Description
This roasted whole snapper is a flavorful dish featuring fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and vibrant vegetables. Baked to perfection, the fish is marinated with savory ingredients and served on a bed of cherry tomatoes and onions, making it a stunning centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole snapper (about 2–3 pounds), cleaned and scaled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup white wine (or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the whole snapper under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Make three diagonal slashes on each side of the fish.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
- Rub the marinade generously all over the snapper, including inside the cavity and in the slashes.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and sprigs of parsley and thyme.
- In a large baking dish, spread out the sliced onions and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Place the marinated snapper on top of the vegetables in the baking dish.
- Pour the white wine (or vegetable broth) around the fish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to achieve crispy skin.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Transfer the snapper to a serving platter, along with some of the vegetables.
- Drizzle remaining juices over the fish and garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Notes
- Ensure the snapper is cleaned and scaled properly for the best results.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the fish; larger fish may require more time.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes