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    Seafood Recipes » Grilled Whole Red Snapper

    Grilled Whole Red Snapper

    Posted On January 25, 2021 By Mirlene Last updated December 16, 2021 19 Comments

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    grilled red snapper Recipe Pin

    Fish is one of the speediest healthy dinner options around, and this Grilled Red Snapper recipe is no different, requiring minimal prep and just a few ingredients.

    • grilled red snapper, onion, lemon, and herb in dish

    Grilling adds even more flavor to this tasty dish, and is a quick and simple cooking method that anyone can master. If you’ve never eaten red snapper before, this is a great introductory recipe without much fuss that enhances the subtle, natural taste of the fish.

    Whole Red Snapper

    This pretty red fish is a popular ingredient thanks to its sweet, slightly nutty taste and moist yet firm flesh.

     

    Both low calorie and high protein, it also boasts plenty of vitamins and minerals and also contains all 9 essential amino acids.

    • Closeup grilled snapper with onions and herbs

    While you may not be able to find it in every store, you can certainly find it at Whole Foods, online and definitely at your local fish market.

    When buying your red snapper, look for a fish with deep red fins and healthy looking gills. This recipe can be made with both whole and filleted red snapper (although the cooking time will differ).

    For fillets, always buy them with the skin on. The skin not only adds flavor but will help keep the fillet together when grilling. There are also some possibilities when buying already prepared skin-off fillets that they may not be red snappers at all.

    How Do I Know When Grilled Red Snapper Is Done?

    You can tell that your fish is done when the flesh is opaque and can be easily pulled apart with a fork.

    • Grilled fish on cutting board

    If you want to be on the safe side, you can always check the internal temperature with a thermometer. It should register 145 degrees F at the thickest part to be considered safe to eat.

    If you are using fillets instead of the whole fish, you will want to grill them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on the size of the fish.

    • fish, onion, and lemon on grill

    While it’s important to make sure it’s cooked through, try your best not to overdo it. Overcooked red snapper will completely transform from tender and moist to rubbery and dry and won’t be anywhere near as pleasant to eat.

    What Can I Serve It With?

    Whole grilled red snapper makes for a deliciously light and healthy meal, so it is perfectly accompanied with simply grilled vegetables, a green garden salad, Yuca fries, and some crispy potatoes.

    If you are after something a bit more substantial, then a Caribbean inspired rice and beans, fried plantain or sweet potato fries would also be a great accompaniment.

    If you want to make it spicy, consider pairing it with this Shito Pepper.

    How To Store The Fish?

    Let any leftovers cool before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator it will be good for up to 3 days, or it can be frozen and kept for up to 3 months (as long as it wasn’t already frozen when you bought it).

    • grilled red snapper, onion, lemon, and herb in dish

    As fish is prone to drying out when reheated, you might prefer to use your leftovers in a chowder or a bouillabaisse instead of eating them on their own.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

    How to grill whole red snapper?

    To grill red snapper, be sure to first clean and season the fish. Next grill the red snapper on both sides until the temperature reaches 145 degrees F at the thickest part of the fish.

    What’s the best seasoning for red snapper?

    Red snapper is delicious with creole seasoning, jerk seasoning, or Haitian Epis.

    What’s the best temperature for grilling red snapper?

    When it comes to grilling, consider setting the temperature of the grill to medium-high between 350-400 degrees.

    Haitian Food To Pair It With

    You can use the Jerk seasoning to prepare the fish. It’s also great to when paired seasoned with Haitian Epis.

    If you love this red snapper recipe, try the fried red snapper next and consider paring it with these Haitian Foods Recipes listed below:

    Haitian Black Rice

    Haitian Pikliz

    Okra Rice

    We would love to know if you tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.

    Please follow us on YouTube to see all of our latest videos!

