Blackened Red Snapper is a delicious and flavorful dish that you can easily prepare at home. This recipe combines the bold flavors of spices with the delicate taste of red snapper. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends.
The blackening technique involves coating the fish with a spice rub and then cooking it in a hot skillet, resulting in a crispy and seasoned exterior. Get ready to enjoy a tasty seafood experience with this Blackened Red Snapper recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
This Blackened Red Snapper recipe is a culinary delight that combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The blackening technique, which involves seasoning the fish with a blend of herbs and spices and then searing it in a hot skillet, creates a beautifully charred crust on the outside while keeping the flesh moist and tender on the inside. The combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and garlic powder gives the dish a rich and smoky flavor profile that complements the natural sweetness of the red snapper.
What makes this recipe truly outstanding is its versatility and simplicity. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe is approachable and easy to follow. The spice rub is quick to prepare and adds a depth of flavor to the fish without overpowering it. Additionally, red snapper is a delicious and sustainable choice of fish, known for its mild and delicate taste. By using this recipe, you can elevate the snapper's flavors and turn a simple weeknight meal into a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Red Snapper Fish: This white-fleshed fish is mild and slightly sweet, making it perfect for the bold flavors of blackening spices. If you can't find red snapper, you can substitute with other firm white fish like cod, halibut, or grouper.
Blackening Spice Mix: This spice mix typically contains paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. It gives the fish a spicy, robust flavor. You can make your own mix or buy a pre-made one from the grocery store.
Butter:It's used to coat the fish before applying the blackening spices and also for cooking. It provides richness and helps the spices stick to the fish. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you could use olive oil instead.
Lemon: The acidity of lemon juice balances the heat from the blackening spices and adds a nice freshness to the dish. Lime could be a good substitute if lemons are not available.
Fresh Parsley:It's used for garnishing. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the spicy fish. If parsley isn't your thing, you can try cilantro or chives instead.
Tips
Make sure the fish is completely dry before applying the butter and spices. This ensures the spices stick properly and the fish gets a good sear.
- Don't be shy with the blackening spices. They should completely cover the fish to create a flavorful crust.
- Cook the fish in a very hot skillet to achieve the blackened, slightly charred exterior.
- Avoid moving the fish around too much while it's cooking. Let it sear undisturbed to get that nice crust.
- Always clean the skillet between batches to prevent burnt spices from sticking to the next batch of fish.
How to Serve
Blackened red snapper is a versatile dish that can be served in a number of ways. It's hearty enough to stand alone, or it can be the star of a more complex meal. Pair it with a cool, crisp salad to balance out the heat, or serve it over a bed of creamy grits or rice to make it a more filling meal.
- Taco Style: Use the blackened red snapper as a filling for fish tacos. Add some coleslaw, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and satisfying meal.
- With Corn Salsa: A fresh corn salsa with a mix of sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and avocado can add a bright, summery touch to the dish.
- Over Cajun Pasta: Cook some pasta and toss it with a creamy Cajun sauce. Place your blackened snapper over the pasta for a hearty and delicious meal.
Similar Recipes
Blackened Redfish
Ingredients
- 4 red snapper fillets
- 4 tablespoons blackening spice mix
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the snapper fillets dry and brush each side with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the blackening spices evenly over both sides of the fillets.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once it's very hot, add the fillets.
- Cook the fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the spices are blackened and the fish is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition
Notes
- Make sure the fish is completely dry before applying the butter and spices. This ensures the spices stick properly and the fish gets a good sear.
- Don't be shy with the blackening spices. They should completely cover the fish to create a flavorful crust.
- Cook the fish in a very hot skillet to achieve the blackened, slightly charred exterior.
- Avoid moving the fish around too much while it's cooking. Let it sear undisturbed to get that nice crust.
- Always clean the skillet between batches to prevent burnt spices from sticking to the next batch of fish.