If you’ve ever cruised the Abacos, you probably have a similar collection of conch shells on board. Conch is a plentiful island treat that you don’t find in all places of the world. Markets in the islands are scarce, expensive and lightly provisioned so any opportunity to enjoy nature’s local bounty is welcome. Following is a recipe from our friend Anne who makes these frequently aboard Skookum.
Keep in mind that conch meat is tough so you’ll need to pound it. Any hammer will work!
Anne’s Conch Fritters
For a print-friendly recipe see below
Oil for frying
3/4 cup flour
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 cup chopped conch meat
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
Pound the conch meat to tenderize. Chop into small pieces. Mix flour, egg and milk. Add conch and vegetables.
Frying on a rocking boat needs to be done very carefully. Best to use a deep pan, filled with only an inch or so of oil. And be sure your stove is swinging free on its gimbal. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the heated oil.
Fry until golden.
Best served at anchor with a cocktail, a sunset… and a Barefoot Man CD.
Anne’s Conch Fritters
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups Canola oil
- 3/4 cup Flour
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 cup Conch meat, chopped
- 1/2 cup Onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup Green pepper, chopped
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper, or to taste
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pound the conch meat to tenderize. Chop into small pieces.
- Mix flour, egg and milk. Add conch and vegetables.
- Heat the oil in a large deep pan until hot. (until flour sizzles)
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into the heated oil. Fry until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel to absorb extra oil. Serve hot.
Notes

Ooo. That sounds good. I’ve never had it grilled. Next time I get my hands on some conch I’m going to try that. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
I looove conch! It’s such a treat 🙂
Do you have any favorite conch recipes you’d like to share? We’re always looking for good conch recipes!
Unfortunately, the only time I have conch is on vacation, since I’m from the SF Bay area 🙁
But one of my favorite ways I had it was grilled with a simple salt-pepper rub, you should try it!
Great suggestion! Do you have a preferred “hammer” method?
– Galley Pirates
Yum! Wish I had some conch fritters right now. Great tip I learned from my grandmother — put the conch in a quart-sized plastic freezer bag before pounding it. Makes much less of a mess that way.