Description
This Baked Red Snapper with Garlic and Herbs recipe features tender snapper fillets infused with a flavorful blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, lemon pepper, paprika, and fresh herbs. Baked atop a bed of seasoned vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers, this dish is a healthy, aromatic, and easy-to-make meal perfect for a nutritious family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 2 snapper fillets
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic paste (or 3 cloves minced)
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh rosemary, basil, oregano, and thyme (or 1-2 types of dried herbs), amount to preference
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
Vegetables
- Carrots, chopped (quantity to preference)
- Tomatoes, chopped (quantity to preference)
- Bell peppers, chopped (quantity to preference)
- Lemon slices (2 slices, one per fillet)
- 1 tbsp butter per fillet (included above with fish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the snapper evenly and perfectly.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic paste, lemon pepper, paprika, black pepper, fresh or dried herbs, chili flakes (if using), olive oil, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade that will infuse the fish and vegetables.
- Marinate Fish: Pat the snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade generously over both sides of each fillet, reserving about 2 teaspoons of marinade for the vegetables to enhance their flavor.
- Season Vegetables: Toss the chopped carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers with the reserved marinade until well-coated. Arrange the vegetables evenly in a baking dish to create a flavorful base for the fish.
- Assemble: Lay the marinated snapper fillets on top of the bed of vegetables in the baking dish. Place 1 tablespoon of butter on each fillet and top each with a lemon slice to add moisture and a fresh citrus aroma as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 30 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender. Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- If using dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of each instead of fresh.
- Adjust chili flakes quantity based on your desired spice level or omit if you prefer mild flavors.
- You can substitute the vegetables with any of your favorite roasting veggies such as zucchini or asparagus.
- Be careful not to overbake the fish to keep it moist and tender.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
