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.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: red snapper, Veracruz style, Mexican seafood, tomato sauce, easy seafood recipe, gluten free, healthy dinner