Description
This Baked Red Snapper with Garlic and Herbs is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender snapper fillets marinated with a vibrant blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic, lemon pepper, and fresh herbs. Served over a bed of seasoned vegetables and baked to perfection, it offers a hearty yet light meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Marinade
- 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 dried herbs—use 1–2 types)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- Carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers (or other vegetables of choice), chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the snapper and vegetables.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic paste, lemon pepper, paprika, black pepper, fresh or dried herbs, chili flakes if using, olive oil, and salt until well combined.
- Marinate Fish: Pat the snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of the fillets, reserving about 2 teaspoons of the marinade for the vegetables.
- Season Vegetables: Toss the chopped carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, or your choice of vegetables with the reserved marinade ensuring an even coat. Arrange the vegetables in a baking dish as a bed for the fish.
- Assemble: Lay the marinated snapper fillets on top of the seasoned vegetables in the baking dish. Place 1 tablespoon of butter on each fillet, and arrange lemon slices over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the snapper flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
Notes
- The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your snapper fillets; thinner fillets will need less time.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if needed, but reduce the quantity slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Feel free to use any vegetables you prefer or have on hand for roasting with the fish.
- For a spicier dish, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Make sure to pat the fish dry before marinating to ensure the marinade sticks properly and the fish bakes evenly.
