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by The Team
Here’s a simple snapper recipe: Basket-steamed snapper from Manettas.
Snapper is a versatile fish, which presents itself as a blank canvas for a range of flavours and textures. For any seafood enthusiast, the thought of preparing a delicious snapper dish is an exciting prospect.
In this guide, we’ll explore the essentials of cooking snapper, from choosing quality fish to mastering diverse cooking techniques.
Snapper is a prized fish known for its great taste and lean, flaky texture. Found in both tropical and subtropical waters, snapper is an easy favourite among seafood lovers. This fish is mildly sweet, making it an excellent base for a variety of flavour profiles.
When opting for a whole snapper, look for clear, bright eyes and shiny skin. The scales should be intact and glistening. The flesh should bounce back when pressed, indicating freshness.
Ask your fishmonger to clean and scale it for you. Or, choose the easier, more convenient route and order from a trusted online marketplace like Manettas, which can deliver fresh snapper to your location.
Baked or barbecued, whole snapper is a treat.
If you prefer the convenience of fish fillets, choose ones with a translucent appearance and a fresh, ocean-like smell. The flesh should be moist and resilient to the touch. Quality snapper fillets should be free of any discolouration.
If you like your fish less oily, try snapper fillets.
Fresh snapper offers a mild, slightly sweet flavour with a hint of nuttiness. The flesh is tender and flaky, making it an ideal choice for a variety of cooking methods. Its versatility allows it to pair well with a range of seasonings, from zesty lemon to aromatic herbs.
Grilling snapper is a delightful way to enhance its natural flavours. Start by brushing the fillets with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper and a hint of garlic powder. Grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until the flesh flakes easily. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty kick.
Get your grill ready for these extra-large snapper sides available at Manettas.
Baking is a convenient method that ensures even cooking. Lay your snapper fillets in a baking dish, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper and a dash of fresh lemon juice. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 62°C.
Check out this baked snapper version from Manettas. Visit the page for more snapper recipes.
For a quick and delicious meal, pan-searing is the way to go. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of olive oil and season your snapper fillets with salt, pepper and a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
If you prefer oven cooking but want to switch it up, try a delicious recipe like baked snapper with a flavourful butter sauce. Mix melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Pour the sauce over the snapper fillets in a baking dish and bake until the fish flakes easily.
Air frying is a modern and efficient method for cooking fish like snapper. Season the fillets with your favourite spices, place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 190°C for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result? Crispy, perfectly cooked snapper with minimal effort.
Butterflying refers to a method of preparing and cooking snapper fish. The term ‘butterflied’ in this context typically means that the fish has been split open along the backbone, allowing it to be opened flat, resembling butterfly wings.
This preparation method is often used for grilling or baking, as it allows for more even cooking and faster preparation. The butterflied snapper can be seasoned or marinated before cooking to enhance its flavour.
Butterflied snapper from Manettas: Butterflied for your convenience and delivered to your doorstep.
Complement the delightful flavours of the whole fish with well-chosen side dishes. Here are some options to serve alongside the snapper:
To keep snapper fresh, store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator and consume it within two days. For longer storage, wrap fillets tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
Snapper is a delightful choice for anyone seeking a delicious and easy-to-cook seafood option. Whether you prefer the simplicity of grilled red snapper or the tenderness of baked snapper, this white fish offers a canvas for culinary creativity.
Using the cooking techniques discussed in this blog, you can create restaurant-quality snapper dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen. Start right by ordering your ingredients from trusted seafood suppliers like Manettas.
