Vegetable oil, for frying
1 (2 to 3 pound) whole snapper, remove center bones, keep head and tail intact
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Flour, for dusting
4 eggs beaten with 1 cup buttermilk, as an egg wash
Sofrito, recipe follows
Cilantro sprigs, for garnish
Extra-large skewers for shaping fish, but small enough to fit in the pot
In a large deep pot, fitted with a deep frying thermometer, preheat 5 inches oil to 325 degrees F.
Starting at the tail end, push the skewer crosswise just above the tail, and bend the fish into an "s" shape and attach the skewer through the head, just in front of the front fin.
Season the fish and dust with the flour. Place in the egg wash. Place back in the flour. Shake off excess.
Fry the fish at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper when removing from the fryer. Set on paper towels to drain oil. Serve with sofrito and garnish with cilantro.
