Oven-Baked Whole Snapper Recipe: A Flavorful Seafood Delight

If you’re looking to impress your guests with a delicious and visually stunning seafood dish, this Oven-Baked Whole Snapper recipe is the perfect choice. Whole snapper, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, is baked to perfection, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for any special occasion or family dinner.

Ingredients

To make Oven-Baked Whole Snapper, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 whole snapper (about 2-3 pounds), cleaned and scaled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 small bunch fresh parsley
• 1 small bunch fresh thyme
• 1 small bunch fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken or fish broth
• Lemon wedges for serving

Preparation

Before you begin the cooking process, take the following preparation steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the whole snapper under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure it is properly cleaned and scaled by your fishmonger.
3. Score the fish’s skin on both sides with deep diagonal cuts. This will allow the flavors to penetrate and the fish to cook evenly.

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious dish:

1. Season the inside and outside of the snapper with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the snapper.
4. Stuff the cavity of the snapper with lemon slices, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, and fresh rosemary. These aromatic herbs will infuse the fish with wonderful flavors as it bakes.
5. In a large oven-safe baking dish or a cast-iron skillet, drizzle the olive oil.
6. Place the seasoned and stuffed snapper in the baking dish.
7. Pour the white wine and broth into the dish around the fish. This will help keep the fish moist and flavorful as it bakes.
8. Bake the snapper in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. For a 2-3 pound snapper, this should take around 40-60 minutes.
9. Once the fish is done baking, carefully transfer it to a serving platter.
10. Garnish the baked snapper with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.

Serving Your Oven-Baked Whole Snapper

Serve the Oven-Baked Whole Snapper as the centerpiece of your meal. You can pair it with steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or a side of rice or potatoes. Drizzle some of the cooking juices over the fish for extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Whole Snapper recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines simplicity with elegance. The tender, flaky fish infused with aromatic herbs and spices is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Whether it’s a special occasion or a delightful family dinner, this dish is a delightful choice for seafood lovers. Enjoy your flavorful Oven-Baked Whole Snapper!

Source: craftycookingbyanna.com