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
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow pepper, minced
1 red pepper, minced
1 red onion, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 scotch bonnet, minced
1 tablespoon minced aji amarillo
1 fennel bulb, minced
Pinch saffron
1 cup amontillado Sherry
1 cup fish stock or clam juice
1 lime
1 bunch cilantro, pick leaves and chop stems