Snapper Roll-Ups
Delicate snapper fillets are filled with a flavorful shrimp and vegetable mixture, rolled up and baked to perfection. Ideal for seafood lovers and elegant dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 snapper fillets (about 8 oz. each) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 stick butter ⓘ
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine salt, cayenne, garlic powder, and basil; rub half of this spice mix onto each snapper fillet.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and green pepper; cook until soft.
- Add the remaining seasonings and chopped shrimp; cook until shrimp are pink.
- Stir in seasoned bread crumbs and mix well.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a small bowl, beat egg and mix with Parmesan cheese.
- Add the egg mixture to the shrimp mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and chill for about 30 minutes.
- Spoon equal amounts of the mixture onto each seasoned fillet.
- Roll up each fillet jelly roll style and secure with a toothpick.
- Place the roll-ups in a shallow baking pan.
- Sprinkle with chicken broth.
- Bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the shrimp mixture before chilling. If you don't have snapper, other white fish like cod or tilapia can be substituted. Ensure the fish fillets are evenly seasoned for maximum flavor. Use fresh herbs if available, as they enhance the dish's freshness, similar to the essence found in Cajun Onion Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Snapper Roll-Ups with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a light meal. They pair beautifully with Grits And Greens for a comforting Southern twist. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top just before serving can elevate the flavors even further.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Snapper Roll-Ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain their texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the fish rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snapper Roll-Ups contains roughly 528 calories, with 36g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2740mg per serving (119% 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 prepare the roll-ups in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Snapper Roll-Ups ahead of time. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste when you bake them.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If you prefer not to use shrimp, you can substitute it with crab meat or even a mix of finely chopped vegetables for a vegetarian option. This will still provide a delicious filling while keeping the dish light and flavorful.
How do I know when the fish is done?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F. Keep an eye on the roll-ups during baking to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry fish. A fork test is a reliable method to check doneness.
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).