Description
This Baked Red Snapper with Garlic and Herbs is a flavorful and healthy seafood dish featuring tender snapper fillets marinated in a zesty blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and fresh herbs. Baked atop a bed of colorful vegetables and finished with butter and lemon slices, it offers a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, making it an ideal main course for a nutritious and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 2 snapper fillets
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic paste or 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh rosemary, basil, oregano, and thyme (or 1–2 types of dried herbs), about 1 tsp total
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- Lemon slices (for topping)
Vegetables
- Carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers (or other vegetables of choice), chopped, about 2–3 cups total
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the fish and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, garlic paste (or minced garlic), lemon pepper, paprika, black pepper, your choice of fresh or dried herbs, chili flakes if using, olive oil, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Fish: Pat the snapper fillets dry with a paper towel. Rub the prepared marinade generously over both sides of each fillet, leaving about 2 teaspoons of marinade aside for the vegetables.
- Season Vegetables: Toss the chopped carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers (or preferred vegetables) with the reserved 2 teaspoons of marinade. Place the seasoned vegetables evenly in a baking dish as the base for the fish.
- Assemble: Lay the marinated snapper fillets on top of the vegetables in the baking dish. Place 1 tablespoon of butter over each fillet and top with lemon slices to add richness and a fresh citrus aroma while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork, and the vegetables are tender.
Notes
- Adjust baking time according to the thickness of the snapper fillets to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh herbs give more vibrant flavor but dried herbs can be used if fresh are not available.
- Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or potatoes as desired.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
