Mouth-Watering Pan-Seared Snapper: A Seafood Delight

Ingredients

  • 4 snapper fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Steps and instructions

  1. Rinse the snapper fillets under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the fillets to the skillet, skin side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
  5. Flip the fillets and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and lemon zest.
  7. Spoon the buttery sauce over the fillets before serving.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet to sear the snapper fillets.
  • Paper towel - To pat dry the snapper fillets before seasoning.
  • Tongs - To flip the snapper fillets while cooking.
  • Knife - To mince the garlic cloves.
  • Spatula - To remove the cooked snapper fillets from the skillet.
  • Lemon squeezer - A tool to extract fresh lemon juice.
  • Grater - To zest the lemon for added flavor.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of fish, such as grouper or red snapper, instead of snapper fillets.
  • Add a crust to the fish by coating the fillets in breadcrumbs, crushed nuts, or a mixture of herbs and spices before cooking.
  • Try using a different type of oil, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, instead of olive oil.
  • Experiment with different seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs to add more flavor to the fish.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for dusting the fillets.
  • Make it dairy-free by substituting the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or olive oil.
  • Add a touch of heat by sprinkling some red pepper flakes or drizzling hot sauce over the cooked fish.
  • For a meat-free option, use firm tofu or tempeh instead of fish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Recipe overview

This delicious Pan-Seared Snapper recipe is a quick and easy way to prepare this flavorful fish. With its crispy skin and buttery, lemon-garlic sauce, it's sure to be a hit with seafood lovers. The fish is first seasoned with salt and pepper, then pan-seared to perfection, creating a crispy skin while keeping the inside moist and tender. The dish is finished with a lemony, garlicky butter sauce that complements the delicate flavor of the snapper beautifully. With simple ingredients and steps, this dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a special occasion.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of fish instead of snapper? Yes, you can use other firm white fish fillets such as grouper or cod as a substitute for snapper in this recipe.
  2. Do I need to remove the skin from the snapper fillets? No, you do not need to remove the skin. Pan-searing the snapper with the skin on adds flavor and helps to keep the fish moist.
  3. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh? While fresh parsley is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with dried parsley if needed. However, use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more potent than fresh herbs.
  4. What can I serve with pan-seared snapper? Pan-seared snapper pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
  5. Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your personal preferences.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Snapper, a popular fish in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for generations. Its distinct flavor and firm texture make it a favorite choice for a variety of dishes, including the pan-seared snapper. Interestingly, the term "snapper" is actually a general term that can refer to almost 100 different species of fish, many of which are not even closely related. So, when you're savoring a beautifully cooked pan-seared snapper, you're also tasting a piece of the rich biodiversity of our oceans.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.