    Closeup grilled snapper with onions and herbs

    Grilled Red Snapper

    Savory Thoughts
    Fish is one of the speediest healthy dinner options around, and this Grilled Red Snapper recipe is no different, requiring minimal prep and just a few ingredients.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 36 mins
    Total Time 51 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine Caribbean, Haitian
    Servings 4 People
    Calories 97 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 Lbs. Whole Red Snapper
    • 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
    • 1 Tbsp. Allspice
    • 1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder
    • 1 Tbsp. Parsley Flakes
    • 1 Tsp. Kosher Salt
    • 1 Tsp. Ground Pepper
    • 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
    • ¼ Cup Rice Vinegar

    Instructions
     

    • Gather the ingredients and clean the fish properly.
      list of ingredients
    • Take the cleaned whole red snapper and make two slits on each side. Set aside.
      slicing fish on both sides on cutting board
    • In a medium bowl, add the Chili Powder, Allspice, Garlic Powder, Parsley Flakes, Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Olive Oil, and Rice Vinegar. Mix well to combine.
      seasoning in white bowl with whisk
    • Use a pastry brush to add the seasoning all over the fish, including inside the slits.
      applying seasoning to fish
    • Spray the grill with oil and grill the fish for 18 minutes per side, or until the temperature reaches 145° F.
      Serve warm and enjoy!
      fish, onion, and lemon on grill

    Video

    Notes

    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera icon so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
     
    **** Calories are estimated per serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4PeopleCalories: 97kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 345mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 13IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 4mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Daria

      October 18, 2022 at 9:59 pm

      can it be done with scales on? I have a whole red snapper that has been gutted but not scaled.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        October 29, 2022 at 10:38 pm

        Hi Daria,
        No. please do not cook it with the scale on. It will ruin your dish and you will not enjoy it. Please clean your fish appropriately before cooking it. Let us know if you have any other questions.

        Reply
    2. Maria

      July 06, 2022 at 12:56 am

      5 stars
      Amazing! I have to admit that when I saw allspice on the ingredients I was hesitant about it but decided to give a try anyways since it had great reviews. All I can say is that it’s the best whole snapper I’ve ever had! I’m from South America and snapper is on the menu often but none like this one. I served it with rice and “encurtido de cebolla” and it was just delicious. What a great flavor! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 15, 2022 at 2:55 am

        Thank you so much, Maria!

        Reply
    3. Steve

      May 24, 2022 at 11:34 pm

      5 stars
      I just discovered this recipe.
      The combination of ingredients in the wet rub intrigued me. Other than the cooking time (which I reduced to 6 minutes per side) I followed your recipe.
      It was excellent! Very good flavor, perfect for grilled whole snapper. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        May 25, 2022 at 2:03 pm

        Thank you so much, Steve. I am so glad to hear that.
        ~ Mirlene

        Reply
    4. Andrea

      April 28, 2022 at 11:56 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! Love all the seasonings used on this incredible looking grilled snapper. Definitely will be trying this.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        May 01, 2022 at 2:36 pm

        Thank you, Andrea

        Reply
    5. Anjali

      April 28, 2022 at 11:54 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like such a healthy, filling and easy weeknight dinner! Can’t wait to try it soon!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        May 01, 2022 at 2:38 pm

        Thank you, Anjali.

        Reply
    6. Sara

      April 28, 2022 at 9:34 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been looking for some new fish recipes, so glad I found this one! I will be trying this very soon!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        May 01, 2022 at 2:40 pm

        Thank you, Sara

        Reply
    7. Jess

      April 28, 2022 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great healthy option. Love it.

      Reply
    8. Colleen

      April 28, 2022 at 8:10 pm

      5 stars
      This grilled snapper turned out perfectly! So simple and so delicious. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    9. Sara Welch

      April 28, 2022 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      This was everything a gourmet meal should be, and then some! Turned out perfectly flavorful and delicious; worthy of a restaurant, indeed!

      Reply
      • Lewis

        January 23, 2023 at 2:11 am

        This recipe sounds great. Unfortunately the fresh seafood market around the corner is closed on Mondays so I guess I’ll have to wait until Tuesday. I’ll let you know how it turns out.

        Reply
        • Mirlene

          February 20, 2023 at 8:49 am

          Thank you, Lewis. Hope you enjoy it.

          Reply
    10. Kerry-ann

      January 25, 2021 at 6:06 pm

      5 stars
      This is so informative, thank you very much, I love snapper but I have never grilled it before. Going to definitely make it soon!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 28, 2021 at 3:49 am

        Thank you very much Kerry-Ann!

        Reply

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