Mediterranean Baked Red Snapper with Lemon and Thyme
This Mediterranean Baked Red Snapper recipe captures the vibrant flavors and healthy cooking techniques of Greece. It's simple to prepare yet impressively delicious, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Fresh red snapper is gently baked to perfection and infused with zesty lemon juice, aromatic thyme, and a splash of white wine. The dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy option, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe can easily be scaled up to accommodate larger groups, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
6
Servings
400
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup (for drizzling)
Whole Red Snapper
3 (1 1/2 lb each) (cleaned and scaled)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
Dry White Wine
1/4 cup (for marinating)
Coarse Salt (Kosher)
1 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
White Pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Fresh Thyme
2 bunches (for garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Lightly grease a shallow roasting pan with extra virgin olive oil.
3
Using a sharp knife, make four diagonal cuts through the skin of each red snapper, ensuring you don't cut too deep into the flesh.
4
Place the snapper in the prepared roasting pan, making sure they are laid flat.
5
Drizzle the inside and outside of each fish with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and white wine.
6
Generously sprinkle the fish with coarse salt and white pepper.
7
Bake in the preheated oven until the fish is cooked through and the flesh flakes easily with a fork, approximately 25 minutes total, allowing about 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
8
Once cooked, carefully transfer the fish to a serving platter.
9
Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
45g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Baked Red Snapper?
It is a Greek-inspired dish featuring whole red snapper baked with lemon, thyme, and white wine.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe captures the vibrant flavors and healthy cooking techniques of Greek cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What oven temperature is needed for baking the fish?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How should I prepare the red snapper before baking?
You should make four diagonal cuts through the skin of each cleaned and scaled red snapper.
What size red snappers should I use?
The recipe calls for three whole red snappers, each weighing approximately 1.5 lbs.
How do I prepare the roasting pan?
Lightly grease a shallow roasting pan with extra virgin olive oil before placing the fish.
What liquids are used to season the fish?
The fish is drizzled with fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and dry white wine.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The recipe uses coarse salt (Kosher) and white pepper for seasoning.
How long does it take to bake the snapper?
It takes approximately 25 minutes total, or about 10 minutes per inch of fish thickness.
How can I tell if the fish is done?
The fish is ready when it is cooked through and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish can be garnished with fresh thyme bunches for an aromatic finish.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it is very high in protein, providing 45g per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
Are there many carbohydrates in this recipe?
No, this is a low-carb dish with only 2.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does red snapper provide healthy fats?
Yes, this dish is rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Can I scale this recipe for more people?
Yes, this recipe can easily be scaled up to accommodate larger groups or gatherings.
What type of wine should be used?
A dry white wine is recommended for marinating the fish.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Is the fish cooked whole?
Yes, the recipe uses whole red snappers that have been cleaned and scaled.
How much salt is needed for seasoning?
The recipe recommends 1.5 teaspoons of coarse salt.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
While the recipe calls for white pepper, black pepper can be used as a substitute if needed.
What is the primary oil used in this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is used both for greasing the pan and drizzling over the fish.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A shallow roasting pan is ideal for baking the snapper.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is simple to prepare and impressively delicious, making it perfect for cozy family dinners.
What should I do after the fish is cooked?
Carefully transfer the fish to a serving platter and serve immediately while hot.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this Mediterranean fish recipe.
Is the thyme added before or after baking?
Fresh thyme is typically added as a garnish after the fish has finished baking.
What is the prep requirement for the fish skin?
You must ensure you don't cut too deep into the flesh when making the diagonal skin cuts.