Baked Herb Crusted Red Snapper: A Flavorful and Easy Seafood Dish
Elevate your dinner with this Baked Herb Crusted Red Snapper recipe! Flaky fish topped with a golden, buttery herb crust for a quick, flavorful meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Herb Crusted Red Snapper is a simple yet elegant dish that combines fresh, flaky fish with a golden, buttery herb crust. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to a perfect blend of Creole seasoning, garlic, and fresh herbs, with a touch of Parmesan for a cheesy, savory finish. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a show-stopping main course for special occasions.
Seafood lovers will appreciate how easy it is to make restaurant-quality fish at home with just a few simple steps. Plus, the baking method keeps it healthy and ensures the snapper stays moist and tender.
Ingredients Breakdown and Tips
Key Ingredients:
Red Snapper (4 fillets): Red snapper is a mild, flaky fish that absorbs the flavors of the herb crust beautifully.
Tip: Ask your fishmonger for fresh, skin-on fillets to help retain moisture during baking.
Butter (1 stick): Butter provides a rich, flavorful base for the herb mixture and helps the crust turn golden and crisp.
Tip: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the butter mixture with aromatic depth, making every bite irresistible.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tsp): Adds a subtle umami flavor that complements the fish and herbs.
Creole Seasoning (1 tsp): This blend of spices adds a touch of heat and a bold, zesty flavor.
Tip: If you don’t have Creole seasoning, substitute with Cajun seasoning or a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Enhances the natural flavor of the fish and balances the seasonings.
Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Creates a crispy, golden crust on top of the fish.
Tip: Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture.
Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to the dish.
Fresh Chives (1 tsp, chopped): These delicate herbs add a mild onion-like flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood.
Parmesan Cheese (1 tbsp, freshly grated): Provides a nutty, cheesy finish to the herb crust.
Tip: Freshly grate the Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Herb Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the chopped parsley. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Fish
Pat the red snapper fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Brush both sides of the fillets generously with the butter and herb mixture.
4. Make the Herb Crust
To the remaining butter mixture, stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chives. Mix until combined.
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the fish, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Bake the Fish
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the crust is golden and crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve immediately.
Why This Recipe Works
Flavorful Crust: The combination of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan creates a crust that’s savory, crisp, and bursting with flavor.
Moist and Tender Fish: Baking ensures the snapper remains tender and flaky, while the crust locks in moisture.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
Elegant Presentation: The golden crust and vibrant herbs make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Fish: Fresh red snapper has a mild, clean aroma. If it smells overly fishy, it’s not fresh.
Don’t Skip the Broil: Broiling at the end adds a beautiful golden color and extra crunch to the crust.
Season to Taste: Adjust the Creole seasoning to your preferred level of spice.
Double the Recipe: This recipe is easy to scale up for family dinners or gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to maintain the crisp crust.
Freezing: While the fish can be frozen, the breadcrumb crust may lose its crispiness. Freeze before baking for best results.
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes:
Lemon garlic roasted asparagus
Creamy mashed potatoes
Wild rice pilaf
Wine Pairing:
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Ready to impress with this easy yet sophisticated seafood recipe? Try our Baked Herb Crusted Red Snapper tonight and let us know what you think in the comments! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on social media for a chance to be featured. Hungry for more delicious recipes? Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a new dish!
Baked Herb Crusted Red Snapper
Ingredients
- Red Snapper (4 fillets)
- Butter (1 stick)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tsp)
- Creole Seasoning (1 tsp)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup)
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped)
- Fresh Chives (1 tsp, chopped)
- Parmesan Cheese (1 tbsp, freshly grated):
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the chopped parsley. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pat the red snapper fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Brush both sides of the fillets generously with the butter and herb mixture.
- To the remaining butter mixture, stir in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chives. Mix until combined.
- Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the fish, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the crust is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Fish: Fresh red snapper has a mild, clean aroma. If it smells overly fishy, it’s not fresh.
- Don’t Skip the Broil: Broiling at the end adds a beautiful golden color and extra crunch to the crust.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the Creole seasoning to your preferred level of spice.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe is easy to scale up for family dinners or gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to maintain the crisp crust.
- Freezing: While the fish can be frozen, the breadcrumb crust may lose its crispiness. Freeze before baking for best results.
Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dishes:
- Lemon garlic roasted asparagus
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Wild rice pilaf
- Wine Pairing:
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the rich flavors of the dish.
With its rich herb crust and tender, flaky fish, this Baked Herb Crusted Red Snapper is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Perfect for casual family dinners or elegant entertaining, it’s a dish that delivers on flavor and ease every time.
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