each stop, you have to ability to book a variety of touring excursions or explore the islands on your own.

For the last stop of the week (Turks and Caicos) my husband and I opted for a whale watching experience. This was a new excursion for the area.  I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t realize that humpback whales made their way to the Caribbean, so I was a bit skeptical. But it was gorgeous, and the water was magnificent, so I had nothing to lose.

Whale watching turned out to be one of my favorite excursions!  The trip was scenic, to say the least; I don’t think photos can truly capture the hue of the water.  But we were treated to a little mommy and baby humpback whale play time. The two drifted in an out of the water around us, to the delight of us all!  The whole experience was magnificent!

I didn’t think the day could get any better, but the conch fritters we ate on the beach were the icing on the cake!

Where Did Conch Fritters Originate?

Conch Fritters are indigenous to the Bahamas but are served all over the Caribbean but even make an appearance in Florida, specifically the Florida Keys.

How Are Conch Fritters Made?

This conch fritter recipe starts by combining conch meat, finely chopped bell peppers (green peppers are more traditional, but I prefer the colorful yellow, red, or orange peppers), garlic, flour, and cornmeal in a large mixing bowl.

Stir in milk, paprika, salt, ground thyme, and cayenne pepper until combined.  

A word on the conch, I was able to find conch frozen at a local seafood market.  Check your local seafood specialty stores. It may be a little pricey as it can be hard to get, but it can be kept in the freezer to be used anytime you are craving these little fritters!

Crab meat, lobster, or shrimp can be used in place of the conch meat.

In a pinch, conch can be ordered online!

I like to use a small cookie scoop to drop the batter into the hot oil.

I use regular vegetable oil that is heated to roughly 350 degrees.  You know your oil is ready for frying when you stick the end of a wooden spoon in the hot oil and tiny bubbles form around the spoon.

Carefully drop the batter into the oil.  I only add 3 or 4 spoonfuls of batter at a time. Overcrowding your the pan will lower your oil temperature.

Fry the fritter just until they are golden brown.  You may have to turn them in the oil; making sure they cook evenly.  Remove the fritters and place them on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet to drain.

What Sauce Goes With Conch Fritters?

I like to serve up my homemade fritters with an effortless dipping sauce!  In a bowl, whisk together mayo, lime juice, and a pinch of paprika. I found that was all the seasoning that was needed but feel free to add salt and pepper or even red pepper or hot sauce if you prefer.

How To Reheat Conch Fritters

The best way to reheat conch fritters is to place the fritters on a baking sheet and reheat them in a 350-degree oven for 10-12 minutes.  I would not use the microwave as the fritters will get chewy.

Conch fritters are excellent finger food; they are fun, easy to make and give you a little taste of island life!  

Serve these fritters with an authentic rum punch recipe, with Catfish Bites, and this Green Goddes Dip to cool things down.  Be sure to finish off the meal with this Pineapple Rum Cake! 

Ready for more fritters? Try these corn fritters and these cauliflower fritters!

For more on this cruise or other destinations and ship, visit Princess.com

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Conch Fritters

Yield: 24

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Seasoned conch fritters are fried until golden brown and served up with a spicy dipping sauce!

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Ingredients

• Veggie oil
• 1 lb minced conch meat
• ½ cup finely chopped bell peppers
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Sauce
• ¼ cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. In a large, deep pot, heat oil until it reached 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine the conch meat, bell peppers, garlic, flour, and cornmeal.
3. In a measuring cup, whisk together the milk and the egg. Add the egg mixture to the conch mixture and stir until combined.
4. Season batter with paprika, salt, thyme, and cayenne.
5. Using a small cookie scoop, drop batter by spoonfuls into the hot oil.
6. Cook fritter 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown, turning often.
7. Remove fritters to a paper towel lined baking sheet to drain.
8. Repeat with remaining batter.
9. For the sauce, whisk together the mayo, lime juice and paprika.

Nutrition Information

Yield 24 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 87 Total Fat 4g Saturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 0g Unsaturated Fat 3g Cholesterol 26mg Sodium 121mg Carbohydrates 6g Fiber 0g Sugar 0g Protein 7g