Baked Red Snapper with Veracruz-Style Sauce
This vibrant dish features succulent red snapper (Huachinango) bathed in a flavorful Veracruz-style sauce, inspired by the coastal culinary traditions of Mexico. The sauce is a harmonious blend of sautéed garlic and onion, fresh poblano peppers, zesty tomatoes, tangy olives, and a touch of sherry. Perfect for a hearty family meal or an impressive dinner party, this dish can be further elevated by adding succulent shrimp or crab, topped with melted jack cheese. Serve this colorful and delicious plate with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delectable sauce, transporting your taste buds to the sunny shores of La Cruz, Mexico.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons
garlic cloves
3 (finely chopped)
poblano pepper
1 large (seeded and chopped, green peppers can be substituted if needed)
onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
diced tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can
cilantro
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
stuffed green olives
10 (sliced)
jalapenos, escabeche
2 (pickled or substitute fresh, adjust to taste)
sherry wine
2 tablespoons
capers
2 tablespoons
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon
red snapper fillets
6 (4 ounce)
lime juice
2 tablespoons
salt
to taste
freshly ground black pepper
to taste
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, season the red snapper fillets with lime juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the sauce.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped garlic, onion, and poblano pepper. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the mixture is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4
Stir in the diced tomatoes, finely chopped cilantro, sliced olives, pickled jalapeños, sherry, capers, dried oregano, dried thyme, and white pepper. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
In a baking dish, arrange the marinated red snapper fillets. Pour the Veracruz sauce evenly over the fish, making sure to fully cover each piece.
6
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top of the fish and sauce.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8
Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional cilantro or lime wedges, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Red Snapper with Veracruz-Style Sauce?
It is a vibrant Mexican seafood dish featuring red snapper fillets baked in a sauce made of tomatoes, olives, capers, and peppers.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to bake the snapper?
The fish should bake for 15 to 20 minutes until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I substitute the poblano pepper?
Yes, if you cannot find poblano peppers, green bell peppers can be used as a substitute.
What is Huachinango?
Huachinango is the Spanish term for red snapper, which is the primary fish used in this Veracruz-style recipe.
How should I marinate the red snapper fillets?
Season the fillets with lime juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper and set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
What are the main ingredients in Veracruz sauce?
The sauce consists of sautéed garlic, onion, poblano pepper, diced tomatoes, cilantro, olives, pickled jalapenos, sherry, capers, and herbs.
Is there cheese in this recipe?
Yes, the dish is topped with 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese before baking.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is best served with a side of rice or crusty bread to help soak up the flavorful sauce.
Can I add other types of seafood to this dish?
Yes, the recipe can be elevated by adding succulent shrimp or crab meat.
How much olive oil is used for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe uses 10 sliced stuffed green olives.
Is alcohol used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sherry are included in the sauce for added flavor.
What herbs provide the seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with dried oregano and dried thyme.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce mixture should simmer for approximately 10 minutes before being poured over the fish.
Are the jalapenos fresh or pickled?
The recipe calls for 2 pickled jalapenos (escabeche), but you can adjust this to taste or substitute fresh ones.
Do I need to chop the garlic?
Yes, the recipe requires 3 garlic cloves to be finely chopped.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 6 red snapper fillets, typically providing 6 servings.
What is the weight of each fish fillet?
The recipe recommends using 4-ounce fillets of red snapper.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while parmesan is called for, jack cheese is also recommended as a delicious alternative.
What type of tomatoes are best?
The recipe specifies using one 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Should I seed the poblano pepper?
Yes, the poblano pepper should be seeded and chopped before being added to the skillet.
What is the purpose of the capers?
Capers add a tangy and salty flavor profile characteristic of Mediterranean-influenced Mexican dishes.
How is the cilantro prepared?
You should use 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro.
Where does this style of cooking originate?
This dish is inspired by the coastal culinary traditions of Veracruz, Mexico.
What seasoning is used besides salt and black pepper?
The recipe also includes 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper for a specific spicy note.
Is the onion sautéed with other vegetables?
Yes, the onion is sautéed along with the garlic and poblano pepper until translucent.
Can I use lime wedges as a garnish?
Yes, garnishing with lime wedges or additional cilantro is recommended for serving.
How do I arrange the fish for baking?
Arrange the marinated fillets in a baking dish and pour the sauce evenly over them, ensuring they are fully covered.
Is this a good recipe for a dinner party?
Absolutely, its vibrant colors and sophisticated flavor profile make it an impressive choice for guests.