Grilled Red Snapper

This delicious grilled red snapper is perfect for anyone who wants a healthy, flavorful dinner that’s ready in just 15 minutes! Your family will absolutely love the smoky spice blend that makes this fish taste like it came from a fancy restaurant.

Recipe Details

Timing & Servings: Active Time: 15 minutes, Total Time: 15 minutes, Serves: 4 people, Yield: 4 fillets.

Nutrition Profile: Low-Carb, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free, Omega-3, Soy-Free, High-Protein, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 185 Calories, 6g Fat, 3g Carbs, 30g Protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Smoked paprika: You’ll need 1 tablespoon of this amazing spice that gives the fish that wonderful smoky flavor. It’s the star of our spice blend!

Ground pepper: 1 teaspoon adds just the right amount of heat. Regular black pepper works perfectly here.

Onion powder: 1 teaspoon brings out that sweet, savory taste. It’s so much easier than chopping fresh onions for this quick recipe!

Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon gives you all that garlicky goodness without any prep work. I always keep this in my spice cabinet.

Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon adds a lovely Mediterranean touch. The dried version works great for grilling since it won’t burn as easily.

Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon brings an earthy, fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with fish. It’s one of my favorite herbs for seafood!

Salt: Just ½ teaspoon helps all the other flavors pop. You can use regular table salt or sea salt.

Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon gives a gentle kick of heat. Don’t worry – it’s not too spicy, just perfectly warming!

Red snapper fillets: 4 pieces that are 5 ounces each, boneless and skinless. Ask your fish counter to prepare them for you if needed!

Extra-virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon helps the spices stick and keeps the fish moist. Plus it adds great flavor.

Lemon wedges: 8 wedges for serving because that bright citrus makes everything taste even better!

How to Make Grilled Red Snapper

Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F to 450°F. Mix the smoked paprika, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl. This spice blend smells absolutely amazing!

Step 2: Brush both sides of your fish fillets with the olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each fillet. Press the spices gently with your hands so they stick really well.

Step 3: Oil your grill grates so the fish won’t stick. Place the seasoned fillets on the grill and cover with the lid. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Check that the thickest part of the fish reaches 145°F with a meat thermometer. Serve immediately with those fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top!

Easy and Quick Grilled Red Snapper Version

Want to make this even faster? You can use 2 tablespoons of your favorite seafood seasoning instead of mixing all the individual spices! Just brush the fish with oil, sprinkle on the pre-made seasoning, and grill the same way. It saves you a few minutes and still tastes fantastic!

Serving Ideas

This grilled red snapper makes a complete, healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with some grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful plate. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully too!

Storage

Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in the coldest part of your fridge, away from the door. To reheat, use your oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes – never use the microwave as it dries out the fish!

Substitutions

No red snapper? You can use mahi-mahi, grouper, or any firm white fish instead! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine. You can also swap the cayenne for a pinch of red pepper flakes if that’s what you have on hand.

Pro Tips

• Don’t flip too early: Let the fish cook for the full 3-5 minutes before flipping so it doesn’t stick to the grates.
• Oil those grates: Use tongs and a paper towel dipped in oil to coat the grill grates really well.
• Fresh is best: Try to cook your red snapper within 24 hours of buying it for the best flavor and texture.
• Press those spices: Really press that seasoning blend into the fish so it creates a flavorful crust when grilled.

FAQs

What is red snapper?

Red snapper is a firm white fish with reddish-pink skin that has a sweet, mild flavor. You can find it fresh or frozen at most well-stocked seafood counters. Its gentle taste works great with lots of different seasonings, which is why chefs and home cooks love it so much!

How should I buy red snapper?

Freshness is super important with seafood! Try to cook your red snapper within a day of buying it. You can buy it whole or as fillets – fillets are much quicker and easier for this recipe. The skin actually crisps up nicely when cooked, so you don’t need to remove it unless you want to.

What should I serve with red snapper?

This grilled fish pairs perfectly with so many sides! Try grilled vegetables, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh salad. You can even grill everything at the same time to keep it simple. The lemon wedges are a must – that citrus really makes the flavors pop!

How do I know when the fish is done?

Sure! The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F on a meat thermometer in the thickest part. It should look opaque all the way through, not translucent. Don’t worry if you’re new to grilling fish – you’ve got this!

I hope you love this simple grilled red snapper as much as my family does! Let me know how it turns out for you and if you try any fun variations. Happy grilling, friends!