Vermilion Snapper Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes (resting)

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 (6-ounce) vermilion snapper fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

For the Lemon-Caper Sauce:

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps to Cook:

1. Prepare the Lemon-Caper Sauce: a. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, capers, softened butter, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Vermilion Snapper: a. Pat the vermilion snapper fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper. b. Dredge the fillets in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.

3. Cook the Vermilion Snapper: a. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. b. Add the butter to the skillet and swirl to melt. c. Carefully add the floured snapper fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. d. Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and let rest for 10 minutes.

4. Serve the Vermilion Snapper: a. Drizzle the prepared lemon-caper sauce over the rested vermilion snapper fillets. b. Serve the fillets immediately, with lemon wedges on the side.

Cook’s Note:

• Vermilion snapper is a delicate, flavorful fish that pairs beautifully with the bright, tangy lemon-caper sauce. Be sure not to overcook the fillets, as they can become dry and tough.
• If you can’t find vermilion snapper, you can substitute other mild, flaky white fish, such as red snapper, grouper, or tilapia.
• The lemon-caper sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use. Simply bring it to room temperature before serving.
• Serve the vermilion snapper with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete and healthy meal.

This vermilion snapper recipe is a delightful and healthy seafood dish that showcases the delicate flavor of the fish paired with a bright and tangy lemon-caper sauce. The preparation is straightforward, and the result is a restaurant-quality meal that can be enjoyed at home.

The key to success with this recipe is to handle the vermilion snapper fillets with care, as the fish is quite delicate. Patting the fillets dry and lightly dredging them in flour helps to create a beautiful golden-brown crust without overcooking the fish. The lemon-caper sauce adds a burst of freshness and acidity that complements the mild, sweet flavor of the snapper perfectly.

When it comes to serving, the vermilion snapper fillets are best enjoyed immediately, as the fish can dry out quickly if left sitting. Drizzle the lemon-caper sauce over the top and serve with lemon wedges on the side, allowing your guests to squeeze a bit of extra citrus over the fish as desired.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Vermilion snapper is a lean, protein-rich fish that is low in calories and high in essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. The lemon-caper sauce adds a boost of vitamin C and healthy fats from the butter, while the olive oil used for cooking provides additional heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Pair this vermilion snapper dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal. The bright, bold flavors and the tender, flaky fish make this recipe a true delight for the senses and a healthy addition to any home-cooked repertoire.