Created on September 27th, 2025 at 12:47 pm
Juicy inside, crispy outside, pure comfort!
This Whole Baked Snapper is the kind of recipe that looks gourmet but is surprisingly quick and easy. With juicy, flaky white flesh and a perfectly crisp, seasoned skin, this meal delivers serious flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you use yellowtail, red snapper, or another white fish, the results are always incredibly satisfying. The lemon-garlic herb butter seeps into every bite — all while roasting on a bed of citrus. It’s the ultimate Fall comfort food that brings the ocean to your table in under an hour. Perfect for family dinners or relaxed weekend feasts!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with how simple and reliable this recipe is. Don’t let the whole fish scare you — it’s easier than fillets and creates an unforgettable presentation. Packed with heart-healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh herbs, this meal also aligns with a wholesome lifestyle. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to pair with seasonal sides like roasted potatoes or a fresh harvest salad. Whether served hot or cold, this snapper is delightfully delicious — and leftovers (if any!) are just as good the next day.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 2–4
📝 Ingredients List
- 2 large whole snapper (or white fish like grouper, bass, tilapia, cod)
- 4 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Sea salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Fresh lemon slices
- Dry parsley
- Fresh parsley or herbs (for garnish)
- Optional: sliced onion (for stuffing)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Foil-lined baking sheet
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Rinse and pat dry fish thoroughly.
- Use a sharp knife to make 3+ diagonal slits on both sides of each fish. 🐟
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Brush this flavorful mix all over the fish — don’t skip the slits and inside cavity!
- Stuff the cavity with minced garlic, lemon slices, and optional onion.
- Insert lemon slices into slits.
- Sprinkle extra paprika, salt, and dry parsley on top.
- Roast for about 30 minutes or until the flesh flakes easily with a fork. 🔥
- Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice and pan drippings. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
🍋👨🍳🔥
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container. Best eaten cold or gently reheated the next day.
- Substitutions: Swap snapper with grouper, bass, halibut, or cod.
- Meal Prep: Season ahead and keep refrigerated up to 12 hours before baking.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with roasted root veggies, couscous, or a zesty fall salad.
📊 Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
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