Baked Whole Red Snapper
A flavorful baked red snapper dish featuring fresh herbs, tomatoes, and lemon, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a simple yet tasty Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have the head and fins removed from the fish.
- Crumble bay leaves and place inside the cavity of the fish.
- Place the fish in a lightly greased lined baking pan.
- Combine remaining ingredients—onion, red pepper, parsley, thyme, tomatoes, white wine, lemon juice, salt, and pepper—and pour over the fish.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes, basting often with sauce until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding garlic or olives to the vegetable mixture. You can substitute the red snapper with other firm white fish like sea bass or grouper if needed. If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried parsley or thyme can work in a pinch, but reduce the amount to maintain balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked red snapper with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like grilled vegetables or quinoa. A chilled glass of white wine enhances the flavors, making it a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked red snapper can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Whole Red Snapper contains roughly 362 calories, with 13g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (220% of the Daily Value), iron (164% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 755mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen red snapper for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen red snapper, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. This will help it cook evenly and maintain its texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
How do I know when the fish is done cooking?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the fish, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
What can I serve with baked red snapper?
Baked red snapper goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or a light couscous salad. A drizzle of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs will elevate the dish further.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).