Description
Flavorful Red Snapper Veracruz Style is a vibrant seafood dish inspired by coastal Mexican cuisine. It features perfectly cooked red snapper fillets simmered in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce made from fresh tomatoes, olives, capers, and herbs. This recipe is easy to prepare, healthy, and packed with bold flavors, making it ideal for any occasion, whether a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 red snapper fillets (6 ounces each), fresh and firm
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they soften and release juices, about 5 minutes. Stir in sliced jalapeños, capers, and olives. Let the sauce simmer gently to meld flavors. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Season the Red Snapper: While the sauce simmers, pat the snapper fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice. This firms the flesh and adds bright flavor.
- Cook the Red Snapper in the Sauce: Nestle the snapper fillets carefully into the simmering sauce, spooning some sauce over the tops. Cover the skillet and cook for 7-10 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, fully infused with Veracruz flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Add an extra drizzle of lime or lemon juice just before serving for brightness. Serve directly from the pan or transfer to a warm platter for presentation.
Notes
- Always use the freshest red snapper possible for best texture and flavor.
- Simmer the sauce slowly to develop deeper, balanced flavors.
- Adjust chili peppers to control spice level to your preference.
- Fresh parsley and oregano add a bright, fresh finish compared to dried herbs.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the delicate texture of the fish and fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg