Crispy Whole Red Snapper with Charred Jalapeno-Basil Vinaigrette

Ingredients

Charred Jalapeno-Basil Vinaigrette:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 3 tablespoons diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons basil chiffonade
• 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Crispy Fish:

• 6 cups canola oil
• 4 whole red snapper (about 1 pound each) cleaned and scaled
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 4 cups seasoned rice flour
• 4 cups water

Grilled Vegetables:

• 1 red onion, sliced thick
• 1 eggplant, sliced thick
• 1 fennel, cut into 6 pieces
• 1 red pepper, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 yellow pepper, cut into 4 pieces
• Olive oil, to coat
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Directions

For the Charred Jalapeno-Basil Vinaigrette: Heat oil in a small saute pan until smoking. Add the jalapeno and cook until charred on all sides. Let the pepper cool and slice thinly. Place the pepper and the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until blended.

For the Crispy Fish: Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F. Pat fish on both sides with paper towels to insure that it is totally dry. Season the fish on both sides with salt and pepper. Mix rice flour and water together. Dredge both sides of each fish in the batter and tap off any excess. Slowly lower the fish into the oil and fry for 6 to 7 minutes. Carefully remove, drain on plate lined with paper towels and drizzle immediately with the vinaigrette.

For the Grilled Vegetables: Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt and pepper, and grill until tender.