Print

Flavorful Red Snapper Veracruz Style

Flavorful Red Snapper Veracruz Style

Flavorful Red Snapper Veracruz Style is a vibrant Mexican seafood dish featuring tender red snapper fillets cooked in a zesty tomato sauce infused with fresh herbs, olives, capers, and mild chili heat. This recipe combines traditional coastal flavors with simple preparation, delivering a healthy, light, and delicious meal perfect for any dinner occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Protein

  • 4 fresh red snapper fillets (about 6 oz each), rinsed and patted dry

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can – 14 oz diced tomatoes)
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Briny and Flavor Enhancers

  • 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers

Oils and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onions, garlic, jalapeño, and parsley. If using fresh tomatoes, dice them carefully. Rinse the red snapper fillets and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, forming a delicious base for the sauce.
  3. Make the Tomato Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet along with green olives and capers. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 8-10 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
  4. Cook the Red Snapper: Push the sauce to the side of the pan. Add a little more olive oil if needed. Gently place the snapper fillets skin side down in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Combine and Finish: Once the fish is cooked, spoon the tomato sauce over the fillets. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and squeeze fresh lime juice on top for brightness and freshness.

Notes

  • Fresh fish matters: Use the freshest red snapper available for best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook fillets in batches if needed to ensure an even sear.
  • Control heat carefully: Use medium heat to simmer the sauce without burning the garlic.
  • Balance acidity: Adjust lime juice and salt to taste for a perfect flavor balance.
  • Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: red snapper, Veracruz style, Mexican seafood, tomato sauce, easy seafood recipe, gluten free, healthy dinner