Baked Whole Red Snapper Recipe

Looking to create an impressive seafood dish with minimal effort? This Baked Whole Red Snapper recipe is the answer! With its simple preparation and bold flavors, this dish brings the taste of restaurant-quality seafood right to your table. Perfect for any skill level, this recipe will have you feeling like a pro in no time.

Want to try your hand at preparing a whole fish but feeling intimidated? No need to fear, this recipe for Baked Whole Red Snapper couldn’t be any easier!

Why You’ll Love Baked Whole Red Snapper

• Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. You’ll feel accomplished without breaking a sweat!
• Bold, Fresh Flavors: The combination of garlic, lemon, and olive oil enhances the natural taste of red snapper, creating a dish that’s both simple and flavorful.
• Impressive Presentation: Serving a whole fish makes an elegant statement, whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Your guests will be amazed at your culinary skills!
• Healthy and Nutrient-Rich: Packed with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, red snapper is a nutritious choice that fits into gluten-free, keto, and paleo diets.
• Versatile Pairings: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, from fresh salads to roasted veggies, making it adaptable for any meal.

Banish your doubts, this recipe for a baked whole fish is incredibly delicious and incredibly easy. Looking at a whole fish can leave anyone feeling a little intimidated, but there is no need with this tasty main dish. Full of flavor without all the fuss, this Baked Whole Red Snapper is a great way to wow any dinner guest!

Ingredients for Baked Whole Red Snapper

• Whole Red Snapper – Fresh, cleaned red snapper is the star of this dish, offering a mild, sweet flavor.
• Olive Oil – Adds a rich, smooth texture while helping to crisp the skin.
• Garlic – Minced garlic infuses the fish with bold, savory notes.
• Lemon – Sliced lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the fish.
• Salt and Pepper – These simple seasonings enhance the natural taste of the red snapper.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

With just a few ingredients and a few steps you can have a whole fish ready to enjoy. You can’t beat a recipe this easy and tasty. This Baked Whole Red Snapper comes out perfectly every single time and is the easiest thing to prepare ever. I pinkie promise you are going to feel like a five-star chef when you serve up this recipe. Simply season your fish and pop it into the oven and you are done! That is all there is to it! Then serve it and wait for the compliments to roll in.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Baked Whole Red Snapper

• Oven: Essential for baking the fish to perfection.
• Non-Stick Baking Sheet: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of the fish and keeps the baking sheet clean.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning measurements.

Are you ready to hear how simple this Baked Whole Red Snapper is to prepare? Great, let’s do it. All you’re going to need is two whole red snapper fish cleaned, some olive oil, garlic cloves, one sliced lemon, and salt and pepper. Easy, right? Now for the preparation. Preheat your oven and put the snapper on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Pour the olive oil over the red snapper and rub it all over the skin. Next, rub the snapper with salt, pepper, and minsed garlic. Make sure to rub inside the cavity. Put the lemon sliced inside the fish cavity before putting the pan in the oven. Bake your red snapper for thirty minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

So much flavor with so little elbow grease. This recipe is simple, which is what I find results in the absolute best fish. You are going to love the way this Baked Whole Red Snapper tastes as much as you love how easy it is to prepare.

Want to make it even easier? Got an Instant Pot? You can make red snapper (or any whole fish for that matter!) in it, too. Check out my Instant Pot Whole Fish recipe to learn more. Whether using the oven or the Instant Pot, you are sure to love this take on red snapper!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this baked whole red snapper with a side of roasted vegetables for a wholesome, balanced meal.
• Pair it with a Kale and Apple salad and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon dressing for a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Add a scoop of herbed rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful juices.
• For a Mediterranean twist, accompany the fish with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Choose Fresh Fish: Look for red snapper with clear eyes and shiny, firm skin. Fresh fish ensures the best flavor and texture.
• Proper Cleaning: If your fish isn’t pre-cleaned, ask your fishmonger to clean and scale it. A properly cleaned fish is easier to season and cook.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and garlic. Rubbing the seasonings inside the cavity and on the skin ensures every bite is flavorful.
• Monitor Baking Time: Overbaking can dry out the fish. Check for doneness by testing if the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
• Line Your Baking Sheet: Using parchment paper makes cleanup effortless and prevents sticking.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary inside the cavity for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serving Warm: Serve the fish immediately after baking for the best texture and taste.

Variations and Substitutions

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to the cavity along with the lemon slices for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle the fish with red pepper flakes or add a few slices of fresh chili for a hint of heat.
• Citrus Options: Swap the lemon for orange or lime slices to give the fish a unique citrus flavor.
• Garlic Alternative: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available, though fresh garlic adds a more robust taste.
• Vegetable Bed: Bake the fish on a bed of sliced onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for a one-pan meal that absorbs all the delicious juices.
• Butter Addition: Dot the fish with small amounts of butter for a richer flavor profile.
• Different Fish: Substitute the red snapper with other whole fish like branzino, trout, or tilapia if preferred.
• Dietary Adaptations: For a lower sodium option, reduce the salt or use a salt substitute.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Allow the fish to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the fish in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating in the Oven: Place the fish on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
• Reheating in the Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover the fish with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals (30 seconds at a time) to avoid overcooking.
• Serving Cold: Leftover red snapper can also be served cold in a salad or as a topping for crackers with a squeeze of lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat the skin of the red snapper?

Yes, you can eat the skin if it has been properly scaled. The skin crisps up beautifully when baked and adds texture to the dish. However, it’s a matter of personal preference.

How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?

The fish is done when the flesh easily flakes with a fork. Additionally, the internal temperature should reach 145°F at the thickest part.

Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the fish in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even seasoning and proper cooking.

What side dishes pair well with baked red snapper?

This fish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, herbed rice, fresh salads, or a side of garlic bread.

What other seasonings can I use?

You can experiment with paprika, cumin, or a mix of Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.

Other Easy Fish Recipes

Crispy Fried Grouper Recipe: This grouper recipe delivers perfectly golden, crispy fillets with a juicy, tender inside for a seafood dish everyone will love.

Oven-Baked Catfish Bites: These bite-sized catfish nuggets are seasoned to perfection and baked for a crispy, flavorful, and healthier option.

Parmesan Crusted Cod Fillet Recipe: A crunchy parmesan coating elevates tender cod fillets into a deliciously elegant and easy-to-make dish.

Simple Fish Tacos With Mango Salsa: These fresh fish tacos are topped with a vibrant, tangy mango salsa for the ultimate flavor-packed meal.

Tilapia Sandwich With Creamy Coleslaw: Flaky tilapia and a tangy coleslaw come together in this satisfying and easy-to-prepare sandwich.

Lemon Pepper Baked Fish Recipe: This zesty baked fish recipe features bold lemon pepper seasoning for a light and flavorful meal.

Enhancing Jarred Gefilte Fish Tips: Learn simple tips to elevate the flavor and presentation of jarred gefilte fish for an upgraded experience.

Have red snapper fillets instead of the whole fish?  Check out my recipe for how to cook red snapper fillets with chili-lime seasoning!