This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My red snapper recipe is grilled or pan-fried to perfection! Ready in just 6 minutes, the fish is moist and flaky and does not taste “fishy” at all!
Love simply cooked white fish? Try my rainbow trout, Chilean sea bass, grouper, or pan-fried orange roughy next.
There is nothing more delicious than freshly grilled or pan-fried fish. Just ask my family—they request it almost every week! One of our absolute favorites is my simple red snapper recipe. It doesn’t need much to make it shine, and it works on the grill or the stovetop—you pick!
What is red snapper?
Red snapper is a white fish with a rosy and firm texture. It’s commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern Atlantic coast of the United States. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT red. It’s also available in most places but tends to be a little more popular during the warmer months (source).
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Quick and easy. It takes just 10 minutes to make! It’s also the perfect fish to cook if you are intimidated by cooking seafood.
- Minimal ingredients. The best kinds of fish don’t need excessive seasonings or marinades to make it shine, and red snapper is no different.
- Healthy and wholesome. Red snapper is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids and has very little saturated fat (source).
- There are multiple cooking options. I love to cook this fish on the grill or in a hot skillet, but I’ve included tips for oven-baking it too.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“To me, cooking fish can sometimes be intimidating, but this recipe is so easy! I came out perfectly flakey and juicy. The Red Snapper is great on its own, and I think I’ll try it in fish tacos too!” – Elaine
Ingredients needed
- Red snapper. Unless you are cooking a whole red snapper (which works too!), choose equal-sized fillets. I find the fishmonger to be your starting point for buying this fish because they are generally de-boned and much fresher than any grocery store.
- Extra-virgin olive oil. Or any oil.
- Kosher salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Lemon wedges and parsley. For serving.
- Optional spices. Paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, and Cajun seasoning are all fun additions.
How to cook red snapper
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Pat dry the fish with a paper towel to remove excess liquid. Rub olive oil on the fish generously, then add salt and pepper.
Step 2- Cook. Heat a grill and brush the grill grates with oil or grease a cast iron skillet. Add the fish and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the sides become slightly opaque. Flip the fish and cook for a further 2 minutes.
Step 3- Season and serve. Remove the fish from the grill, drizzle some lemon juice on top, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
Alternative cooking methods
As I said earlier, I find grilling or using a skillet to be the easiest way to cook snapper, but I’ve included my tested method for the oven, too.
Oven method: Once the fish is seasoned, place the fillets on a wire-rimmed baking sheet. Bake the snapper for 17-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Do not overcook the fish. Like most white fish, a few minutes on each side is plenty. You can also use a meat thermometer to check. Safe-to-eat snapper should have an internal temperature of 145F (as per the FDA).
- Flip the fish carefully. While more sturdy than other fish, red snapper is still quite delicate, so be careful when flipping it. I find a rubber spatula to be so much easier to use than a metallic one!
- Don’t oversalt. Oversalting the fish before it’s fully cooked will see it lose some moisture, which in turn can yield a brittle fish. Remember, you can always season it once it is cooked.
- Don’t overcrowd. If you cook your fish in a grill pan or cast iron skillet, add enough fillets to cover a single layer of the pan. If needed, cook the fish in batches.
- Use frozen red snapper if you can’t find fresh fillets. I recommend thawing them overnight in the fridge before seasoning.
Serving ideas!
Simple salads and vegetable dishes are best paired with snapper. Some of my family’s favorites include keto coleslaw, cauliflower mashed potatoes, cauliflower potato salad, and a spinach salad.
For something a little more hearty, try my cauliflower casserole, air fryer baked potato, air fryer French fries, or crispy jicama fries.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled snapper in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating: Either reheat the snapper on the grill or a non-stick pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Red snapper has a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor.
You’ll know the fish is done when the red flesh changes to white. To confirm, use a fork to flake off the thickest part of the fish. If it breaks easily, your fish is done and ready to serve.
Each 4-ounce fillet of cooked red snapper has just 120 calories.
More easy seafood dinners
- Baked sockeye salmon
- Pan seared salmon
- Grilled tilapia
- Grilled mahi mahi
- Pan-seared monkfish
- Barramundi
- Or any of these seafood recipes
6-Minute Red Snapper Recipe
Video
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat down the red snapper with a paper towel to ensure there is no excess liquid.
- Generously rub both sides of the fish with olive oil. Sprinkle the salt and pepper.
- Heat the grill to medium/high and ensure the grill is clean. Brush more oil over the top. Alternatively, grease a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet.v
- Add the snapper and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sides go slightly opaque. Flip the fish and cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Remove the red snapper from the heat and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published May 2022, updated and republished June 2024
Such a simple and delicious way to cook red snapper!
Wow, the RED SNAPPER recipe like so much. First time I learn how to make the recipe. I will try it at home. Thank you.
To me, cooking fish can sometimes be intimidating, bur this recipe is so easy! I came out perfectly flakey and juicy. The Red Snapper is great on it’s own and I think ill try is in fish tacos too!