Baked Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Butter – A Bright & Elegant Coastal Dinner 🐟✨

There’s something timeless about the combination of buttery, flaky fish and zesty lemon. This Baked Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Butter captures everything you love about a seaside dinner — simple ingredients, light preparation, and a flavor that’s both comforting and elegant.

Red snapper is a mild, sweet fish that soaks up flavor beautifully, and baking it with a rich, aromatic butter sauce brings out its best qualities. The lemon zest keeps things bright, the herbs add freshness, and the butter — oh, the butter — ties everything together with silky richness.

This dish has that “restaurant-quality” flair but is astonishingly easy to make at home. It comes together in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a date-night dinner at home. With just a few pantry staples and a squeeze of lemon, you can create a meal that tastes like it came straight from the coast.

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Ingredients:

• 2 red snapper fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Snapper:
   Pat the red snapper fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Lemon Herb Butter:
   In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, and thyme.
4. Assemble:
   Place the snapper fillets skin side down on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the lemon herb butter evenly over each fillet. Arrange lemon slices on top for extra citrus flavor.
5. Bake:
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
6. Serve:
   Plate the snapper and spoon a little extra melted butter from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

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Serving Suggestions

This baked red snapper pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted or steamed asparagus
• Garlic mashed potatoes or lemon rice pilaf
• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Grilled vegetables or couscous with herbs

For a light coastal meal, add a glass of chilled white wine — Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio — and you’ve got yourself a seaside escape right at home.

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Chef’s Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overbake: Fish cooks fast — check for flakiness at 10–12 minutes to keep it tender.
• Use fresh herbs if possible: They add brightness and aroma.
• Add spice: Sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Swap the fish: This method also works beautifully with cod, halibut, or tilapia.

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Variations

• Garlic Parmesan Butter Snapper: Mix 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan into the butter mixture before baking for a richer finish.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped cherry tomatoes, capers, and olives to the baking dish.
• Citrus Mix: Combine lemon and orange zest for a slightly sweeter, vibrant note.
• Grilled Option: Instead of baking, grill the fillets over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side and drizzle the lemon herb butter after cooking.

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Storing & Reheating

Store leftover snapper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the fish from drying out.

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FAQ

Can I use frozen red snapper?
Yes! Just thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning.

What other herbs can I use?
Basil, dill, or chives all complement red snapper beautifully.

How do I know when it’s done?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely — red snapper is rich in lean protein and omega-3s, and the recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients.

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The Story Behind the Dish

This baked red snapper recipe was inspired by summers spent near the Gulf Coast, where fresh fish was the centerpiece of every meal. Fishermen would bring in their daily catch, and families would gather around big outdoor tables as lemon butter melted over freshly grilled snapper.

It’s the kind of meal that celebrates simplicity — a reminder that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. Just fresh ingredients, a little love, and the perfect balance of lemon and butter.

So, the next time you’re craving a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make, let this Baked Red Snapper with Lemon Herb Butter be your go-to.